As Wolverhampton Wanderers host West Ham United at Molineux on Tuesday night, both teams find themselves navigating challenging campaigns. With Wolves striving to secure Premier League safety and West Ham aiming to build consistency, this clash promises to be a fascinating contest under the floodlights.
- Date: 01/04/2025
- Kick-off time: 19:45
- Location: Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton
Wolves have shown signs of recovery under Vítor Pereira, who has injected resilience into a side that was deep in relegation trouble when he took over in December. The Midlands club currently sit 17th in the table, nine points clear of the drop zone, thanks to a crucial 2-1 victory over Southampton before the international break. Jorgen Strand Larsen was the hero in that match, scoring both goals and showcasing the attacking threat Wolves have developed under Pereira.
However, Wolves’ form remains patchy. They have won three of their last six Premier League outings but have struggled at home, losing five of their last seven matches at Molineux. Pereira’s side have also been hampered by injuries and suspensions, with Matheus Cunha unavailable due to disciplinary issues and long-term absentees such as Sasa Kalajdzic further limiting their options. Despite these challenges, Wolves have scored in each of their past eight fixtures, demonstrating their ability to find the net even under pressure.
West Ham United enter this fixture sitting 16th in the table, eight points ahead of Wolves. Graham Potter’s side have endured an inconsistent season, with moments of promise overshadowed by frustrating results. The Hammers drew 1-1 against Everton in their last match before the international break, conceding a late equaliser that highlighted their lack of composure in key moments.
While West Ham have lost only one of their last four league games, they suffered six defeats in their previous eight matches—a stark reminder of their struggles. Their away form has been particularly concerning, with just one win from their last six trips on the road. Potter will be eager for his team to rediscover the creativity and clinical edge that saw them defeat Arsenal and Leicester City earlier in the year.
West Ham’s attacking options remain potent despite injuries to Niclas Fullkrug and Michail Antonio. Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek have been key contributors this season, with Bowen providing seven goals and five assists while Souček continues to influence games from midfield. However, Potter will need his side to show greater cohesion if they are to claim three points against a determined Wolves outfit.
The reverse fixture between these teams saw West Ham triumph 2-1 at London Stadium in December, extending their winning streak against Wolves to three consecutive matches. Historically, West Ham have enjoyed success against Wolves, but Molineux presents a tougher challenge given Wolves’ recent resurgence under Pereira.
Tactically, this match could hinge on Wolves’ ability to exploit West Ham’s defensive vulnerabilities while maintaining discipline at the back. Pereira’s side have shown resilience but remain prone to conceding first—a pattern they must avoid against a Hammers side capable of punishing mistakes. For West Ham, Bowen and Souček will be pivotal in breaking down Wolves’ defence, while Potter will hope his team can improve their efficiency in front of goal after scoring just six times in their last eight matches.