Moyes knows his head is on the chopping block

David Moyes knows he must avoid defeat to Forest 

David Moyes will have largely ignored the criticism of his team following the Europa League victory against Olympiacos. The Hammers’ manager will just be delighted to have earned three points and regained top spot in Group A. However, West Ham’s under fire boss will be fully aware that a larger obstacle is in front of him in the form of Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Moyes is no fool and will be acutely aware that a Premier League loss will not be offset by any Euro heroics. A defeat against Forest would see West Ham drop below them in the league and possibly as low as 15th, which would be a disaster for Moyes’ hopes of retaining his job.

That’s why I’m convinced he’ll play his strongest possible team at the London Stadium on Sunday. The win against Olympiacos provided some respite for the Scotsman. However, the knives will be sharpened and aimed should he lose to Steve Cooper’s team. The leaks emanating from ‘club sources’ at West Ham have relented for the time being, but it’s a fragile ceasefire.

Moyes will not want to go into a two-week international break with his head on the chopping block.