West Ham United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
English Premier League, KO: 20:00 Dec 9, 2024, London Stadium
So many games have been dubbed ‘El Sackico' that the phrase has become trite but it certainly applies here as West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers collide in the Premier League.
It looked like Julen Lopetegui wouldn't be in the Hammers dugout for this one after a board meeting was scheduled in the wake of Monday's 3-1 loss at Leicester City, where the Foxes forwards justified my faith in them.
But the Spaniard soldiers on for now, although the end will surely come if his side fail to collect three points at home against a Wolves side who sit second bottom in the Premier League.
The sacking spotlight switched from Lopetegui to Gary O'Neil on Wednesday night when Wolves crashed to a dreadful 4-0 loss away to an Everton side who had drawn a blank in the previous four games.
Despite that horror loss, the Molineux men are still just 13/8 to be relegated but you suspect that price will drop again if they fail to pick up any points against West Ham.
It looked like Wolves had turned the corner after a four-game unbeaten run but they've since lost two in a row, conceding eight goals in the process, so it's crunch time for O'Neil.
How the bookies view it: Wolves set for another mauling
Despite both sides being in dismal form, West Ham United are odds-on favourites with home advantage at 4/5 with Kwiff. Wolverhampton Wanderers are the 23/10 outsiders and the draw pays 12/5.
Recent head to head: It dozen get any closer
This fixture has been closely fought in recent years, with the last 12 meetings producing six wins apiece. But the Hammers had the upper hand last season, winning 3-0 at home before claiming a 2-1 victory at Molineux.
Players to watch: Kudus can provide a spark
Mohammed Kudus made a welcome return from suspension for West Ham at Leicester and his creativity will be key to breaking Wolves down. The winger is 37/20 at Kwiff for anytime scorer while Bet365 price him at 21/20 to either score or assist.
Matheus Cunha was so good for Wolves in November that he had three efforts in the running for Match of the Day's goal of the month. He has drawn a blank in his last two games but could be due a goal and Kwiff price the Brazilian at 8/5 for anytime scorer. He's also evens at Bet365 to score or assist.
Probable line-ups
West Ham will be without striker Michail Antonio after the shock news he had been involved in a car crash. Niclas Fullkrug should deputise up front after returning from injury Jean-Clair Todibo missed the defeat at Leicester and is a doubt for this one while Danny Ings went off at half-time in that game with a knock.
Wolves remain without long-term crocks Yerson Mosquera, Boubacar Traore, Enso Gonzalez and Sasa Kalajdzic.
West Ham United: Fabianski, Wan-Bissaka, Killman, Mavropanos, Emerson, Soler, Paqueta, Soucek, Kudus, Bowen, Fullkrug.
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Sa, Bueno, Dawson, Doherty, Ait-Nouri, Lemina, J Gomes, Doyle, Bellegarde, Cunha, Larsen.
Anything else catch the eye?
West Ham actually played some decent stuff going forward in the loss against Leicester and the scoreline was harsh on them. I fancy the Hammers to win this one and combining a home win with over 1.5 goals pays 23/20 with Bet365.
Both sides have been terrible at the back in the league this season, with Wolves conceding 36 times and the Hammers letting in 27 goals. So it bodes well for action at both ends and combining BTTS with over 2.5 goals pays 4/6 at Kwiff. The odds are better for over 1.5 first-half strikes at 5/4 with the same firm.
With so much at stake, passions could boil over so it could be a busy night for the officials. Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes is usually decent value for a card and he's 7/4 with Bet365 to go into the book again. West Ham's Edson Alvarez is another who often picks up bookings and he's 11/5 in the same market.
This English Premier League match between West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers will be played on Dec 9, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best West Ham United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
In December 2020 we sadly 
