🔊 Which elite team will exit the League Cup at such an early stage? Wolverhampton and West Ham, both having a terrible start to the season, are unfortunate to face each other as early as the second round. On one hand, securing their first points in the league seems crucial right now, but on the other, a cup match presents a perfect chance to break a losing streak and finally delight their fans. The Wolves might have a slight edge in motivation as they play at their home ground, Molineux, which is why bookmakers see them as the favorites.

Head-to-Head

The last official encounter between the teams took place on 02 April 2025 and ended with a scoreline of 1:0. Here's a comparative breakdown of that match (home team – Wolverhampton Wanderers):

• ball possession percentage: 56% vs 44%;
• corner kicks: 1 vs 2;
• fouls: 16 vs 12;
• yellow cards: 4 vs 2;
• shots on target: 2 vs 1.

📊Statistical preview of official matches between the teams Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United:

• played 22 matches;
• number of wins for the home team – 9, for the away team – 12, draws – 1;
• number of goals – 24 against 30;
• average total in the 1st half – 0.91, in the 2nd half – 1.55;
• average total goals in the match – 2.45.

Wolverhampton Wanderers Team Overview

The team's most recent official match took place on as part of the Premier League tournament (home team – Bournemouth, away team – Wolverhampton Wanderers). The match concluded with a scoreline of 1:0.

Here's the game statistics (Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Bournemouth):

• ball possession: 41% vs 59%;
• corner kicks: 3 vs 8;
• fouls: 16 vs 13;
• yellow cards: 4 vs 2;
• shots on target: 1 vs 4.

🐺 Wolverhampton are navigating a challenging period. Their last win dates back to April, and they are currently on a five-match losing streak. In the Premier League opener, the Wolves were unlucky to face Man City (0-4), and even a drop in the level of opposition hasn't improved their fortunes. It was tough to expect points against Bournemouth (0-1) after playing with ten men from the 49th minute, following Toti Gomes's red card.

🏆 Perhaps Wolverhampton might find some success in the League Cup. Although, in recent seasons, their performances have been disappointing, exiting in the third round. Their last notable run was in the 2022/23 season when they reached the quarter-finals.

West Ham United Team Overview

The away team played their last official match on as part of the Premier League tournament (home team – West Ham United, away – Chelsea). The match concluded with a scoreline of 1:5.

Here are the match stats (West Ham United vs Chelsea):

• ball possession: 40% vs 60%;
• corner kicks: 7 vs 5;
• fouls: 7 vs 10;
• yellow cards: 0 vs 1;
• shots on target: 4 vs 7.

⚒ West Ham are entering this match in dreadful form. The Hammers haven't just lost their opening two Premier League fixtures; they've been thrashed with an aggregate score of 1-8. They even suffered a heavy defeat to the newly promoted Sunderland (0-3). Graham Potter's side looks utterly unprepared for the season, and their performance against Chelsea (1-5) was painful to watch. The season has barely begun, yet the manager is already on the brink of being sacked, as made clear by the club's management.

🏆 The League Cup is unlikely to turn things around, especially considering that in recent editions, the Londoners have exited in disgrace, suffering a 1-5 loss to Liverpool. Not the fondest of memories.

Prediction on the outcome

H2H:

• number of encounters – 22;
• home team wins – 9, away team wins – 12, draws – 1.

Prediction on the over/under

H2H

• the home team scores on average - 1.09, the guests - 1.36;
• average over/under goals in head-to-head matches - 2.45;
• both teams scored: overall - 7; at the home team's field - 5.

• Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored under 1.5 goals in last 8 games against West Ham United.

Prediction on corners

• Under 9.5 corners in 6 of last 7 Wolverhampton Wanderers home games against West Ham United.

Prediction on cards

H2H

• average Over/Under yellow cards in H2H matches - 2.72 (1.36 - for home team and 1.36 - for away team);
• average Over/Under yellow cards at home team's field - 2.91 (1.55 - for home team and 1.36 - for away team).

Prediction on BTTS

H2H:

• number of encounters – 22;
• both teams scored all-time - 7 times;
• on the home team’s field - 5 times.

It's challenging to make a prediction without knowing the lineups for the match. It's clear that coaches will opt for rotation to ensure their teams are in peak condition for the third round of the Premier League. Whoever fields more first-team players will have a better chance of winning. However, it's still a gamble, and with the teams appearing evenly matched, a hard-fought 1-1 draw leading to a penalty shootout seems plausible.

As for betting, a sensible option would be both teams to score – both teams to score (yes). The teams already struggle defensively, and with less-than-optimal lineups, their cohesion will likely suffer further, impacting their defensive performance.