West Ham vs Wolves Preview
- West Ham to win
- Over 2.5 goals
Two Premier League strugglers, West Ham and Wolves, face off on Monday night in a clash dubbed ‘El Sackico’, with both managers Julen Lopetegui and Gary O’Neil under immense pressure.
While both sides seek crucial points, the stakes for survival in the top flight make this a game of monumental importance.
West Ham: A Season on the Brink
West Ham’s recent struggles continued with a 3-1 defeat to Leicester despite a remarkable attacking display that saw them take 31 shots and accumulate an impressive 3.09 xG.
The inability to convert chances has left Julen Lopetegui’s side hovering perilously close to the relegation zone, and this match could be decisive for the Spaniard’s future.
Meanwhile, West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui faces an uncertain future, with fans chanting “You’re getting sacked in the morning”.
Lopetegui remains focused on the upcoming games, saying: “The only thing that I am worried about is to go to training tomorrow and stand up the players and prepare for the next challenge.”
“We have one month of December with a lot of matches and I am sure with this attitude we are going to achieve many more points.
One positive for the Hammers is their formidable record at home against Wolves, winning the last four league meetings at the London Stadium ‘to nil’. To escape their current rut, West Ham will need talisman Jarrod Bowen to deliver once again.
Wolves: Crisis Mode
Wolves are in dire straits after a humiliating 4-0 loss to Everton, a team that had failed to score in their previous four matches. Fans voiced their frustration with Gary O’Neil during and after the game, and his position appears untenable regardless of Monday’s outcome.
Defensive frailties have plagued Wolves, conceding four or more goals in consecutive matches. A repeat of such disastrous form would mark the first time since 1985 that Wolves have conceded 4+ goals in three successive league games.
With just two wins in the last eight Premier League meetings against West Ham (L6), history doesn’t favour the visitors.
Key Battles
Jarrod Bowen vs Craig Dawson
West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen thrives against Wolves, having scored a joint-career high of five Premier League goals against them, including four at the London Stadium. His creative and clinical abilities could once again spell trouble for Wolves.
On the defensive side, Craig Dawson, a former Hammer, will aim to neutralise Bowen’s threat. However, Dawson’s confidence might be shaken after an unfortunate milestone: he marked his 300th Premier League appearance with two own goals, joining an infamous club of only five players to achieve this feat in a single match.
West Ham’s Attack vs Wolves’ Defence
West Ham’s attacking intent was evident in their midweek clash, and they’ll look to exploit Wolves’ leaky backline.
Wolves, having conceded 4+ goals in their last two outings, will need a massive defensive improvement to have any chance of salvaging a result.
Tactical Insights
West Ham
Lopetegui’s side is likely to maintain an aggressive approach, capitalising on their ability to create chances. The key will be converting those chances, especially with Bowen leading the charge.
Wolves
O’Neil may opt for a more cautious setup, prioritising defensive solidity to avoid a third consecutive thrashing. Counterattacks and set-pieces could be their best chances of finding a breakthrough.
Match Prediction
Given West Ham’s dominance in recent home encounters with Wolves and the visitors’ defensive collapse in their last two matches, the Hammers are clear favourites. However, the pressure on both managers adds an unpredictable edge to this clash.
Prediction: West Ham 3-1 Wolves
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West Ham v Wolves, 2024/25 | Premier League