The Express and Star’s Tim Spiers gives us the lowdown on Saturday's visitors
The Express and Star’s Wolverhampton Wanderers’ correspondent Tim Spiers gives us the lowdown on Saturday's visitors
Three wins in a row, Wolves must be full of confidence going into Saturday's game?
“Yeah, it’s kind of come out of nowhere really; they had a couple of thrashings against Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday just before Christmas which left them in a bit of trouble. They were far closer to the bottom then the top six, the pressure was certainly on Kenny Jackett. They were leaking goals and had no-one really to come into the side and change it.
“To counteract that, he’s completely changed the tactics to 4-5-1, gone ultra-defensive, stuck the midfield just in-front of the back four which has ground out three wins and three clean sheets.
“It’s certainly given Jackett some breathing room and the season has been transformed over those six days really. They’re certainly looking up to the Play Offs rather than over their shoulders.”
Which players have stood out so far this season, who we should look out for?
“Jordan Graham has been the one standout to really catch the eye, he’s only played eight or nine games but he’s been pretty much Man-of-the-Match in every one and has contributed seven assists in that time. He’s a left-winger who was on loan at Oxford United but they brought him back and now he’s absolutely flying.
“He picked up an ankle knock against Brighton on New Years’ Day so it’s touch and go whether he’ll be available for today’s game. He’s certainly a danger man.
“Otherwise, you’ve got Benik Afobe, he may not have hit the heights of last season but he’ still scoring pretty regularly, he’s scored nine goals now this season. He’s a real special talent and can make something happen out of nothing.”
How important is the FA Cup for Wolves this season, how does it compare in significance to the League campaign?
“It’s a game they certainly want to win and it would keep the momentum going massively. He’s picked the same team in all three games over the Christmas period so I’d expect some changes.
“As far as priorities go, the league is definitely the most important. They’ve got a lot of work to do if they want to get into the Play Offs. It’s certainly a game that Kenny Jackett is looking forward to, obviously as a former Millwall manager there’s a huge rivalry there.”
Whatever happens, this’ll be Wolves’ last visit to the Boleyn Ground, are there any standout moments for you throughout the years?
“Back in 2010, Wolves came here and won 3-1. It was an important win because they were in the relegation zone at the time. Generally they haven’t done too well away at West Ham.
“Back in 1990, Liam Brady played his last ever game against Wolves, West Ham won 4-0 and he scored late on, he was an excellent player.”
What is your prediction for Saturday's score?
“I’m expecting a good game. Wolves sold out their allocation of 3,000 a week ago so there should be a strong following and a good atmosphere. It also depends on how seriously West Ham take the game. Wolves are certainly capable of getting a 1-1 draw.”
Three wins in a row, Wolves must be full of confidence going into Saturday's game?
“Yeah, it’s kind of come out of nowhere really; they had a couple of thrashings against Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday just before Christmas which left them in a bit of trouble. They were far closer to the bottom then the top six, the pressure was certainly on Kenny Jackett. They were leaking goals and had no-one really to come into the side and change it.
“To counteract that, he’s completely changed the tactics to 4-5-1, gone ultra-defensive, stuck the midfield just in-front of the back four which has ground out three wins and three clean sheets.
“It’s certainly given Jackett some breathing room and the season has been transformed over those six days really. They’re certainly looking up to the Play Offs rather than over their shoulders.”
Which players have stood out so far this season, who we should look out for?
“Jordan Graham has been the one standout to really catch the eye, he’s only played eight or nine games but he’s been pretty much Man-of-the-Match in every one and has contributed seven assists in that time. He’s a left-winger who was on loan at Oxford United but they brought him back and now he’s absolutely flying.
“He picked up an ankle knock against Brighton on New Years’ Day so it’s touch and go whether he’ll be available for today’s game. He’s certainly a danger man.
“Otherwise, you’ve got Benik Afobe, he may not have hit the heights of last season but he’ still scoring pretty regularly, he’s scored nine goals now this season. He’s a real special talent and can make something happen out of nothing.”
How important is the FA Cup for Wolves this season, how does it compare in significance to the League campaign?
“It’s a game they certainly want to win and it would keep the momentum going massively. He’s picked the same team in all three games over the Christmas period so I’d expect some changes.
“As far as priorities go, the league is definitely the most important. They’ve got a lot of work to do if they want to get into the Play Offs. It’s certainly a game that Kenny Jackett is looking forward to, obviously as a former Millwall manager there’s a huge rivalry there.”
Whatever happens, this’ll be Wolves’ last visit to the Boleyn Ground, are there any standout moments for you throughout the years?
“Back in 2010, Wolves came here and won 3-1. It was an important win because they were in the relegation zone at the time. Generally they haven’t done too well away at West Ham.
“Back in 1990, Liam Brady played his last ever game against Wolves, West Ham won 4-0 and he scored late on, he was an excellent player.”
What is your prediction for Saturday's score?
“I’m expecting a good game. Wolves sold out their allocation of 3,000 a week ago so there should be a strong following and a good atmosphere. It also depends on how seriously West Ham take the game. Wolves are certainly capable of getting a 1-1 draw.”