West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers will keep the ball rolling on a frantic weekend of Premier League action as English football returns following a mandatory three-month shutdown period.
The Hammers would have been the most fearful in the league upon hearing the confirmation of the Premier League resumption as they sit outside the relegation zone on goal difference. In what has been a torrid season so far, The Hammers have only accumulated 27 points from 29 goals and have only won two of their last 10 Premier League matches since the turn of the year.
The East London side also have the fourth-worst defensive record in the league and I'm expecting Wolves’ Adama Traore and co to run rampant in their bid to close the gap to the top four.
As for Wolves, maximum points would put them only two points adrift from a Champions League spot, and for this one I can't look past them.
Prior to the postponement of the league, Wolves had been on quite the run. Not only did they reach the last 16 of the Europa League, they had put together a five-match win streak including four clean sheets and a dramatic 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Given their efforts in the Europa League and the Premier League, I feel that Nuno Esprito Santo’s side could have only benefited from the three-month layoff and resuming action with games against West Ham, Bournemouth and Aston Villa, all teams fighting for survival, will be regarded as an opportunity to move closer to the Champions League places.
West Hams Premier League form: LDLLWL
Wolves form (all competitions): WWLWDD
Last time out:
Earlier this season, Wolves overwhelmed The Hammers, comfortably winning 2-0. In their last three fixtures since the start of last season, Wolves have won all three, by an aggregate scoreline of 7-0.
Team News:
Wolves will have a fully fit squad as they travel to the capital. Adama Traore would have recovered from his shoulder injury and its likely that he will get the pick over Daniel Podence, whilst Raul Jimenez is expected to lead the line.
David Moyes will also have a full squad at his disposal following a double boost with the return of Jack Wilshere and Angelo Ogbonna. Moyes will be hoping that summer arrival Sebastien Haller can reignite his form before the break after ending an eight-match streak without finding the net.
Match preview written by Jordan Hall.
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