Chris Sutton predicts result of West Ham United Premier League clash v Wolves
Chris Sutton has shared his prediction for Sunday’s Premier League clash between West Ham United and Wolves at the London Stadium (17 December).
Fulham thrashed lacklustre West Ham 5-0 on Sunday (10 December) – a result which saw the Hammers miss out on a place in the top-six in the Premier League table.
And Moyes and his men will be looking to right that wrong on Sunday (17 December) when they take on Gary O’Neil’s side at the London Stadium and a win could see them level on points with Manchester United in sixth who take on Liverpool later on.
And Sutton sharing his predictions for BBC Sport (14 December), believes West Ham United’s exertions in the Europa League could be a decisive factor which former Hammer and Wolves coach Gary O’Neil will look to exploit on Sunday.
He wrote: “West Ham are in the Europa League on Thursday too, needing to beat SC Freiburg to top their group.
“That certainly won’t help the Hammers. David Moyes has been defending his lack of substitutions during games but I just wonder if fatigue will play a part here.
“Wolves are a decent team but this smells like a draw to me.
“Sutton’s prediction: 1-1.”
Redemption
What was starting to look like some good form earlier this month on the back of late wins over Nottingham Forest and Burnley, as well as the comeback victory at Tottenham, the Fulham game was completely miserable and abject.
News emerged soon after the defeat that there was a sickness bug sweeping the West Ham United camp prior to the game but there can be no excuses for the Hammers because 5-0 really isn’t good enough at all.
The board aren’t minded on making a change at manager for the rest of the season despite the 5-0 at Craven Cottage but Moyes needs to ensure his side bounces back given the damage that defeat will have done to confidence at the London Stadium.
Despite the up-and-down form, West Ham are just a win away from the European places again in the Premier League table so Sunday’s clash against Wolves is one they really cannot take for granted at all.
Wolves are a bit inconsistent themselves in recent weeks and do have flashes of brilliance in them so Moyes will surely be leaving no stone unturned for Sunday – it is absolutely a must-win game for West Ham United.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have searches in progress in multiple places ahead of the January transfer window, with one named target yet to decide on a possible move.