Cole to lead Hammers attack

Carlton Cole is West Ham’s only fit senior striker for their opening Barclays Premier League match against Wolves.

Manager Gianfranco Zola is likely to use loan signing Luis Jimenez and Kieron Dyer as support from out wide for Cole, ahead of a three-man midfield.

West Ham are without long-term absentees Dean Ashton (ankle), Luis Boa Morte (Knee) and Valon Behrami (ankle). Danny Gabbidon could make his first Premier League appearance in 18 months after recovering from abdominal and back injuries while Zola must decide whether to give new signing Fabio Daprela his debut at right-back.

Provisional squad: Green, Ilunga, Upson, Gabbidon, Faubert, Noble, Parker, Collison, Dyer, Jimenez, Cole, Stech, Daprela, Tomkins, Collins, Stanislas, Kovac, Savio, Spector, Davenport.