I've been in touch with a good lad from Wolves Blog who has penned a mini preview for next Saturday's kick off against the Hammers. I have responded in kind and that will be posted on his blog shortly, but it's great to have a guest blogger and it's something I'll be looking to do more of this season. I'll post my own preview next week on here, and hope by then we have signed a bloomin striker! Oh, and don't forget our friends the Blades are live on Sky tonight away to Middlesbrough, do tune in to view a hopeful pummeling. Anyway, over to Wolves Blog.....
Wolves v West Ham
So it's the Hammers first up for Wolves at Molineux and I'm sure you lot are all licking your lips at the prospect of a comfortable 3 points against one of the newbies. I'm certainly hoping we don't make life easy for you.
I've heard good things about your attractive pass and move style, so I'm intrigued to see how Wolves cope with that. To be honest, if you dominate possession I can see you tearing us to ribbons as our defence is far from being watertight and we haven't drafted in the athletic centre-half we were all hoping for (as I write this). That being said, we've got some bright attacking players and I believe we'll cause you a few problems.
You've all probably heard of Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and don't be surprised if he gets on the scoresheet, even if we're on the receiving end in terms of the final result. We've also got a speedy little winger called Matt Jarvis and believe me when I tell you he's a handful for any full-back on his day. Of course, we're significantly weakened by the loss of Kevin Doyle and Michael Kightly; one being our record signing and the other being our best player. If we'd had both of those players on the pitch, I'd be far more confident about a favourable outcome.
In many ways, it's a tough game to call but I'm going for a score-draw, possibly 2-2. I don't think we can possibly hope to shut you out, but then again I'd be surprised if we didn't register ourselves.
Looking at the bigger picture...
Last season was interesting one for West Ham. To be honest, I thought you'd be in and around the relegation zone and after the start you had, it looked like a decent enough prediction. Even when Zola and Clarke came in I wasn't convinced you'd turn it around, but that's exactly what happened. So what are you hoping for this season? Do you expect to kick-on and finish comfortably in the top-half? Correct me if I'm wrong, but you haven't brought many players in. Is there no cash for Zola to spend or is he happy with the squad he's got?
Anyway, good luck for the season Hammers. Maybe we can reconvene for the return fixture.
We only really need a striker seeing as we have promoted a few of the up and coming youngsters who have shown they can take their chance when it arises.I predict 3-1 to West Ham.Anything less than a win will be very disappointing.
Posted by: Paul from Birmingham | 07/08/2009 at 15:19
They have problems in defence and we do up front.
I do not know what to expect from this game tbh.
But what I know is the fact, that I hate to play newbies in their first game and especialy away from home.
I still hope for 3 points.
Posted by: Pepin - Czech Hammer | 07/08/2009 at 15:19
luca toni hatrick !come on u irons lets put pre season behind us and get down to business
Posted by: john mocrow | 07/08/2009 at 15:37
Assuming that GFZ will start with a 433 I don't see how another striker is going to fit in with that. We'll start with Cole supported - presumably - by Jimenez and Dyer with options of Ashton (assuming he's still with us), Nouble and Savio coming off the bench.
The outcome of the game is very much in our hands, but I'll be interested to see how Wolves set up for it. If they view this game as one of those they can win they will come prepared to attack, but it's more likely their priority will be not to lose.
Either way, I think we'll edge it.
Incidentally, 433 is nothing new to West Ham. Greenwood was using it at least as far back as 1964.
Posted by: Bedub | 07/08/2009 at 16:15
I think you guys have got it more or less spot on.
If we give you time on the ball and surrender possession to easily, you'll win convincingly.
For Wolves to get a result, we need our young and energetic team to shut you down quickly, the crowd to become a big factor and a few moments of quality from our better players.
I'm struggling to see a Wolves win but I do hope you have an off day and we can catch you out.
Posted by: Tom @ Wolves Blog | 08/08/2009 at 11:45