Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United are set to clash at Molineux on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in a crucial Premier League encounter that could significantly impact both teams' standings as the season nears its conclusion. With both clubs looking to distance themselves from the relegation zone, the stakes are high in this matchup.
West Ham comes into this fixture with a strong historical edge, having won seven of their last nine encounters against Wolves. They are aiming for their fourth consecutive victory over Wolverhampton for the first time since 1958. However, the Hammers have struggled for consistency since the appointment of manager Graham Potter, collecting only 11 points from nine fixtures since he took charge.
Meanwhile, Wolves are hoping to solidify their Premier League status after a much-needed victory against Southampton just before the international break. Jørgen Strand Larsen's double helped Wolves secure a 2-1 win at St Mary's, allowing them to move nine points clear of the relegation zone. This victory was vital, especially considering Wolves have only won two of their previous ten matches prior to that game.
As the teams prepare for this pivotal clash, Wolves will be without their star striker Matheus Cunha, who is serving a four-match suspension due to a red card received in the FA Cup. This absence is a significant blow for Vítor Pereira's side, who will rely heavily on Strand Larsen to lead the attack. The Norwegian forward is in good form, having scored his tenth goal of the Premier League season in the recent match against Southampton.
In addition to Cunha, Wolves will also miss long-term absentees Yerson Mosquera, Enso González, and Saša Kalajdžić. However, Pereira confirmed that there are no new injury concerns following the international break, which is a relief for the Wolves camp as they look to build on their recent success.
On the other side, West Ham is also dealing with injury issues. They will be without Crysencio Summerville and Michail Antonio, which limits their attacking options. However, the return of Niclas Füllkrug from a hamstring injury provides a boost for the Hammers. Füllkrug, who joined from Borussia Dortmund, has been sidelined for several months but is expected to be included in the squad for this match.
The last time these two teams met was just over three months ago, when West Ham narrowly defeated Wolves 2-1 at the London Stadium, with Jarrod Bowen scoring the decisive goal. This rematch will feature two different managers and potentially different strategies, making it difficult to predict the outcome.
Wolves will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage at Molineux, where they have collected seven points from six home games under Pereira. The atmosphere is expected to be electric as fans hope to see their team secure another vital win to further distance themselves from relegation.
Kickoff for this match is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. BST, which translates to 2:45 p.m. ET or 11:45 a.m. PT in North America. The game will be broadcast live on USA Network, and fans can also stream it online via NBC Sports.
As both teams prepare for this important clash, the question remains: who will emerge victorious in this battle for Premier League survival? With both sides having their strengths and weaknesses, it promises to be a closely contested affair.
In terms of predicted lineups, Wolverhampton Wanderers are expected to field a 3-4-2-1 formation with José Sá in goal, supported by a defensive trio of Doherty, Agbadou, and Toti. The midfield will feature Semedo, André, João Gomes, and Aït-Nouri, while Strand Larsen will be joined by Munetsi and Bellegarde in attack.
West Ham, on the other hand, is likely to adopt a 5-2-2-1 formation, with Areola in goal and a backline consisting of Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Mavropanos, and Scarles. The midfield will include Souček and Ward-Prowse, with Paquetá, Kudus, and Bowen leading the attack.
As the match approaches, anticipation builds among fans and players alike. With both teams desperate for points, expect a fierce battle on the pitch as Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United vie for supremacy in this crucial Premier League fixture.
Ultimately, the outcome of this match could have significant ramifications for both clubs as they aim to secure their places in the Premier League for next season. With the pressure mounting, both teams will need to rise to the occasion and deliver their best performances to achieve a positive result.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the excitement is palpable. Will Wolves continue their resurgence and confirm their Premier League status, or will West Ham capitalize on their historical dominance to secure another vital win? Only time will tell as these two teams clash in what promises to be an unforgettable encounter.
