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How the return of West Ham’s experienced leader can give the Hammers hope of survival – opinion

West Ham United are in the midst of a relegation battle, with David Moyes’ side precariously perched in 16th place, above the relegation zone on goal difference alone. They are level on 27 points with fellow strugglers Watford and A.F.C Bournemouth, but the Hammers have received an enormous boost ahead of their clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday. Andriy Yarmolenko could be set to feature for the first time this year after he returned to training last week following a thigh injury.

The Ukrainian international has been desperately unfortunate with injuries since joining West Ham United and has only been able to feature 24 times for the east London outfit, missing 45 games. 15 of those appearances came at the start of this term as the Hammers fired themselves towards a potential European spot under Manuel Pellegrini, but his absence coincided with results beginning to turn, as he featured for fewer minutes.

The forward’s three goals and one assist in the Premier League this term helped West Ham to secure eight top-flight points, as per WhoScored. Yarmolenko’s return is timely with Sebastien Haller having found the back of the net once in his past ten appearances for Moyes’ side. Similarly, fellow forward Michail Antonio has one goal and two assists in the same period. The 30-year-old’s return gives the Scottish manager even more options at his disposal in attacking area’s and if he sticks with 4-4-2, an impactful substitute to bring off of the bench.

Having previously operated as a right forward under Pellegrini, Yarmolenko will have to adapt slightly. His stocky frame and towering stature, along with an eye for goal, means that he would probably be better suited leading the line than replacing Jarrod Bowen on the right side of a midfield four.

Despite his absence, only two players, Haller, seven, and Snodgrass, five, have found the back of the net more often from open play than the Ukrainian international’s three Premier League goals, as per WhoScored. The added firepower in forward areas provided by his return could be the catalyst for the Hammers to lift themselves away from the impending danger below and ensure another season of top-flight football under the management of David Moyes.

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