West Ham United's Premier League survival hopes face a pivotal test this Saturday as they travel to face bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. With both teams entrenched in the relegation zone, this fixture represents a genuine six-pointer that could define the rest of their seasons.
A Must-Win Fixture at Molineux
The start of 2026 has delivered a critical sequence for the Hammers, who are currently four points adrift of safety. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo knows that defeats against direct rivals Wolves and the upcoming match with Nottingham Forest could plunge his side deeper into trouble. While Wanderers are yet to secure a league win this campaign, they have shown recent resilience with a draw at Manchester United and narrow defeats to Arsenal and Liverpool, proving they are no pushovers.
Defensive Dilemmas for Nuno
Espirito Santo's defensive options have been stretched thin. Regular full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf remain at the Africa Cup of Nations with DR Congo and Senegal respectively. This has seen Kyle Walker-Peters and 20-year-old Ollie Scarles deputise, with the latter looking to redeem himself after a costly error against Fulham.
A significant concern is the fitness of £36 million defender Jean-Clair Todibo, who was substituted with a groin injury in the draw with Brighton. The manager confirmed the Frenchman will be assessed ahead of the Wolves clash. If he is unavailable, Konstantinos Mavropanos is the likely replacement in the heart of defence alongside Max Kilman.
Midfield Consistency and Attacking Reliance
In midfield, the youthful duo of Freddie Potts and Soungoutou Magassa have cemented their places, bringing energy to the engine room. They are expected to be joined by 21-year-old summer signing Mateus Fernandes, who has impressed since his move from Southampton, contributing two goals and an assist.
The goal-scoring burden continues to fall heavily on captain Jarrod Bowen, who has five league goals this term. He is predicted to start up front, potentially alongside Crysencio Summerville, who could return to the starting eleven after being named on the bench last time out. The creative influence of Lucas Paqueta will operate just behind them.
Experienced striker Callum Wilson may have to impact the game from the bench, but attacking reinforcements are on the horizon. The club is reportedly closing in on the signings of Pablo from Gil Vicente and £25 million Taty Castellanos from Lazio.
Full predicted XI (4-3-1-2): Areola; Walker-Peters, Mavropanos, Kilman, Scarles; Potts, Magassa, Fernandes; Paqueta; Bowen, Summerville.
