(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Match

Mads Hermansen axed, full debuts - West Ham predicted XI vs Wolves

Alex Charlton
Alex Charlton

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

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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 dugout
Potter 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 games
  • Wolves are yet to score a goal this season
  • West 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.

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Graham Potter
Carabao Cup
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