Graham Potter is fighting to keep his position as West Ham United manager, with this weekend’s Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace viewed internally as pivotal. Defeat could intensify scrutiny and accelerate discussions about possible successors.

West Ham’s difficult start to the season has left Potter short of credit with the board and supporters. Unlike his predecessor David Moyes, who was afforded greater patience after delivering a European trophy, Potter has yet to establish a comparable authority.

The hierarchy do not consider Saturday’s game a definitive “must-win”, but any heavy loss would be deemed unacceptable. Club sources suggest such an outcome would significantly increase the likelihood of change.

West Ham are believed to be exploring alternatives should results not improve. Names such as Frank Lampard and Jose Mourinho have been mentioned, though both carry varying degrees of feasibility. Lampard would offer familiarity with English football and the league’s demands, while Mourinho’s pedigree and aura are well-established, albeit with questions over his appetite for such a project.

It is expected that new contenders will emerge as West Ham weigh the balance between managerial experience and the ability to reconnect with an increasingly restless fanbase.

Potter was backed in the summer market with notable investment. Mateus Fernandes, Jean-Clair Todibo, El Hadji Malick Diouf and Mads Hermansen all arrived at significant cost. Yet, the anticipated lift in performance has not materialised.

Instead, West Ham’s defensive vulnerabilities have grown more pronounced. They have conceded 11 goals already this season – the most in the division – while holding the joint-worst goal difference alongside Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Potter’s challenge extends beyond tactical adjustments. He must convince decision-makers that he is capable of guiding a squad still adjusting to new personnel through what threatens to become a turbulent campaign.

Since taking charge in January after Julen Lopetegui’s dismissal, Potter has failed to arrest the club’s decline. His win percentage of 26.32 and average of 1.05 points per game fall below Lopetegui’s return of 38.89 per cent and 1.33 respectively.

Heavy defeats have exacerbated pressure. A 3-0 loss to Sunderland raised alarm internally, and a 5-1 defeat against former club Chelsea intensified the narrative. While a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest offered brief respite, it was swiftly undone by another setback against Tottenham Hotspur, in which Tomas Soucek was dismissed and defensive frailties resurfaced.

This inconsistency leaves Potter’s tenure at a crossroads. Crystal Palace at home now feels like more than three points – it could prove decisive in determining whether he is granted the time to turn the situation around or whether West Ham move forward with alternative leadership.