D-Day for Manuel Pellegrini

West Ham’s away game on the south coast against Southampton at St Mary’s this evening is seen as a make or break for the 67-year-old Chilean manager tenure at West Ham.

An away win would probably give him until the New year to see if results continue to improve while a draw would be a nightmare scenario which could leave both sides in further limbo over the festive period.

A West Ham loss tonight would surely be the end of the manager’s reign putting him and suffering fans finally out of their misery.

A loss to the Saints would see the Hammers drop down to 17th place and if Aston Villa can manage a draw or win over Sheffield United they could drop down to 18th in the relegation zone for Christmas day.

Bookmakers have Southampton as the 10/11 odds on favourites with 3/1 for the draw and 13/5 for a West Ham away win.

Suggestions that Harry Redknapp, Mauricio Pochettino,  Chris Houghton or Tony Pulis are poised to be approached should Pellegrini be relieved of duties are highly speculative and not really based on any hard evidence.

With the Hammers game against Liverpool postponed West Ham have no game until Boxing day when they face Crystal Palace giving 11 days between the two games.