phoenix game West Ham Vs Wolves, EPL Preview: Players To Watch, Key Battles, Head-To-Head, Match Prediction

Michail Antonio was frustrated by West Ham’s exit (Bradley Collyer/PA) Photo: Bradley Collyer/PA Michail Antonio was frustrated by West Ham’s exit (Bradley Collyer/PA) Photo: Bradley Collyer/PA

Julen Lopetegui insists he will change the situation at struggling West Ham ahead of their home game against second-bottom Wolves on Monday. (More Football News)

The Hammers are 14th in the Premier League table, six points above the relegation zone, having lost seven of their 14 league games since Lopetegui took over from David Moyes in May.

With his future reportedly being discussed by the club this week, he was defiant about their chances of turning things around.

"I have big commitment to my work, always, and I am very happy to stay at West Ham. We are going to change the situation," he said.

"I [am] not thinking about [my future]. I [am] thinking we have one very important challenge on Monday against a good team.

"We have to be focused to have a good answer and develop our work until Monday, to get ready to face [Wolves] and to give our fans a good day.

"I understand all the things around football and I understand my main aim and responsibility is to be ready for a tough, hard match.

"But in the same way, it's a big opportunity and challenge for us at home, to be ready to achieve the three points. That is the most important thing."

Fellow under-pressure boss Gary O'Neil, meanwhile, has said he will not alter his mindset at Molineux, despite receiving criticism.

His side are second-bottom of the Premier League, having lost nine and won just two of their 14 league games this term.

"I can only keep going until things change," he said. "You won't find anyone more hardworking and professional than me.

"The criticism is part and parcel. Maybe two weeks ago at Fulham [when we] scored four away, everyone was happy to take the plaudits. But when it doesn't go well, you need to stand up. My mentality won't change, I'll always front up.

"I came in at what felt like a tough time. There were some special moments in there [last season] where we put results on the board and were never in danger of being in a relegation fight. To have been united with the fans was a special season for me.

"Of course, this one has been difficult, and I understand their concerns and criticism of the results, but I guarantee we are doing everything we can."

Matheus Cunha is the first player ever to be nominated three times in a single month for the @premierleague's Goal of the Month award ic.twitter.com/vDBRoybLHJ

— Wolves (@Wolves) December 5, 2024

PLAYERS TO WATCH

West Ham – Jarrod Bowen

Bowen is level with Tomas Soucek as West Ham's top scorer this season with three league goals.

Wolves are Bowen's joint-favourite Premier League opposition, in that he has scored his joint-most goals (five) against them compared to any other team in the division. Of those five goals, four have come at the London Stadium.

Wolves – Matheus Cunha

Cunha is Wolves' top scorer this season with seven league goals in 14 appearances, including three in his last four.

The 25-year-old has registered a higher xG (3.24) than any other Wolves or West Ham player this season, while he has an xG over-performance of 3.24.

MATCH PREDICTION: WEST HAM WIN

West Ham have won each of their last four Premier League games against Wolves without conceding.

In their league history, only twice have the Hammers won five in a row at home without conceding against an opponent – against Coventry City (1919 to 1937) and Wolves (1920 to 1958).

Wolves have conceded more goals than any other Premier League side this season, letting in 36 in their 14 games.

They have been beaten 4-2 by Bournemouth and 4-0 by Everton in back-to-back matches, while they last shipped four or more goals in three consecutive league games in September 1985.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

West Ham – 48.7%

Draw – 24%

Wolves – 27.3%phoenix game

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