A True Relegation Six-Pointer

When teams this close in the standings face off, the match is often called a “six-pointer,” and this fixture is the perfect example. Wolves are at the very bottom of the league, sitting in 20th place with a mere three points. West Ham are not faring much better, occupying 18th place and sitting four points from safety. Consequently, a win for either side not only earns them three points but also denies their direct rival any, making the outcome doubly significant.

Wolves recently showed signs of life by ending a long losing streak with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Manchester United. In contrast, West Ham are on a bleak eight-game winless run in the league. Their latest match was a frustrating 2-2 draw with Brighton, where they let a lead slip away twice.

Recent Clashes and Molineux Advantage

Historically, this has been a closely fought rivalry. Across their last 24 meetings since 2004, West Ham have a slight edge with 12 wins to Wolves’ 11. However, the story changes when the match is played at Molineux. Since returning to the Premier League in 2018, Wolves have dominated this fixture at home, winning all but two of their eight meetings against the Hammers. This strong home record could provide a crucial psychological boost for Rob Edwards’ side.

Wolves Team News: Absences and Returns

Manager Rob Edwards will be pleased to welcome some players back into the fold, though his squad remains stretched. The team’s biggest challenge has been finding the back of the net, having scored only 11 goals in 19 games, the lowest in the entire league.

Who’s In, Who’s Out?

• Returning: Andre is back from suspension, providing a welcome midfield option. Santiago Bueno is also expected to be fit after a knock. In addition, Tawanda Chirewa returns to the club after Zimbabwe’s exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
• Absent: Key players Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Toti remain sidelined with injuries. Emmanuel Agbadou is still on international duty at AFCON. Marshall Munetsi has returned to light training but is not yet ready for team selection.

West Ham’s Woes: Injuries and the Bowen Factor

The Hammers travel to the Midlands, desperate to end their miserable run of form, which has seen them take just one point from their last four games. Team selection issues and a lack of confidence have plagued the London side recently.

Team Sheet Troubles for the Hammers

• Doubts & Returns: Jean-Clair Todibo faces a late fitness test on a groin issue, but defender Igor Julio is set to return to the squad. New signing Pablo Felipe could also make his debut from the bench.
• AFCON Absences: West Ham are without El Hadji Malick Diouf and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who are both away on international duty.
• The Key Threat: Despite the team’s struggles, star forward Jarrod Bowen remains a significant danger. Wolves are his favourite opponent; he has scored six Premier League goals against them, more than he has against any other team.

What to Expect at Molineux

This match has all the ingredients of a classic relegation dogfight. Wolves, buoyed by their home advantage and a resilient recent performance, will see this as a golden opportunity to gain ground. However, their struggles in front of the goal are a major concern.

West Ham, meanwhile, are desperate to stop the rot. While their form is poor, the attacking threat of players like Jarrod Bowen means they can never be counted out. With both teams fighting for their Premier League lives, expect a nervy, hard-fought contest where a single moment of quality—or a single mistake—could decide everything. The three points on offer have rarely felt more important.