Sam Allardyce facing the sack at West Ham

Sam Allardyce is in real danger of becoming the first top-flight casualty of 2014 after his odds in the Premier League Sack Race were cut to just 4/7 (Sky Bet) following West Ham's 2-1 defeat at relegation rivals Fulham. The loss leaves the Hammers 19th in the table, and now three points adrift from safety, while they are without a win for seven games.

During that woeful run the Iron have picked up just two points, while their last victory came back in November. In fact the East London strugglers have only won one in 13 in the league since they recorded a stunning 3-0 victory at rivals Tottenham at the start of October.

What is clearly evident is that something needs to change at Upton Park, and rapidly, otherwise Allardyce will almost certainly be on his way out. There have already been six victims in the top-flight sack race this season, including four last month, with Malky Mackay the latest departure on 27th December.

Allardyce will be hoping that the FA Cup will bring some respite this weekend, with the Hammers facing Championship side Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday, which is live on ITV 1 at 12pm. The hosts, who are on an unbeaten seven game run, have been installed as the 31/20 favourites with Bet Victor, while West Ham can be backed at 19/10 to come away with the victory, whereas a draw could be the way to go at 23/10.

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