West Ham United host Wolverhampton Wanderers in a crucial relegation clash, with the Hammers aiming to make their strong home form count.
West Ham vs Wolves Match Summary
This is a proper relegation six-pointer at the London Stadium. West Ham sit 18th in the Premier League table with 29 points and need a home win to haul themselves out of the drop zone, while Wolves are rock bottom on 17 points and running out of time to save their top-flight status. The Hammers have not won at home since January, but their record against the visitors in east London has been strong in recent seasons. Wolves, though, arrive having won their last three meetings against West Ham across all competitions, including a 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture. Something has to give on Friday night.
West Ham vs Wolves Form & Momentum
West Ham were knocked out of the FA Cup by Leeds on Sunday and then suffered a 2-0 defeat at Aston Villa in their last Premier League outing, so confidence is fragile. Their full focus now shifts to the league and staying up. Nuno Espírito Santo's side have won five of their last six home fixtures against Wolves in all competitions, conceding just once in the process.
Wolves, meanwhile, finally return to Premier League action after almost a month without playing. They were in decent form before the break, losing just once in six outings, which has dragged them to within three points of 19th-placed Burnley. Their most recent league fixture was a 2-2 draw with Brentford, and they will be looking to turn those draws into wins to have any chance of survival.
West Ham vs Wolves Team News
West Ham
Alphonse Areola is struggling with a calf injury sustained in the FA Cup game against Leeds and is a doubt for Friday. Crysencio Summerville is expected to return after missing that quarter-final tie, while Lukasz Fabianski remains sidelined.
Wolves
Jose Sa starts in goal with Sam Johnstone doubtful due to a calf problem. Defender Enso Gonzalez is ruled out with a knee injury.
West Ham vs Wolves Predicted Lineup
West Ham
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Predicted Starting Lineup: Areola; Disasi, Mavropanos, Todibo; Wan-Bissaka, Soucek, Fernandes, Diouf; Summerville, Bowen; Castellanos
Wolves
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Predicted Starting Lineup: Sa; Krejci, Bueno, Doherty; Tchatchoua, Joao Gomes, Angel Gomes, Wolfe; Mane, Bellegarde; Armstrong
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West Ham vs Wolves Key Stats & Match Facts
- Wolves have won their last three meetings against West Ham across all competitions, including a 3-0 league victory and a 3-2 EFL Cup win.
- There have been over 2.5 goals in six of the last seven meetings between these two sides.
- West Ham have been unbeaten in their previous seven games at the London Stadium.
- Wolves have failed to win any of their last ten away fixtures, recording six defeats and four draws.
- Jarrod Bowen has recorded one or more shots on target in eight of his last ten appearances against Wolves in the Premier League.
West Ham vs Wolves Prediction & Best Bets
The Hammers have been stubborn at home recently and Wolves cannot buy a win on their travels this season. With West Ham desperate to climb out of the relegation zone, this looks like a fixture where the hosts grind out a narrow victory. Expect a tight, messy affair decided by a single goal.
Match prediction: West Ham 1-0 Wolves
West Ham vs Wolves Bet Builder
Our Bet Builder Tip for West Ham vs Wolves includes:
- J. Gomes Over 2.5 - Tackles
Hit in 7 of last 10
- Over 2.5 - Total Wolverhampton Cards
Hit in 3 of last 4 vs West Ham
- J. Bowen Over 0.5 - Shots On Target
Hit in 8 of last 10 vs Wolves
- M. Fernandes Over 2.5 - Tackles
Hit in 5 of last 7
Best odds of 15/2 available at bet365 while publishing.
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