Wolves vs West Ham preview, predictions & confirmed line-ups as Antonio misses out
Wolves host West Ham on Wednesday evening with the Hammers hoping to start a positive run heading into the festive period.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side picked up their first win in eight games when they beat Chelsea at the weekend, relieving some of the pressure on the Chilean coach.
The Hammers had been in woeful form before bagging a 1-0 win over Frank Lampard’s side but need to start a run of good results if they are to placate a frustrated fan base. West Ham sit just four points above the relegation zone and are performing well below expectations this season.
Wolves have no such problems, given that they have lost just twice all season and are currently on an unbeaten run of nine Premier League games without defeat. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that Nuno Espirito Santo is being linked with the Arsenal job – Wolves supporters will be praying for a Christmas miracle that will see him stay in the Black Country.
When is Wolves vs West Ham and where can I watch live?
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton
Date: Wednesday, 04 December 2019
Kick-off: 7:30 PM (UK time)
TV coverage (UK): The game is not available on traditional television but will be streamed live on Amazon Prime Video.
Last five meetings: Wolves vs West Ham
16 October 2010: Wolves 1-1 West Ham (Premier League)
01 January 2011: West Ham 2-0 Wolves (Premier League)
09 January 2016: West Ham 1-0 Wolves (FA Cup)
01 September 2018: West Ham 0-1 Wolves (Premier League)
29 January 2019: Wolves 3-0 West Ham (Premier League)
Aggregate Score: Wolves (DLLWW) 5-4 West Ham (DWWLL)
Ones to watch
Wolves: Raul Jimenez
No player has had as big an impact on the attacking output at Wolves this season than their Mexican star Raul Jimenez. He has been the heartbeat of the side and is currently both their top scorer (6) and joint top assist provider (3).
The 28-year-old is fully justifying the £30 million Wolverhampton paid to secure his services on a permanent deal and he could be on course for a career-high this season having never scored more than 19 goals in all competitions in a single campaign – he already has 15 and we are not yet at Christmas.
Key stat: Raul Jimenez has been directly involved in nine of Wolves’ 19 goals in the Premier League this season, a contribution of 47%.
West Ham: Declan Rice
The England midfielder has been one of the bright lights in a disappointing campaign for the Hammers. He has been a consistent performer which is at least something
He is clearly a talented player, something recognised by England manager Gareth Southgate, but will be disappointed with the overall performance of the team this season. He is still the engine at the heart of the West Ham midfield, making tackles, breaking up play and trying to start attacks the other way. All he needs now is for his teammates to step up and show the same levels of consistency as him.
Key stat: Declan Rice has made 2.2 interceptions per 90 minutes for the Hammers this season, more than any other player in the side.
Team news
Wolves
Wolves continue with the same 3-4-3 formation that saw them pick up a point against Sheffield United.
Here's how Wolves line up for tonight's @premierleague fixture against @WestHam. #WOLWHU
— Wolves (@Wolves) December 4, 2019
Romain Saiss returns after serving a one-match ban against the Blades which means Max Kilman drops to the bench.
Confirmed XI: Patricio; Dendoncker, Coady, Saiss; Doherty, Neves, Moutinho, Otto; Traore, Jimenez, Jota.
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West Ham
The Hammers remain without Lukasz Fabianski, Manuel Lanzini and Jack Wilshere heading into the mid-week clash at Molineux. David Martin keeps his place after a memorable first-ever Premier League appearance, with Roberto sitting out once more.
Our team to take on @Wolves tonight ⚒ pic.twitter.com/LG9VSj3yUw
— West Ham United (@WestHam) December 4, 2019
As expected the West Ham boss rests Michail Antonio for this fixture, looking to not rush the forward back having only played on Saturday.
Confirmed XI: Martin; Fredericks, Balbuena, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Snodgrass, Noble, Rice, Fornals; Felipe Anderson, Haller.
Squawka prediction
Even though West Ham managed to pick up three points at Stamford Bridge at the weekend, there are still a number of question marks hanging over this side.
Molineux has been a fortress for Nuno’s side this season with them losing only once at home in 2019/20. They are the division’s draw specialists having drawn eight of their 14 games in the Premier League, seven of those by a scoreline of 1-1, but you do sense they have enough to pick up a win against the Hammers with a one-goal margin perhaps enough to decide it.
Scoreline prediction: Wolves 2-1 West Ham
