Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United lock horns this Saturday at Molineux in a Premier League match with significant implications for their European aspirations. Both sides come into the encounter following 1-1 draws in their midweek fixtures.
Gary O’Neil’s Wolves secured a point against Burnley but haven’t yet managed to win three consecutive home games this season. However, they’ll be buoyed by recent victories over Sheffield United and Fulham at Molineux.
David Moyes‘ West Ham fought back from a deficit to draw with Tottenham Hotspur thanks to Kurt Zouma’s equaliser.
Nevertheless, the Hammers haven’t won a league game in four outings, raising concerns ahead of their upcoming Europa League clash.
West Ham currently occupies seventh place but faces a fierce battle for European qualification. As Wolves, Brighton , and Newcastle United are all within striking distance and boast a superior goal difference.
Also the Iron’s vulnerability on the road is hindering their European push, having conceded 12 goals in five away league matches this year.
This match carries significant weight for both teams’ European ambitions. Wolves aim to capitalise on their home advantage, while West Ham desperately needs to break their winless streak.
In terms of West Ham’s availability, Edson Alvarez has now left the naughty step having served his two-game ban for picking up 10 yellow cards and should slot straight back into Moyes’s midfield, which could end up having a knock-on effect on Michail Antonio.
The 34-year-old did not have his greatest game in midweek and could be the one sacrificed for Alvarez – Jarrod Bowen would therefore revert to a central position – while Lukasz Fabianski deputises in goal once again for the crocked Alphonse Areola.
Nayef Aguerd is in with a good chance of making the squad, but the Moroccan is doubtful to be able to force his way back into the rearguard over Dinos Mavropanos or Zouma, who apparently is second only to Gabriel Magalhaes for Premier League goals by defenders since the start of the 2020-21 campaign!
COYI !