WOLVES host West Ham on Monday in the Premier League. Daniel McCulloch (@DMcCulloch1984) shares his favourite fancies.
Wolves vs West Ham | Monday 5th April 2021, 20:00 | Sky Sports
I’ll be honest, I am not expecting a classic at Molineux on Monday evening. Since their 3-3 draw with Brighton on 2nd January there have been just 28 goals in 15 Wolves matches in all competitions and the majority of their matches tend to be tightly fought with the action generally coming in the second half.
In fairness, West Ham have been more exciting than David Moyes’s reputation would have you believe. The Hammers have scored 45 and conceded 35 in 29 league matches this term, with their games averaging 2.76 goals per game which is pretty average for this level.
Given they are 14 points ahead of their opponents, I would more likely side with West Ham than Wolves in the outright market but the 11/5 on a draw is probably the value in a game that I struggle to see either side as the clear victor. Backing a draw is not something I am used to though, so it will be the goalscorer market that gets my attention.
Jesse Lingard has been exceptional since he joined West Ham on loan, managing five goals in seven league games and I couldn’t put anyone off the 4/1 on him to score anytime. However, I struggle to see this level of return as sustainable so it is Michail Antonio that I shall put my faith in. The Hammers striker has scored four goals in 11 matches in 2021 and his xG of 8.41 in that time is the highest in the league.
As a general rule he isn’t a dreadful finisher so I think this is a bet I will continue to make this season (Mbaye Diagne is another to look our for) and the 5/2 BetVictor are offering on him to score looks plenty big enough to me. I did consider the first goalscorer angle too but I am a cautious punter so like the fact that I will have 89 minutes on my side if another player scores in the first 60 seconds.
Recent history suggests he will get the chances so let’s hope he finishes one on Monday night.
Best Bets
Wolves vs West Ham – Michail Antonio to score anytime (5/2 BetVictor)
