Match Preview: West Ham vs Wolves – Will the Hammers score first points?
West Ham continues the search for their first points of the season as they welcome Wolves to the London Stadium this evening.
Wolves have been ahead of West Ham in every category since their promotion. The West Midlands club have beaten the Hammers in every fixture they have played in the Premier League. Wolves have also finished above the Londons based side every season.
WEST HAM TEAM NEWS
The Hammers will yet again be relying on the squad that finished last season as no new faces are yet to appear a the club. The team, however, will be even thinner than it was a week ago. Issa Diop and Josh Cullen will miss the game as they are self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19.
Cullen missing the game will not cause too many issues with selection as the midfield duo of Tomas Soucek, and Declan Rice are likely to both start. The hole left by Diop will be more significant as there are only two senior centre-backs in the first team left. Aji Alese was missing from the development squad’s match today and could be involved against Wolves.
As well as the two players that will be missing from selection, David Moyes will also be absent for the match against Wolves. The Scottish manager also tested positive for COVID-19 before the game against Hull City in the League Cup.
The absence of the manager means that Alan Irvine is likely to take charge on the pitchside. There are, however, rumours that Moyes may be in contact with the team via video chat technology.
The good news is that Mark Noble will be back available for selection after overcoming his own injury concerns. Sebastien Haller could also be given a chance to impress in the League after scoring another two goals in the League Cup.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS
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West Ham United – Formation: 5-2-3
Fabianski, Masuaku, Alese, Ogbonna, Balbuena, Fredericks, Soucek, Rice, Antonio, Bowen & Haller
Wolves – Formation: 5-3-2
Patricio, Vinagre, Saiss, Coady, Boly, Adama, Neto, Neves, Moutinho, Jimenez & Podence
MATCH PREDICTION
Wolves are no doubt going to be the favourites going into the match at the London Stadium, and it would not be surprising to hear cries of jealously from Hammers fans. The West Midlands club is everything that West Ham were supposed to become after the stadium move.
Now Wolves play fluid attacking and expansive football that can challenge every side in the League. The Hammers will find it difficult to cope with players such as Adama Traore and Raul Jimenez who have excellent records against the club.
West Ham have shown in recent weeks that they have the players capable of scoring goals. The Hammers have scored nine goals in their last three matches in all competitions. The only issue Moyes has is setting up the defence, from afar, to keep the Wolves at bay.
There will be goals tonight, and the Hammers may be able to stand their ground enough in order to pick up their first point/points of the season.
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