Wolves will look to shake off their 1-0 defeat against Brentfordon the weekend in the Premier League 2025/26 campaign as they prepare to host West Ham United for a Carabao Cup clash on Tuesday, August 26 at the Molineux.
Vitor Pereira's men have had a horrible start with a 4-0 drubbing against Man City to kick-start their new league campaign followed by another defeat against Brentford where they played more than 40 minutes with a man down as Toti Gomes was sent off in the 49th minute.
However, they have an opportunity to overturn their fortunes in this cup fixture as West Ham have had a similar start to their new campaign.
The Hammers have lost their first two league games against Sunderland and Chelsea, conceding eight goals collectively whilst only scoring one.
There's a lot of pressure on manager Graham Potter as he has only five of the 21 games he has been in charge of West Ham, losing 11 matches in the process.
Just like Wolves, West Ham will also hope that they have a better team than their counterparts and a win here could provide them the confidence that they need to get going.
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Wolves vs West Ham United: Predicted starting XI, team news
Wolves will miss Toti, who is unavailable for selection and Santiago Bueno is expected to replace him in the starting lineup, forming a back three alongside Matt Doherty and Emmanuel Agbadou.
Pereira may opt for rotation and Joao Gomes could make way for Andre whereas Marshall Munetsi, Sasa Kalajdzic and Jhon Arias forming the front three for the hosts.
Wolves predicted starting XI (3-4-3, right to left): Jose Sa (GK) — Doherty, Agbadou, Santiago Bueno — Hoever, Bellegarde, Andre, Wolfe — Munetsi, Kalajdzic, Arias.
Injured: Enso Gonzalez (knee) and Leon Chiwome (knee).
Suspended: Toti Gomes
Considering the pressure mounting on Potter and West Ham, the English manager is expected to field a strong lineup against Wolves as they desperately need a win to boost their morale.
A better performance will be expected of Jean-Clair Todibo, who is set to start in defense partnering Max Kilman and Nayef Aguerd in a back three with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Diouf providing width as wingbacks.
A lot will depend on experienced players such as James Ward-Prowse in midfield and Jarrod Bowen in attack as they will have to step up and produce moments of inspiration for the Hammers.
Lucas Paqueta, who scored the sensational long ranger against Chelsea is also expected to start despite rumours of his exit. Callum Wilson could start this match ahead of Niclas Fullkrug upfront.
West Ham predicted starting XI (3-4-1-2, right to left): Hermansen (GK) — Todibo, Kilman, Aguerd — Wan-Bissaka, Ward-Prowse, Potts, Diouf — Paqueta — Bowen, Wilson.
Injured: Crysencio Summerville (thigh), George Earthy (foot), Luis Guilherme (shoulder).
Suspended: None.
Wolves vs West Ham United match details
- Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2025
- Kickoff time: 7:30 p.m. local / 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT
- Location: Molineux, Wolverhampton (England)
- Competition: EFL Cup
- Referee: Darren England
- Fourth Official: Josh Smith
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