West Ham United vs Wolves Prediction: Tight capital clash on the cards

Monday night’s Premier League encounter between West Ham and Wolves (20:00, Sky Sports Main Event) pits together two teams fresh from difficult defeats to relegation rivals.

Both managers are in need of a win, with reports suggesting they’re each on the hot seat going into this vital game. Can the Hammers make the most of home advantage, or will Wolves get one over former boss Julen Lopetegui? Read on for my West Ham vs Wolves predictions.

Team news

West Ham are without Edson Alvarez through suspension, while the Hammers are likely to be without Jean-Clair Todibo after he missed Tuesday’s defeat to Leicester City.

Wolves are making this trip to the capital without Boubacar Traore, Enso Gonzalez, Yerson Mosquera, and Sasa Kalajdzic.

West Ham vs Wolves Odds

West Ham are 9/10 favourites for Monday night’s clash, with Wolves positioned as 3/1 outsiders.

Niclas Fullkrug is the favourite to score anytime at 8/5, but goals could be tough to come by despite both teams to score being priced at 8/15.

Under 2.5 goals @ 5/4

Goals certainly didn’t come easy for West Ham in midweek, as they had 30 shots in a 3-1 loss against Leicester.

The Hammers have mustered more than 1.0 Expected Goals in just three of their last seven matches, while Wolves have been unfortunate to concede as many goals as they have. Wednesday’s 4-0 loss at Everton came alongside an xG Against of just 1.0.

The visitors should take a more cautious approach for Monday’s game, which could turn this into a cagey affair.

As a result, under 2.5 goals appeals at 5/4 given the huge pressure on both sides. In terms of a correct score, it’s hard to see either manager being unhappy with a draw, so 1-1 at 13/2 and 0-0 at 14/1 also both look appealing.

Bet Builder - Carlos Soler and Joao Gomes to make 2+ fouls @ 11/4  

Monday’s could easily be a foul-heavy contest, especially given how Wolves struggle to keep their discipline. The visitors have made more fouls than all but two sides in the Premier League this season, so I’ve picked out a Bet Builder double with that in mind.

Joao Gomes has made more fouls for Wolves than any other player, which immediately marks him out. He hasn’t exactly tried to keep his head down despite being a booking away from a suspension, as the Brazilian has made two fouls in each of his last four appearances.

As for the Hammers, Carlos Soler is set to start with Alvarez out and he’s likely to be marking Wolves’ most fouled player - Matheus Cunha. Soler has made 13 fouls this term in limited minutes and he’s been booked three times.

Wolves are likely to test him, so pair Soler with Gomes in an 11/4 Bet Builder double.

Offers

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