Wolves defender Toti Gomes 'has to start' his side's Premier League clash with West Ham this weekend, according to reliable journalist Liam Keen.

The Lowdown: Wolves back in action

After a long break without a game, Wanderers return to action on Saturday evening, making the trip to east London to take on the Hammers.

Bruno Lage is badly in need of a positive result after a poor beginning to the season, with Wolves going into the weekend fixtures sitting 17th in the table. West Ham are one place and two points behind them, however, highlighting the importance of Saturday's game.

The Latest: Keen wants Gomes to start

Taking to Twitter on Friday, The Express & Star's Keen talked up Gomes starting the game, with Max Kilman's role being tweaked in the process:

"Every decision is a big one and the centre-back issue is an interesting one for Wolves ahead the West Ham game. In my view, Toti Gomes has to start, which means moving Max Kilman to the right of two centre-backs - which he is more than capable of."

The Verdict: Makes complete sense

Granted, Gomes only has five first-team appearances to his name for Wolves, none of which have come this season, but needs must at the moment, following Nathan Collins' red card against Manchester City that has led to a three-match suspension.

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At 23, the Portuguese defender is maturing as a player and this should be viewed as a wonderful opportunity for him to prove himself to Lage, having been such a bit-part player to date.

The absence of Collins of clearly a blow for such a big match but Gomes has been described as 'absolutely excellent' and 'fantastic' by former Conor Coady and can produce an influential showing at the London Stadium.