Wolves travel up to West Ham on Sunday to take home all three points from the capital to boost their top-half hopes.
Gary O’Neil’s side returned to winning ways last week after seeing out a 1-0 victory over Burnley before settling for a point against Nottingham Forest.
While the performances weren’t ideal, it was more points on the board for Wolves as they extended their unbeaten run at Molineux to seven games.
However, away from home, Wolves have struggled. O’Neil’s side have lost their last three games on the road with performances in each being subpar. Last time out, they were defeated 2-1 by Arsenal after letting in two goals early on.
This weekend will provide a different test as Wolves look to close the gap on West Ham. The Hammers are five points above the visitors in ninth, however, just lost 5-0 to Fulham in their last Premier League match.
With kick-off now closing in here is our ultimate preview for the game containing, predictions, team news, opinions and O’Neil’s thoughts
Gary O’Neil confirms the return of star play
After spending the last few games out on the sidelines, O’Neil has now confirmed that Rayan Ait-Nouri will be fit for West Ham.
The defender had been out injured since being forced off against Fulham but has now recovered in time for the weekend’s clash.
Joining him is Mario Lemina who was subbed off last weekend against Nottingham Forest.
O’Neil also provided a positive update about Pedro Neto’s situation which can be read here.
Wolves are a “dangerous side”
Looking ahead to the game, Paul Merson believes Wolves can be a danger to West Ham on Sunday.
The side has scored in all but one game this season, the 1-0 defeat to Man United on the opening day.
With West Ham coming off the back of a 2-0 victory in the Europa League to top their group it is undoubtedly going to be a close affair.
To see what score Merson has predicted for the tie, you can find out here.
Where to watch West Ham vs Wolves
The Premier League fixture will be live on Sky Sports on Sunday. Kick-off for the tie is at 14:00.
The fixture is one of many Wolves games that will be broadcast live on TV over the Christmas period.
To find what other games you can watch in the UK click here.
Gary O’Neil needs to solve three big problems
There is no doubt that Wolves will have to be at their best if they are to get anything from the game.
West Ham are very good at home and are unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions at the London Stadium. This includes a 3-1 victory over Arsenal.
Before the game, there are three major issues that O’Neil needs to solve which we have analysed here.
Gary O’Neil excited to face his former side
The Wolves manager spent three years at the Hammers as a player between 2011-13.
During this time he helped return the club to the Premier League after a 2-1 win against Blackpool in the play-off final.
Now, returning to face his former side as an opposing manager, O’Neil is looking forward to taking on the London side.
He told Wolves: “I loved my time there. As a Millwall fan growing up, my dad and my grandad both supporting Millwall, when I went down there when I was young, there was a small bit made of me playing for West Ham, but it’s very different from being a 12-year-old fan to being a professional footballer.
“It was quite a way apart, but I loved my time there, a great club, a big club as well, and I didn’t realise how big it was really until I arrived there, and it has a massive following, a massive support. I had a really serious injury that the club really helped me get through, so fond memories from my time there.
“I know how big it is and know how well they’ve been able to progress over the last few years, with the new stadium and obviously winning in Europe last season, a high finish in the league the season before, they’re managing to progress, the club’s in a good place, and it’s a game we’re really looking forward to.
“It’s a game where we can try and go there and give the best version of ourselves and that gives us a real good chance to win the game.”