Wolves are preparing for their must-win meeting with West Ham United on Monday night in the Premier League.
The London Stadium will play host to the fixture dubbed ‘El Sackico’ as both Gary O’Neil and Julen Lopetegui fight for their futures.
West Ham decided to keep Lopetegui around to face Wolves while at Molineux, O’Neil is on his final warning this season.
The situation is critical for Wolves, who sit four points from safety in the bottom three, with a lot at stake over 90 minutes in the capital.
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Joao Gomes shares Wolves insight ahead of West Ham
O’Neil is expected to make changes to his squad to face West Ham with some clear room for improvement on show against Everton.
Despite Wolves’ embarrassing display at Goodison Park, some players remain certain to play at the London Stadium, one of which being Joao Gomes.
Speaking ahead of the game, the Brazilian shared an insight into how the squad are feeling as kick-off fast approaches.
“It’s the most important match of the season, but that’s how I see every game,” Gomes told Wolves’ official website.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 14 |  West HamWest Ham | 14 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 18 | 27 | -9 | 15 |
| 15 |  EvertonEverton | 14 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 14 | 21 | -7 | 14 |
| 16 |  LeicesterLeicester | 15 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 21 | 30 | -9 | 14 |
| 17 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 15 | 2 | 7 | 6 | 14 | 20 | -6 | 13 |
| 18 |  IpswichIpswich | 15 | 1 | 6 | 8 | 14 | 27 | -13 | 9 |
| 19 |  WolvesWolves | 14 | 2 | 3 | 9 | 22 | 36 | -14 | 9 |
| 20 |  SouthamptonSouthampton | 15 | 1 | 2 | 12 | 11 | 31 | -20 | 5 |
“It’s always the most important game, but this one, we obviously have a lot in mind. We have a lot of scores to settle. We do need a really good result, and that’s what I’m hoping for, because we must leave this current situation that we’re going through.”
The 2023 arrival continued by emphasising the importance of three points against the Hammers, focusing on Wolves’ stance in the relegation zone.
“Every match is important, but obviously right now our goal is just to steer away from the relegation zone as soon as possible.
“Every three points that we can get, whether it’s against City or any other club, matters the most right now. Just being able to win the next games is key for us.”
Gomes can lead Wolves to victory at West Ham
What’s most puzzling about Wolves’ form this season is how much talent O’Neil has available to him in the current squad.
Gomes is an example of such, being a midfielder who effortlessly transitioned from the Brazilian Serie A to the Premier League to become a key figure.
| Stat | Average | Rank at Wolves |
| Minutes | 1197 | 2nd |
| Tackles | 3.4 | 1st |
| Goals | 2 | 4th |
| Dribbles | 1.9 | 1st |
| Fouls | 2.1 | 1st |
O’Neil praised Gomes’ leadership growth at Wolves, applauding the Brazilian’s development at Molineux since his move from Flamengo.
From being a passionate leader on the pitch to an assured combative presence in midfield, the 23-year-old has what it takes to lead Wolves to victory in the capital – a win that would mean more than most.