Lopetegui faces big night at Liverpool

Julen Lopetegui has made an inauspicious start at West Ham United since succeeding David Moyes and now faces an important clash with Liverpool on Wednesday.

The Carabao Cup third round may not rank highest on Lopetegui's list of priorities but a win at Anfield would ease some early nerves starting to swirl around east London.

Moyes' time at West Ham had come to a natural conclusion despite the Scot's fine work, which delivered long-awaited success in the Europa Conference League in 2023.

Lopetegui already has the unwanted distinction of being the first head coach in West Ham's history to suffer three straight losses at home at the start of the season.

West Ham were jeered off by supporters after they were comfortably beaten 3-0 by Chelsea on Saturday and they were only rescued by Danny Ings' 95th minute equaliser after being largely outplayed at Fulham in their previous game.

West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen delivered a brutally realistic assessment of the Chelsea game when he said they made it "easy" for Enzo Maresca's team.

And supporters hoping that Moyes' pragmatic style that frustrated some would be replaced by a thrill ride under Lopetegui have so far been disappointed - although they should not be surprised because that has never been the Spaniard's style.

Of course, it is very early to make any long-term prognosis on West Ham and Lopetegui will be given time but a win at Liverpool, traditionally such a tough assignment, would lead to an instant and significant change of mood.

West Ham spent big, around £120m, to support Lopetegui in the summer but signings are still settling in. French defender Jean-Clair Todibo may start at Anfield but striker Niclas Fullkrug has been missing after being injured on international duty with Germany.

The club showed their ambition in the markets, which almost inevitably reduces patience among supporters if good results do not come, but an advance into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup will carry the air of a statement from Lopetegui, a signal that he has the job in hand.

The competition may not mean quite as much as others to the Premier League's big hitters but it could play a vital role in kick-starting Lopetegui's reign and West Ham's season.