THE always-excellent Harley Dale (@Harleeyy) has taken a deep dive into Sunday night's Premier League clash between West Ham and Wolves.
West Ham vs Wolves | Sunday 27th September 2020, 19:00 | BT Sport
The Premier League is back for another round of fixtures and matchweek 3 sees Wolves travel to the London Stadium to face an out-of-shape West Ham.
The Hammers come into this clash on the back of two straight defeats. Despite performing well versus Arsenal at The Emirates and arguably deserving of at least a point, David Moyes’ men were the enemies of their own down fall after conceding a late goal which demonstrated their fragilities at the back.
If West Ham’s worries on the pitch weren’t enough, the relationship between the owners and fans is becoming increasingly toxic, with supporters frustrated with the lack of ambition and the direction from above. Any potential incomings seem non-existent and the club are battling to keep hold of star man Declan Rice.
To make matters worse, the Hammers will be without Moyes and regular-starting centre back Issa Diop after they were tested positive for COVID-19. A big blow for the Irons who won just two of their seven without the French defender last season.
In addition to this, when you look at the stats, it’s hard to see how West Ham can put on a solid defensive display against a Wolves side who are a threat going forward. The hosts have kept just one clean sheet in their last 20 Premier League matches – that precious clean sheet coming against last season’s rock bottom Norwich.
On top of this, Wolves scored in 19 of their 20 matches against bottom clubs last season.
Wolves come into this match on the back of a defeat, albeit against Man City who put in an excellent shift at Molineux. Despite this, their performances thus far suggest they’re continuing where they left from last term – a team well organised in all areas of the pitch.
The Old Gold might have lost Diogo Jota to Liverpool, but they have an adequate replacement in Daniel Podence, who’s started his season with two assists in the first two appearances.
Nuno Espirito Santo has also made some astute signings this transfer window, including Barcelona right back Nelson Semedo, giving Adama Traore the opportunity to play in a more advanced position as opposed to wing back. Providing Semedo makes his debut on Sunday, West Ham could be in for a tough night down that right side.
In terms of the head-to-head between these sides, it is evident that Wolves enjoy playing against the Hammers – claiming three points in each of the last four meetings since promotion and keeping a clean sheet in each. Given the contrast of each team’s current situations, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a fifth consecutive victory for Nuno’s men over the Irons.
Martin Atkinson is the man in charge for this encounter – he averages just 2.94 cards per-game, the fourth-lowest in the league. Therefore, I’m happy to back Wolves to score, Wolves Double Chance and Under 5 Cards at 5/6 as a Bet Builder on bet365.
Best Bets
West Ham vs Wolves – Wolves Double Chance, Wolves to score and Under 5 Cards (5/6 Bet365)
