West Ham vs Wolves Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 English Premier League
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THE FACTS
When is West Ham vs Wolves on and what time does it start? West Ham vs Wolves will take place on Sunday 17th December, 2023 – 14:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for West Ham vs Wolves? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is West Ham vs Wolves on in the UK? Television rights for the Premier League in the UK are shared between Sky Sports, TNT Sports and Amazon Prime so it is worth checking their schedules for West Ham vs Wolves
Where can I stream West Ham vs Wolves in the UK? If West Ham vs Wolves is televised, then it can be streamed on either Sky Go, discovery+ or Amazon Prime Video depending on who is broadcasting the match
THE LOWDOWN
WEST HAM
West Ham clinched top spot of their Europa League group midweek, beating Freiburg at home 2-0 and avoiding the awkward two-legged play off match against a Champions League drop out. The double prize of a resounding win and qualification should be enough to cover the bruises of the 5-0 thrashing at Craven Cottage.
David Moyes’ side conceded five goals for the first time since April of this year against Newcastle. The manager labelled the defeat as ‘embarrassing.’
WOLVES
Wolves couldn’t get past an under-fire Steve Cooper’s Nottingham Forrest last weekend, being held to a 1-1 draw. Traditionally, O'Neil's side are tough to beat playing on their home turf. However, their recent Premier League away outings have been less favourable, succumbing to defeats in their last three away matches against Sheffield Utd, Fulham and Arsenal. Despite these setbacks, it's noteworthy that they've consistently found the net in seven consecutive league away fixtures following a heart-wrenching 1-0 loss to Manchester United on the opening weekend.
THE TEAM NEWS
WEST HAM
Edison Alvarez was substituted during the midweek fixture as his manager assessed a potential hip injury that might sideline him for the upcoming weekend's game. On a positive note for the Hammers, goalkeeper Alphonso Areola made a comeback to the matchday squad after being absent due to injury in their previous defeat against Fulham.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson; Alvarez, Ward-Prowse; Kudus, Soucek, Paqueta; Bowen
UNAVAILABLE: Antonio (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Alvarez (Injured)
WOLVES
Gary O’Neil has confirmed that Rayan Ait-Nouri should be fit to return to the squad, alongside Mario Lemina who has recovered from a minor hamstring issue.
Pedro Neto is hopeful to feature before the end of the year, with Sunday coming too son, whilst Jonny Otto is touted for a potential return in February after the winger has stepped up his recovery, joining with the under-21s.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-3): Sa; Kilman, Dawson, T. Gomes; Semedo, Lemina, J. Gomes, Ait-Nouri; Sarabia, Cunha, Hwang
UNAVAILABLE: Jonny (Injured), Hodge (Injured), Neto (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Ait-Nouri (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
Wolves have been susceptible to leaving gaps in their defence while playing away, yet O'Neil's team consistently manages to convert at least one of their attacking endeavours on opponents' turf. They carry a sense of assurance in breaking their recent streak of failing to score at the London Stadium.
Even a lone goal might suffice for O'Neil's resilient squad to secure a valuable point, given West Ham's tight schedule with less than 72 hours between matches. This condensed timeframe could hinder their ability to breach O'Neil's defensive structure more than once.
TIP: DRAW
