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Everton and West Ham are two clubs stuck in a cycle.
Yet one has the means, if not the sense, to get themselves unstuck. One may not have the means, and whether they have the sense… Well, that’s up for debate.
These teams meet at London Stadium on Saturday in a clash that is probably being viewed externally as much more meaningful for one team than it is for the other.
The pressure is certainly on Julen Lopetegui.
West Ham heavily backed the former Wolves boss in the summer, having identified him as the replacement for David Moyes. The Hammers’ fanbase wanted change, having been underwhelmed by Moyes’ style of play. Why their owners thought Lopetegui was an upgrade, in substance or style, is something only they know.
But, even with that hefty backing, it appears the West Ham hierarchy won’t be afraid to make a change if they need to. After 10 league games, Lopetegui has won only three games, and the performances have largely been dour. West Ham’s squad is packed with talent, but Lopetegui does not seem to have figured out how to get anything out of it on a consistent basis.
That being said, their form at London Stadium has turned a corner in recent weeks, with wins over Ipswich Town and Manchester United, albeit beating those teams is not something to write home about.
But all roads seem to point to Lopetegui being on thin ice should West Ham lose on Saturday. The final international break of the season is upon us, and is the last, ‘ideal’ time for a club to change managers.
In the blue corner, Everton — on the face of it — head into this one having lost just once in six Premier League matches. But the level of performances, and the level of decision-making from Sean Dyche, has left plenty to be desired.
Dyche does not seem to be under the same amount of pressure; there is clearly no appetite from those in charge at Everton, whoever they are, to make a change just yet, particularly not before The Friedkin Group get their feet officially under the table.
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