Julen Lopetegui 'faces West Ham sack this weekend' but knows how to avoid axe

is at real risk of being sacked this weekend if his struggling side lose to , according to reports.

Hammers co-owner David Sullivan was the driving force behind Lopetegui's appointment less than six months ago, and he backed the former boss with mammoth investment during the summer transfer window.

Well over £100million was spent on the likes of Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville and Niclas Fullkrug, but West Ham are down in 14th with just three wins from their first 10 games. led them to ninth last season before leaving his post by mutual agreement.

Even more concerning for West Ham than a lack of points is the worrying performances in several of their defeats. Lopetegui's side appeared clueless during a 3-0 home loss to Chelsea in September, they were torn apart at Tottenham in October and then hammered at Nottingham Forest last weekend.

Pressure is ramping up on the Spaniard, who reportedly knows that defeat must be avoided against Everton this Saturday if he wants to keep his job.

According to , a loss would force Sullivan to 'reluctantly' dismiss the man he pushed to appoint in May. The report adds that technical director Tim Steidten is also under pressure as a number of expensive summer recruits struggle to get up to speed.

The Hammers splurged on 18-year-old Brazilian talent Luis Guilherme, and fans have only seen him play four minutes in all competitions this season. A further was spent on 31-year-old Fullkrug, who has started just once and failed to score in four appearances overall.

Another talent, Summerville, has been used primarily as a substitute. And questions continue to be asked about the decision to send experienced campaigner James Ward-Prowse on loan to Nottingham Forest.

Though Lopetegui can save his skin with a draw or a victory this weekend, names are already being bandied about regarding his possible replacement. Former Sky Sports host Geoff Stelling believes that Frank Lampard, who spent six years at West Ham as a player, would be an ideal fit.

"I'm going to mention someone who might divide opinions," Stelling told . "Is it time, if Lopetegui goes, for West Ham to bring Frank Lampard home? Just a thought. He is available. He's been mentioned in connection with the Roma job, but West Ham would be ideal for him."