It is simply time for the Manuel Pellegrini era to kick off for West Ham United, as they hope to avoid an embarrassing four straight defeats to begin the season against newly promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Hammers may feel their season finally has a moment of an upswing after their first win of the season, but it came after falling behind to modest side AFC Wimbledon in the League Cup during midweek. After falling apart to Bournemouth at home two weeks ago in a game they should have won, the Hammers really do need to win this one considering again the great spending they have this summer and expectations for this campaign.

As with almost every game in the Premier League, it will be far from easy, as Wolves feature their talented, attacking roster full of quality. Littered with Portuguese talents like Ruben Neves, Helder Costa and Diogo Jota, Nuno Santos outlet will be another test for West Ham to keep a clean sheet for the first time in 2018-19.

Aaron Cresswell getting the nod at left back over Arthur Masuaku could help that, but the Hammers will also hope defensive midfield Carlos Sanchez can build off his start vs Arsenal and provided needed obstinate tendencies for the side. Captain Mark Noble is on the bench as Robert Snodgrass gets another start.

It’s a crucial one already for the Hammers. It’s time for all the money spent and optimism of July and early August now go into results on this first day of September. We’ll see if it does, because it needs to happen.

LINEUPS AND ROSTER