West Ham v Wolves preview: A crunch clash with both bosses under pressure

Gary O'Neil is on the edge after a 4-0 loss to Bournemouth as Wolves speak to potential replacements, while Julen Lopetegui is coming under fire at West Ham as they sit 14th in the division.

Both teams are sounding out possible successors and the losing team tonight may act quickly.

Lopetegui, who walked out on Wolves four days before the start of last season as he was replaced by O'Neil, comes up against his former club needing a result with both clubs in turmoil.

For O'Neil, even a result may not be enough, with a general feeling at Compton that his time may be up and the final decision rests with chairman Jeff Shi.

But regardless of whether he remains in situ or not, Wolves must regain some pride against the Hammers.

Having conceded eight goals in their last two games, Wolves' defending has been embarrassing and against a strong West Ham attack, they must keep it tight.

But perhaps more importantly, for the fans that pay their hard-earned money to travel and support the team on a Monday before Christmas, the players must show more fight to give those supporters a reason to be cheerful.

Joao Gomes is a player that always gives everything on the pitch - for better or worse - and the midfielder is desperate to do better for the fans.

“They are disappointed because they are lovers of football," Gomes said of the Wolves supporters.

"They love football, but mostly they love Wolverhampton and we, as a team, represent that, so it is our duty to step up. 

"They're definitely within their rights to be disappointed and upset, that just means we need to be better and do better.”

Wolves are devoid of any confidence following the last two games and a result at the London Stadium would offer much-needed relief from another slide down the table.

Ipswich at Molineux is the next test, in a traditional relegation 'six-pointer', and Wolves will be desperate for some momentum going into that game after facing the Hammers.

“It's the most important match of the season, but that's how I see every game. It's always the most important game. 

"But this one, we obviously have a lot in mind. We have a lot of scores to settle. 

"We do need a really good result, and that's what I'm hoping for, because we must leave this current situation that we're going through.

“Every match is important, but obviously right now our goal is just to steer away from the relegation zone as soon as possible. 

"Every three points that we can get, whether it's against City or any other club, matters the most right now. Just being able to win the next games is key for us.

"We need to take responsibility over what happened and do what needs to be done. I'm not talking about anyone in particular. I'm not talking about just others, but also myself, the manager and everyone from the top down."