Graham Potter looks towards Wolves boss Vitor Pereira.

(Credit: Imago)

Alex Charlton

Mon 25 August 2025 12:10, UK

Graham Potter will be eyeing salvation in the Carabao Cup after West Ham continued their woeful Premier League form.

West Ham recorded a 3-0 defeat to Sunderland on the opening day of the Premier League after a second-half capitulation.

Then, Potter’s men were battered 5-1 by Chelsea at the London Stadium, with a raft of supporters exiting early.

Next up is a trip to Wolves in the Carabao Cup second round on Tuesday, and the Hammers boss should take the opportunity to take Mads Hermansen out of the spotlight.

West Ham manager Graham Potter anxiously watches on from the dugoutPotter is already under immense pressure (Credit: Imago)Graham Potter makes wholesale changes for West Ham vs Chelsea

Hermansen received immense criticism after his performance against Chelsea and should be dropped for Alphonse Areola.

Potter may rest Aaron Wan-Bissaka and hand Kyle Walker-Peters his first start since signing on a free transfer.

Max Kilman could face his former side and is predicted to line up alongside Jean-Clair Todibo and Konstantinos Mavropanos in a back three.

On the left, Oliver Scarles should be given an opportunity to shine after impressing last campaign.

Potter will need quality within his ranks, meaning Lucas Paqueta should retain his place, with Andy Irving and Tomas Soucek behind.

Jarrod Bowen can provide a goal threat up front alongside Callum Wilson, who could make his first start.

West Ham’s boss has come under intense scrutiny, and all eyes will be on whether he keeps a back three or adjusts his formation.

Read more: Wolves vs West Ham result predicted by supercomputer

West Ham's predicted XI to face Wolves.Graham Potter and Vitor Pereira desperate for a Carabao Cup win

Given how both teams have struggled in the league, a loss could be catastrophic for either side.

While defeats are never welcomed, it is the manner of them that has caused substantial concern in East London.

Defensively, the Irons have been dire, and they have significantly struggled from set pieces this season.

As for Wolves, they were battered by Manchester City before recording a narrow loss to Bournemouth on the South Coast.

The Hammers have conceded eight goals in two gamesWolves are yet to score a goal this seasonWest Ham have won five of the last seven meetings between the teams

Given that the Premier League sides have endured problems at either end of the pitch, it could be a painful watch at Molineux.

Sign up for the West Ham Zone WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking West Ham United news sent straight to your phone.

Related Posts