Former Hammer and Wolves winger Matt Jarvis takes a gloomy view of our chances against Wolves on Saturday evening.
Jarvis was sold to the irons under Sam Allardyce eight years ago after making 175 appearances for the midlanders but never managed to reproduce the form he had shown for the midlands outfit.
Now he is backing the visitors to give the Hammers a very hard time via the likes of Adama Traore, Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez on Satiurday evening.
Traore is of course a particular worry probably possessing more pace than any other winger in the league and the bad news for the Irons is that the break has allowed him to strengthen a shoulder problem he has dislocatrd on various occasions this season.
The star attacker has endured problems with his shoulder and has dislocated it on numerous occasions this season but the break has been beneficial allowing him to focus on strengthening a weak point which had been targeted by defenders in recent matches.
Like the Irons, Wolves were struggling with a few niggles and knocks ahead of loclkdown but are now believed to have a clean bill of health.
Jarvis is confident for Wolves saying “I think, for Wolves, they’ll be gutted the season had to come to a stop as they were in such a good vein of form.
“When you have momentum it is difficult to stop and get it back, but it was a chance to have a rest, and I am sure the manager will have them exactly where they need to be, to go to West Ham and get a fantastic result against a team really struggling for points.
“The rest will have done Wolves the world of good, particularly as Nuno doesn’t like changing the team too much.
“They’ve played a lot of minutes, so it’s just about making sure they gel and click when they get back into it.”
Jarvis, who used to fly down the flank for Wolves, would like to see Nuno go with a 3-4-3 and play Awill be watching closely, too.as the extra man in midfield.
“Any team coming up against Traore, Jota and Jimenez as a front three will find it very difficult,” added Jarvis.
“Even Traore on his own is such a handful – so quick, strong and direct.
“West Ham are fighting for their lives and need to start winning.
“For them, maybe a draw isn’t enough, so that could play into Wolves’ favour as they like to drop off a little bit, let teams have possession, and then pounce with the players they have up front.”
Well said Dave – maybe he is just reflecting the fact that he was more successful for Wolves than he was for us
Well if we play like he did for us then he would be spot on.
Wolves are not great starters after a break and tend to concede 1st and early. There will be no fans there to drive them on to make a come back if they go behind. So it’s all in the Hammers own hands. Start fast, get ahead, see the game out.