Today, Southampton travel to the West Midlands to face Wolverhampton Wanderers. Ahead of the Wolves vs Southampton game, an Arsenal legend has offered a managerial sack claim.
Without a doubt, both Russell Martin and Gary O'Neil are both under pressure. Admittedly, the former is relieved of some pressure more than the latter.
Indeed, Wolves manager Gary O'Neil will feel like he must win this match, more than any other match. They have played some good football this season but they're yet to pick up their first win of the season.
So, the pressure is mounting for Gary O'Neil. Particularly ahead of the break, an Arsenal legend thinks he might be in trouble if Wolves do not beat Southampton this weekend.
Arsenal legend makes manager sack claim ahead of Wolves vs Southampton
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Paul Merson has claimed that Gary O'Neil simply must win against Southampton this weekend. Otherwise, the Wolves boss will be in trouble.
In his own words, Merson said: "I believe they play good football, it’s just that they also shoot themselves in the foot at times. This is a massive game for Gary O’Neil because it’s the international break coming up. If he loses at home to Southampton, that would be a big problem.”
Merse concluded: "I think even a draw would put O'Neil in trouble. This is quite simply a must-win game for Wolves."
Alas, Merson has predicted that Wolves will beat Southampton this weekend. In his view, Wolves will finally pick up their first win this season and they will do so rather comfortably.
Merson's final scoreline prediction is Wolves 3-0 Southampton. If it were to end this way, the pressure would shift from O'Neil to Russell Martin, it must be said.
If Wolves beat Southampton, they will overtake the Saints. This scoreline would see Southampton rock bottom of the Premier League table heading into the international break, which would make for awful showing from Martin's perspective.
Therefore, this is a must-win game for both sides. While the confidence is greater at Southampton, Martin is fully aware that the Saints must not roll over and become complacent before this game.
I don't necessarily believe that this game is what some might call "El Sack-ico." While O'Neil is under immense pressure, Martin is given a little bit more leeway. However, even without the immediate ultimatum, Martin will hope to win the fixture this weekend, otherwise it could become disastrous.