Wolves v West Ham preview: Vitor Pereira demanding focus amid crucial week

With a nine point gap to the bottom three and with just nine games left to play, many have considered Wolves safe from relegation.

But until it is mathematically certain, Pereira is aiming to avoid complacency and is urging his side to put in a passionate performance against West Ham tonight.

"This is the first step to making a mistake," Pereira said when asked about Wolves being considered safe from the drop.

"The next game is the most important game for us.

"We must keep fighting to get points because with the other teams, sometimes one result changes everything.

"We are not in the position to sleep or relax. We are in a position where we must be alert.

"We need to fight for what we want, that's why I don't want to speak about the future.

"I want to speak about the present, it's more important.

"I want a game with passion, with the energy of our supporters, to feel proud of ourselves at the end of the game and make our supporters proud."

Wolves could mathematically secure safety this month with Ipswich and Leicester both facing tough fixtures.

But this week in particular will be key to Wolves' chances of staying up as they take on the Hammers and then travel to Portman Road this week to take on the Tractor Boys.

And Pereira is acutely aware of the chance Wolves have in front of them ahead of a crucial week.

"It's a big opportunity for us to get three more points and to keep fighting with our supporters," the head coach added.

"Play with passion and make them proud.

"The players, the team, gives me confidence and I'm very confident (for this game).

"I'm very confident that we will compete for the three points and the next game we will compete again for three points.

"This is the spirit I want to see in my team."

Wolves will take on the Hammers with no fresh injury concerns after 14 first team players left to play international football.

Jorgen Strand Larsen, who played the last two games with a fractured hand, was due to go away with Norway but withdrew from the squad to give his injury more time to heal.

Pereira has now confirmed he is available for selection today for the test against West Ham.

As a result, Pereira could name an unchanged starting XI for the third consecutive game.

Jose Sa is likely to keep his place in goal, while the back five is unlikely to change as they continue their improved defensive form.

Rodrigo Gomes could be given a start after returning from his injury, but it would mean dropping either Rayan Ait-Nouri or captain Nelson Semedo.

Andre and Joao Gomes are both in form in midfield, while Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Marshall Munetsi have combined well as the two number 10s behind Larsen.

Bellegarde's form, in particular, has made him Wolves' most dangerous player of late with Matheus Cunha suspended.