AVRAM GRANT is set to be axed as West Ham boss today - even if his side beat Arsenal at Upton Park.

And former Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is hot favourite to replace the Israeli.

West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady pledged not to interfere with team matters ahead of the vital London derby.

But with West Ham lying bottom of the Premier League table, co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan look set to take action straight after the match.

Grant arrived in England in 2006 when he was appointed director of football at Portsmouth.

In September 2007 he took up same post at Chelsea before taking over as manager following Jose Mourinho's departure.

In October 2009 he returned to Fratton Park as manager, leading Pompey to the FA Cup final where they lost to Chelsea and they were also relegated from the Premier League.

He took over at West Ham at the start of the season but despite reaching ther Carling Cup semi-finals - and holding a first leg lead over Birmingham - it has been a disappointing campaign so far.

West Ham deny Avram Grant will be sacked tonight

guardian.co.uk says: Avram Grant will not be sacked following West Ham United's match against Arsenal at Upton Park this evening, according to a very senior source on the club's board. Reports claimed this morning that Grant would be relieved of his position this evening even if West Ham defeat Arsenal.

But when contacted this morning and asked if this was what would happen the senior board member told Guardian Sport: "I can categorically say that it is not correct. I do not know where that [the report] has come from."

Martin O'Neill and Sam Allardyce head the list of potential replacements should Grant be sacked. As other senior board members could not be contacted today regarding Grant's job, his future remains moot.

West Ham currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League table and have played one more game than their relegation rivals.