West Ham United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Prediction 01.09.2026 | EFL Championship

West Ham’s shock relegation to the second tier of English football with 39 points—the highest points tally for a relegated team since 2011—left deep wounds in East London, but the club is fully prepared to launch a swift campaign for immediate redemption.

Despite dropping out of the top flight, the board maintained absolute faith in Portuguese tactician Nuno Espírito Santo. The hierarchy strongly believes he can replicate his historic 2018 success, when he famously guided none other than Wolverhampton Wanderers to a dominant Championship title.

However, the Hammers' bid for a monumental return to the Premier League has been anything but promising. They find themselves among the rare group of teams still searching for their first league victory of the campaign after the opening three rounds, having picked up just two points from a possible nine.

In terms of team news, experienced Czech Republic midfielder Tomáš Souček remains sidelined as he recovers from an ankle injury sustained at the World Cup this summer. Fortunately for the manager, the rest of the squad is fully fit, leaving Espírito Santo with no excuses as he looks to kickstart a slow campaign and ease the growing pressure on his position.

In stark contrast to their Tuesday hosts, Wolverhampton Wanderers have responded exceptionally well to last season's Premier League relegation. They remain completely unbeaten in their new league campaign, a fine run of form that includes safely navigating two EFL Cup hurdles to cruise into the third round.

On the domestic front, the outlook is incredibly encouraging for the Old Gold. Following an entertaining four-goal draw against Blackburn Rovers on opening day, they put on back-to-back dominant displays, dispatching Preston North End 3-1 before dismantling Stoke City 4-1.

Even more impressive is the fact that the Molineux-based side's frontline is firing on all cylinders. Looking absolutely unstoppable, they have already established themselves as the most lethal attack in the division with nine goals scored, meaning they travel to the capital riding a massive wave of confidence.

However, manager Cesar Peixoto faces significant selection headaches. A crucial quartet consisting of Yerson Mosquera, Kieran Trippier, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, and winger Rafiki Said have all been ruled out due to injury, while both Sam Johnstone and Ladislav Krejčí face late fitness tests.