Wolves can’t dwell too long on the weekend defeat, as they face West Ham in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
Whether judging by the table or by performances, it’s fair to say that the two worst Premier League sides so far this campaign are facing off in cup competition this week.
But the league needs to be put out of their minds, as Vitor Pereira and Graham Potter get ready to face off at Molineux.
League Cup action usually sees some rotation from the so-called ‘strongest XI’, but a balance needs to be struck so as not to be found lacking in quality.
With that in mind, here’s Molineux News’predicted Wolves lineup to face West Ham.
Vitor Pereira needs to experiment with the front line vs West Ham
Wolves are yet to score a goal this season. That’s obviously a big concern, and Pereira needs to explore his attacking options.
In an ideal world, the striker spot would remain unchanged, but concerns over Jorgen Strand Larsen after Bournemouth could force Pereira’s hand.
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This is an opportunity to gauge Sasa Kalajdzic’s match readiness and give the Norwegian a rest.
Sasa Kalajdzic playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers v Aston Villa in the Premier League
Photo by James Baylis – AMA/Getty Images
Jhon Arias’ afternoon was cut short against Bournemouth, as he made way for a centre-back following Toti Gomes’ dismissal.
Despite a promising pre-season, he’s yet to get a full 90. He should start, and so should Fer Lopez, who hasn’t been given decent minutes.
Wolves’ midfield a source of uncertainty amid Andre unrest
Pereira’s comments about Andre after the weekend’s action suggest he’s not fully happy with the Brazilian.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde got the nod against Bournemouth, but it left Wolves lacking.
🗣 on Andre omission:
“For me a leader in football, positions are not a gift”
“I like Andre a lot, but I must push him to be better and increase his level”
“In my opinion in training and in the games, Bellegarde has been in better condition”
“He must deserve to play”#wolves… pic.twitter.com/5HZ2qNASRI
— 𝗠𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗨𝗘𝗫𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 (@MolineuxReport) August 23, 2025
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With the big bodies in this West Ham side, Andre’s physical presence will be key. Joao Gomes should start too, having put in solid shifts in the games so far.
Hopefully, the relationship hasn’t deteriorated enough to see Andre out of the squad.
Vitor Pereira has a decision to make at left wing-back and in Toti Gomes’ spot
Since making his Wolves debut, David Moller Wolfe has shown potential in the wing-back role. But Saturday wasn’t his best display, and the introduction of Hugo Bueno seemed to unlock more for Wolves on the left flank.
That particular battle looks like it will rage on for the season, and this time around, Bueno should get a chance from minute one.
Given Ki-Jana Hoever’s apparent injury, the choice at right wing-back is between Rodrigo Gomes and recent debutant Jackson Tchatchoua.
Jackson Tchatchoua fights for possession in Bournemouth vs Wolves.
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Gomes hasn’t had much of a run in the side this season, but Tchatchoua is the clear first choice and putting minutes in his legs should be the priority.
Toti Gomes’ suspension carries into the competition, so Santi Bueno will have to take his place as Yerson Mosquera is yet to make a full return. Sam Johnstone is still at the club, and this could be the right moment to give him a start.
Predicted XI vs West Ham: Johnstone; Tchatchoua, Doherty, S.Bueno, Agbadou, H.Bueno; Andre, Joao Gomes; Lopez, Kalajdzic, Arias.