New signing Frank Nouble could make his debut appearance for the first team as Gianfranco Zola's Hammers travel to Wolves for the first game of the new Premier League season.
17-year-old Nouble, who is set to start on the bench alongside fellow striker Zavon Hines at Molineux today moved to West Ham from Chelsea during pre-season. Luis Jimenez, the club's one major summer signing is also set to make his Premier League debut.Julien Faubert - who spent the latter half of last season on loan at Real Madrid looks to have won the race to play at right-back in the continued absence of former club captain Lucas Neill.
Faubert's main rival, Jonathan Spector - who travelled all the way to Mexico in midweek for an international fixture only to be an unused substitute - will have to be content with a position on the bench.
Matthew Upson, who continues to be linked with a move to Manchester City is set to take the captaincy. He is likely to be partnered in defence by James Collins, whilst Danny Gabbidon - whose last top flight appearance came against Everton in December 2007 - is expected to be named in the 18-man squad.
West Ham United - likely starting XI: Green; Faubert, Ilunga, Collins, Upson (c); Parker, Noble, Collison; Stanislas, Jimenez, Cole.
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