sports and game - The pressure continues to mount at the London Stadium as West Ham United travels to Molineux for a high-stakes Carabao Cup second round clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Both clubs find themselve...
s in desperate need of a confidence boost after nightmare starts to their Premier League campaigns.
West Ham's situation appears particularly dire, with Graham Potter's side rooted to the bottom of the table after shipping eight goals in their opening two fixtures. The recent 5-1 hammering by Chelsea at home has only intensified fan frustration, with serious questions being asked about the club's direction under Potter's leadership.
The Hammers are expected to ring the changes for this cup fixture, with several summer acquisitions likely to get their chance to impress. Kyle Walker-Peters and Callum Wilson, brought in to rejuvenate an aging squad, are both in line to start. Greek defender Konstantinos Mavropanos could also make his full debut as Potter seeks to shore up a defense that has looked worryingly vulnerable.
In midfield, academy graduate Freddie Potts may get his opportunity after impressing during pre-season. The youngster's energy and pressing ability could provide the spark that has been notably absent from West Ham's pedestrian midfield displays so far this term.
Between the posts, Alphonse Areola is set to replace summer signing Mads Hermansen, whose shaky start has mirrored the team's broader struggles. The French goalkeeper's experience could prove vital in what promises to be a tense affair.
For Wolves, the match represents an equally crucial opportunity to build momentum after a difficult opening to their campaign. Currently sitting 19th in the Premier League table, Gary O'Neil's side are yet to find the net in competitive action this season.
West Ham's situation appears particularly dire, with Graham Potter's side rooted to the bottom of the table after shipping eight goals in their opening two fixtures. The recent 5-1 hammering by Chelsea at home has only intensified fan frustration, with serious questions being asked about the club's direction under Potter's leadership.
The Hammers are expected to ring the changes for this cup fixture, with several summer acquisitions likely to get their chance to impress. Kyle Walker-Peters and Callum Wilson, brought in to rejuvenate an aging squad, are both in line to start. Greek defender Konstantinos Mavropanos could also make his full debut as Potter seeks to shore up a defense that has looked worryingly vulnerable.
In midfield, academy graduate Freddie Potts may get his opportunity after impressing during pre-season. The youngster's energy and pressing ability could provide the spark that has been notably absent from West Ham's pedestrian midfield displays so far this term.
Between the posts, Alphonse Areola is set to replace summer signing Mads Hermansen, whose shaky start has mirrored the team's broader struggles. The French goalkeeper's experience could prove vital in what promises to be a tense affair.
For Wolves, the match represents an equally crucial opportunity to build momentum after a difficult opening to their campaign. Currently sitting 19th in the Premier League table, Gary O'Neil's side are yet to find the net in competitive action this season.