Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Fri 10 April 2026 11:10, UK

West Ham United take on Wolves on Friday night, but Nuno Espirito Santo will not want his former club to pick up many bookings.

A crucial three points for the Hammers must arrive as they look to climb out of the relegation zone.

Winning at London Stadium against the Old Gold would put plenty of pressure on both Tottenham and Nottingham Forest ahead of their games.

The Hammers are just one point behind Spurs and three behind Forest ahead of the final seven games of the season.

However, as West Ham take on Wolves, Nuno may be hoping the away side do not commit too many fouls, as it could end up helping the Irons on a longer-term basis.

Why Nuno Espirito Santo wants lenient referee vs Wolves

Referees are a frequent talking point after Premier League matches, but on this occasion, Nuno will want a quiet evening from the official for an added reason.

Nuno will already be unhappy with the VAR appointed, but the video assistant will not be capable of dishing out yellow cards, something the Hammers manager will want both teams to avoid.

Andre, Joao Gomes and Yerson Mosquera are all one yellow card away from picking up a two-match ban for an accumulation of 10 bookings throughout the season.

Despite Wolves being rock-bottom, the trio of players have been key assets for the Molineux outfit for most of the season.

Losing them would be a big blow and one that would hand both Tottenham and Leeds a timely advantage due to the pair being Wolves’ next two opponents after the Irons.

So, Nuno could ask his players to try not to rile up the triplet of Wolves South Americans, as their involvement in the Premier League over the next few weeks could actually aid West Ham.

It might be an odd reason and quite a strange scenario to be in, but even the smallest of margins could decide the relegation battle.

Are any West Ham players close to a ban?

Luckily, the Hammers are not close to any of their players receiving a two-match ban due to 10 yellow cards.

The closest to that total is Mateus Fernandes, who has accumulated six bookings so far this season.

An accumulation of 10 yellow cards resulting in a ban concludes after matchday 32, so there is no danger of a Fernandes suspension – unless he is sent off, of course.

The midfielder has been a key player for Nuno, and that has been clear from the numerous transfer interests in the 21-year-old ahead of the summer.

It would be hard for the East London side to keep hold of him if relegated, making survival crucial in maintaining any quality the Hammers have across their squad.