West Ham manager Graham Potter
Credit: Imago
Parth Jhaveri
Mon 31 March 2025 16:23, UK
Graham Potter could make a drastic change to his starting lineup after sharing a team news update ahead of West Ham’s clash with Wolves.
The Hammers return to action in the Premier League after the international break as Potter’s side travel to Molineux on Tuesday (1 April).
The Irons were held to a 1-1 draw against Everton last time out as defender Jake O’Brien scored in stoppage time to kill West Ham’s hopes of walking with all the three points.
West Ham are languishing in 16th place and, although they are safe from the immediate threat of relegation, the current position does not reflect their season aspirations.
With a trip on Wolves up next, Potter has been handed an injury boost ahead of the game.
Niclas Fullkrug could return to the team after lengthy injury (Credit: Imago)
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Niclas Fullkrug boost for clash v Wolves
West Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug has been out of action since January after suffering a hamstring injury and was expected to return to action in the first week of April.
When asked about the German, Potter provided the injury boost that the 32-year-old – who has 11 appearances this season – has started training with the group and is likely to be in the contention for the game.
With the German available for selection, Potter must start the experienced striker over Evan Ferguson, who has struggled since his loan move from Brighton.
Opposition Home/Away
Wolves Away
Bournemouth Home
Liverpool Away
Southampton Home
West Ham’s next fixtures
The Hammers struggled to score goals in the last few games as the absence of a striker has hurt Potter’s side.
The former Chelsea manager could now go with a 5-3-2 formation, with Oliver Scarles, Max Kilman, Aaron Cresswell, Jean-Clair Todibo and Aaron Wan-Bissaka forming the backline.
Tomas Soucek, James Ward-Prowse and Lucas Paqueta will provide the solidity and creativity in the midfield.
The two-striker formation will be led by Jarrod Bowen and the returning Fullkrug.
West Ham predicted lineup
West Ham predicted XI v Wolves
Potter needs to start getting results
Julen Lopetegui was sacked in January as West Ham were very much in the relegation mix. The Hammers appointed Potter to improve the situation and take West Ham back to the upper half of the league table.
Despite the Englishman’s arrival at the London Stadium, the results have not drastically improved. In nine Premier League games, Potter has managed to guide West Ham to three wins and two draws and suffered four defeats.
While they remain 17 points clear of the relegation zone, West Ham need to start progressing and picking up points consistently to avoid calling this season a disaster.
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