FOOTBALL RETURNS: West Ham and Wolves clash with conflicting objectives

West Ham entertain Wolves on Saturday afternoon as with Hammers looking for breathing space away from the bottom three.

David Moyes’ men currently sit outside the relegation spaces on goal difference whilst seventh-placed Wolves will still garner hopes of a top-four finish.

It’s been a season of struggle for the Londoners, West Ham looking to win back-to-back games at home for the first time since September 2019.

The visitors have an impressive record in the capital having not lost there since their return to the top-flight. They also have Diogo Jota amongst their ranks, the forward had netted three goals in three appearances before the prolonged break.

West Ham will have Tomas Soucek available to him after the Czech’s loan from Slavia Prague was extended until the end of the season. Elsewhere, Angelo Ogbonna has also returned to full training. 

Nuno Espirito Santo should have a fully fit squad to choose from, the Portuguese coach also revealing during his press conference that he has handed Morgan Gibbs-White a second chance after the young Englishman’s mistakes during lockdown.

Hammers boss Moyes has big hopes for January arrival Jarrod Bowen, although the Scot is eager not to pressurise the young forward:

“I didn’t want too much pressure on him too son, I’m still doing it now but he is training well and shown he is more than capable.

We have been mightily impressed by him since joining the club.”

Nuno was keen to give Wolves fan something to cheer about but understands the challenge that West Ham pose:

“Hopefully, we can give them some joy. Everybody is hungry to play, another thing is to be ready for it. This week we have three matches and it is going to be very demanding.

“The mental aspect is going to be very important. The motivation is there. The players are anxious to play the game.”

Their last encounter

The two teams last met in December, Leander Dendoncker and Patrick Cutrone’s goals steered Wolves to a comfortable victory. 

That win lifted them up to fifth at the time, a position they will be looking towards again ahead of the final nine fixtures remaining.