Wolverhampton Wanderers Match Preview
In their last two games against Leicester City and Newcastle United, West Ham United appeared to be heading for victories but only having to settle for draws in the end. This afternoon, they will be hoping to end February with three points when Wolverhampton Wanderers visit Stratford.
Having already learnt that they will face Spanish outfit Sevilla over two legs in the next stage of their UEFA Europa League campaign, David Moyes’ side will look to clinch their first win since the home victory over newly-promoted Watford earlier in the month by gaining revenge on Bruno Lage’s side for the defeat at Molineux back in November.
It was in the Black Country that an away run on the road ended for the Irons which had stretched all the way back to April and the Scotsman will be desperate for his team to atone for that blip and start a big week of action on the right note.
The Hammers will definitely want to make sure that they get off to a good start here, as the visitors still hold the remarkable record of not losing a single league match since 2018 after scoring the first goal.
Although the home side go into the game having dropped to sixth place in the Premier League table, they have had a full week to prepare for this game. That is in stark contrast to the visitors, who faced a quick turnaround ahead of today’s encounter after only playing their rearranged game away at Arsenal on Thursday.
Vladimír Coufal missed last weekend’s draw with Eddie Howe’s side due to a hernia operation, so Ryan Fredericks filled in for him. However, the former Fulham defender was replaced at half-time because of a groin strain. It is expected that he will miss this match, meaning Ben Johnson will come into the starting line-up.
Moyes stated in his pre-match news conference on Friday that no other injuries had been reported, meaning that Manuel Lanzini could replace Saïd Benrahma if the Irons’ boss decides to make changes.
Nikola Vlašić is also ready to deputise if Michail Antonio is rested, following an uncharacteristic loss of form.
The match is a 2pm kick-off with live coverage being screened by Sky Sports from 1pm. The referee is Anthony Taylor.