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Wolverhampton Wanderers vs West Ham United: Premier League Preview, Team News & Stats
about 1 year agoUS
Premier League action returns after the international break as Wolverhampton Wanderers host West Ham United at Molineux. Both teams are looking to build momentum, with Wolves aiming to pull further clear of the relegation zone and West Ham seeking consistency under Graham Potter.
Key Insights
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Team News (Wolves):: Matheus Cunha remains suspended (3rd of 4 games). Jorgen Strand Larsen is fit despite a hand fracture during international duty. Long-term absentees include Yerson Mosquera, Enso Gonzalez, and Sasa Kalajdzic.
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Team News (West Ham):: Striker Niclas Fullkrug is back in the squad after a hamstring injury. Michail Antonio and Crysencio Summerville remain sidelined. Vladimir Coufal is expected to be involved after playing for the Czech Republic.
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Head-to-Head:: West Ham are seeking their fourth consecutive win against Wolves. Wolves haven't lost consecutive home league games against the Hammers since 1920-1922. West Ham have won 7 of the last 9 league meetings.
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Form (Wolves):: Gained 10 points from their last 6 league games (W3, D1, L2), a significant improvement. However, they've won only two of their last eight league games at Molineux.
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Form (West Ham):: Lost only one of their last four league games (W2, D1, L1), but have secured just one victory in their last six away matches.
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Key Stat:: Wolves' Premier League games this season have seen 98 goals (40 for, 58 against), tied for the most with Tottenham.
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Why this matters:: This match is crucial for both teams' positioning. A Wolves win creates more breathing room from the bottom three, while a West Ham victory could edge them further up the mid-table.
In-Depth Analysis
Match Context
Wolverhampton Wanderers, currently 17th, enter this fixture with improved form, having picked up crucial points in recent weeks, notably a 2-1 win over Southampton before the break. This has given them a nine-point cushion over 18th-placed Ipswich Town. However, their home form has been patchy (L5 W2 D1 in last 8 at Molineux), something Vítor Pereira will be keen to address.
West Ham United sit 16th, eight points ahead of Wolves. Since Graham Potter took charge in January, they've gathered 11 points from nine games. While showing resilience with wins against Fulham, Leicester, and Arsenal, their attack has struggled, scoring only six goals in their last eight league fixtures. Their away form is also a concern, with just one win in the last six road trips.
Tactical Considerations
Both teams are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Wolves will rely on Jorgen Strand Larsen to lead the line in Cunha's absence, supported by Munetsi and Bellegarde. West Ham might pair Jarrod Bowen with Mohammed Kudus (or perhaps the returning Fullkrug later in the game) upfront, with Lucas Paquetá and James Ward-Prowse pulling the strings in midfield.
West Ham's recent defensive solidity (only two goals conceded in the last four) will be tested by a Wolves side whose games have been goal-heavy. Conversely, West Ham's low chance creation rate under Potter (averaging 9.3 shots per game, joint-lowest in PL since his arrival) needs improvement against a Wolves defence that has conceded 58 goals this season.
Player Spotlight
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Jorgen Strand Larsen (Wolves):: Scored a brace last time out against Southampton, ending a seven-game goal drought. His off-ball movement is key.
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Jarrod Bowen (West Ham):: Needs just one more assist to become West Ham's outright Premier League assist record holder (currently tied with Mark Noble on 35).
FAQs
Who is suspended for Wolves?
Matheus Cunha is serving the third match of a four-game suspension.
Are there any returning players for West Ham?
Yes, striker Niclas Fullkrug is back in the squad after recovering from a hamstring injury.
What's the recent head-to-head record?
West Ham have won the last three league meetings against Wolves.
Key Takeaways
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Relegation Battle Impact:: A Wolves win significantly boosts their survival hopes, putting pressure on teams below them. A loss keeps them looking over their shoulder.
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Mid-Table Ambitions:: West Ham need points to climb away from the lower reaches and build consistency under Potter.
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Form vs History:: Wolves' recent upturn clashes with West Ham's strong recent record in this fixture.
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Key Absences:: Cunha's absence is significant for Wolves' attack.
Discussion
Both teams need the points for different reasons. Will Wolves continue their improved form, or will West Ham secure a fourth straight win in this fixture?
*Do you think West Ham's recent defensive improvement will be enough to shut out Wolves? Let us know!*
*Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!*
Sources & References
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