Wolverhampton Wanderers will look to strengthen their cushion above the relegation zone when they welcome West Ham United to Molineux. Sitting in 17th place with 26 points Wolves hold a nine point advantage over 18th placed Ipswich Town and 19th placed Leicester City, making every result crucial as the season nears the end. West Ham United, meanwhile, continue to hover just above the drop zone in 16th place with 34 points.
A hard fought 2-1 victory over Southampton on March 15 boosted Wolves survival hopes even if they were outperformed in expected goals (0.36 xG vs. 1.37 xG). The win also marked an important milestone for Vitor Pereira’s men who have now scored in eight consecutive matches but they have often been forced to come from behind. Their recent form in the league is a mediocre three wins in six games but their home performances remain a concern with three defeats in their last five matches at Molineux. A loss today could also bring their relegation rivals closer with Ipswich set to visit on April 5.
The Hammers were denied victory in their last league game as a late equalizer from Jake O'Brien saw them settle for a 1-1 draw with Everton on March 15. Graham Potter’s side has struggled in front of goal netting only six times in their last eight matches. However, their defensive resilience has been good as of late, with just two goals conceded in their last four outings. West Ham will also take confidence from their recent record against Wolves having won three consecutive meetings including a 2-1 victory in December. Now, despite some positive results, their away form remains inconsistent, with three losses in their last six games on the road.
Wolves remain without suspended attacker Matheus Cunha who still has two matches left to serve. Injuries have also ruled out forwards Enso Gonzalez, Leon Chiwome and Sasa Kalajdzic. Pereira is likely to stick with the attacking trio of Jorgen Strand Larsen, Marshall Munetsi and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde from the win over Southampton.
West Ham continue to deal with absences up front as Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug remain sidelined through injury along with winger Crysencio Summerville. Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen are expected to lead the line in a makeshift forward pairing, supported by Lucas Paqueta and James Ward-Prowse.
Wolverhampton Wanderers possible lineup: Sa; Doherty, Agbadou, T Gomes; Semedo, J Gomes, Andre, Nouri; Munetsi, Bellegarde; Larsen
West Ham United possible lineup: Areola; Todibo, Mavropanos, Kilman; Wan-Bissaka, Paqueta, Ward-Prowse, Soucek, Emerson; Kudus, Bowen
