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Premier League | Gameweek 9

Oct 1, 2022 at 5.30pm UK

London Stadium

West Ham
2 - 0
Wolves

Scamacca (29'), Bowen (54')
Rice (52'), Cresswell (83')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Neves (14'), Moutinho (22')

Bruno Lage coy over Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back options

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 30 September 2022

Bruno Lage coy over Wolves centre-back options

Bruno Lage remains coy over his central defensive options ahead of Wolverhampton Wanderers' Premier League fixture away at West Ham United on Saturday evening.

Head coach Bruno Lage has refused to reveal how Wolverhampton Wanderers will line up in defence against West Ham United on Saturday evening.

Before the Premier League fixture with Manchester City on September 17, Lage was able to call upon a settled centre-back partnership of Nathan Collins and Max Kilman.

However, the former will serve a three-match ban after a reckless challenge on Jack Grealish deservedly earned the Republic of Ireland international a three-match ban.

Having failed to bring in alternatives to Conor Coady and Willy Boly, Wolves are short of experience in the middle of their backline with Toti Gomes and Yerson Mosquera the only recognised options.

Nevertheless, Ruben Neves deputised in that position during the second half against the champions, making a positive impact alongside Kilman.

Ruben Neves celebrates scoring for Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 28, 2022 © Reuters

Addressing the situation at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Lage also added that Jonny may come into contention, despite his lack of height.

The Portuguese told reporters, as quoted by Express & Star journalist Liam Keen: "Yerson has come from a long period of injury. Toti didn't do pre-season.

"They are young players that want a chance. Jonny can also play in that position, so lets see."

Having been recalled by his loan spell with Grasshopper Zurich in January, Toti went on to make five starts in all competitions during the second half of last season.

Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Bruno Lage on September 17, 2022 © Reuters

With the 23-year-old in the team, Wolves posted two wins, two defeats and one draw, but teammate Mosquera is still waiting to earn his first Premier League minutes.

The Colombian suffered a significant hamstring injury during the early stages of his debut against Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup 12 months ago and has not made a first-team outing since that fixture.

Wolves will be without Collins for matches against the Hammers, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, with Collins not due to return until the trip to Crystal Palace on October 18.

Lage's team begin the weekend sitting in 17th position in the standings and will drop into the relegation zone with defeat at the London Stadium.