Tenth-placed Wolves are in Premier League action against high-flying West Ham United with revenge on the hosts’ minds after a humbling defeat earlier in the season.
It is set to be an epic encounter when West Ham United travel to the Molineux for a sequel to their exciting clash in December. Both clubs are operating in the top half of the league standings but it is David Moyes’ men who are within touching distance of a European spot.
A dominant West Ham thumped Wolves 3-0 thanks to a clinical brace from Mohammed Kudus within the first half hour before Jarrod Bowen’s strike from Lucas Paqueta’s third assist of the day.
It has otherwise been a positive campaign for Wolves despite preparations for the season being disrupted by the dismissal of manager Julen Lopetgui on the eve of the 2023-24 season.
Gary O’Neil replaced the Spaniard having himself left Bournemouth in shock circumstances but he led his new side out at Old Trafford only four days after taking on the job. Tough defeats against Manchester United and Brighton were endured before they finally got it right by beating Everton thanks to an 87th-minute header from Sasa Kalajdzic.
A failure to control favourable in-game situations cost them defeats against Crystal Palace and Liverpool while they drew 1-1 at Luton Town with a man down.
However, Wolves’ season kicked into life as they became the first team to beat Premier League champions Manchester City with a well-deserved 2-1 win at home then they shared the spoils with rivals Aston Villa. Kalajdzic was the match-winner again when Wolves beat Bournemouth in O’Neil’s return to the South Coast and they went toe-to-toe with Newcastle in an exciting 2-2 draw.
They would, however, lose to Sheffield United, Fulham, Arsenal, and West Ham as they won only two and drew one of the next seven games. The visit of Chelsea had a liberating effect as they built on that 2-1 win with commanding victories over Brentford (4-1) and Everton (3-0).
O’Neil’s men started the year 2024 unbeaten in four games in all competitions until a last-gasp winner from Kobbie Mainoo settled a thrilling game 4-3 in favor of Manchester United. They responded admirably by stunning Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge thanks to a hat-trick from Matheus Cunha.
Having shown their ability to perform in big games this season, the Wolves will be confident of getting one over West Ham as they have won each of their last two home games against them by a 1-0 scoreline.
The Irons have been flying for most of this campaign having won the UEFA Europa Conference League last season. West Ham started the campaign with a draw and three victories before losing successive games to Manchester City and Liverpool.
There were three more defeats over their next five league games but the Hammers turned it around with three wins and a draw from the next four league matches. However, they suffered their heaviest-ever away defeat in a London derby against Fulham who ran riot with a 5-0 victory.
Since then, Moyes’ side kept clean sheets in their final three league games of the year during which they also beat Manchester United and Arsenal. Having drawn against Brighton on January 2, Bristol City got the better of the Hammers in their FA Cup Third Round replay and they resumed from the Premier League’s winter break with a dramatic 2-2 draw away at Sheffield United.
A penalty from James Ward-Prowse earned West Ham a point against Bournemouth but they suffered a damaging 3-0 defeat at Manchester United that saw the Red Devils climb above them into sixth on the log.
With the return of key players from injury and international duty, the Londoners must find their winning formula quickly to get their domestic campaign back on track. A result from this trip to Wolves is required and they are capable of beating the West Midlanders.
Match tickets
This Premier League game takes place on Saturday, April 6 2024 with kick-off scheduled for 2 PM UK time. Match tickets are available for sale on each club’s website with registered members and season ticket holders given priority allocation.
Wolves have made their fans proud this season and you can expect a capacity crowd cheering them on at the Molineux which can accommodate up to 31,000 people. West Ham supporters will also be contributing to the atmosphere as their team chases down an automatic European qualification place.
The points at stake and the quality of both teams promise to make this a notable occasion, so non-season ticket holders will find it difficult to purchase match tickets. Yet, anyone looking to buy Wolves vs West Ham tickets can do so on a ticket resale site.
Team news
Wolves are fortunate to have a clean bill of health at the time of writing and they will be keen to keep it that way as players return from Asian Cup and Africa Cup of Nations duty.
West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola is currently out due to a concussion and Michail Antonio is on the mend from a knee injury. The Londoners are also looking forward to the return of Lucas Paqueta whose absence has been evident in recent weeks as West Ham’s results suffered without his creativity.
Line-ups
The 3-4-3 shape has served the Wolves so well this season and they will look to assert themselves on their opponents. Mario Lemina and Joao Gomes must win the midfield battle to defeat West Ham whose engine room is their biggest asset.
Wolves: Sa; Kilman, Dawson, Toti; Semedo, Lemina, Gomes, Ait-Nouri; Sarabia, Neto, Cunha
West Ham has been impressive this term due to their consistency of performances which is largely thanks to regularly selecting the same group of players. Moyes must choose his best 11 for this game which could be vital in their league fortunes.
West Ham: Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson; Soucek, Alvarez; Bowen, Ward-Prowse, Kudus; Antonio
Prediction
Ten of the last 11 meetings between these clubs ended in a clean sheet for the winner so both teams are unlikely to score in this one. Hence, the first goal will be crucial to deciding the destination of the points available.
The Hammers are comfortable allowing most of the play to unfold in front of them while they look to spring counterattacks. This would be an interesting tactical battle.
Wolves 1-1 West Ham United
