The second round of the carabao Cup is an encounter that pits two like-minded teams that are badly counting their men to redeem themselves after terrible starts to the 2025-26 season. Wolverhampton Wanderers travels to Molineux Stadium to face West Ham in a much-anticipated tie that will be instrumental in raising the morale of both sides.
Let’s explore Wolves vs West Ham Carabao Cup 2025!
Match Details and Kick-off Times
Date: Tuesday, August 27, 2025
Venue: Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton
Kick-off Time: 7:30 PM BST (Local UK Time)
Global Kick-off Times
- United States: 2:30 PM ET / 11:30 AM PT
- Canada: 2:30 PM ET
- Australia: 4:30 AM AEST (Wednesday, August 28)
- India: 12:00 AM IST (Wednesday, August 28)
How to Watch Wolves vs West Ham
United States Streaming Options
Paramount Plus holds exclusive streaming rights for the Carabao Cup in the United States. The platform offers two subscription tiers:
- Paramount Plus Essential: $8 per month (includes limited ads)
- Paramount Plus Premium: Higher tier with no ads and additional Showtime content
This EFL Cup fixture will be available live on both subscription levels, making it accessible to all Paramount Plus subscribers across the country.
United Kingdom Streaming Coverage
In the UK, Sky Sports maintains exclusive broadcast rights for the Carabao Cup. The match will be shown on:
- Sky Sports Main Event
- Sky Sports UHD (4K coverage)
For cord-cutters without Sky Sports subscriptions:
- Sky Go App: Available for existing Sky Sports customers
- Now TV Sports: Day passes from £15 or monthly subscriptions from £35
Canadian Viewing Options
DAZN Canada provides comprehensive Carabao Cup coverage, including this second-round fixture. The service costs:
- Monthly Plan: CA$30 per month
- Annual Plan: CA$200 per year
DAZN Canada also includes Champions League, Europa League, and EFL Championship coverage, plus Six Nations rugby and WTA tennis.
Australian Streaming Services
beIN Sports Australia offers Carabao Cup matches through multiple platforms:
- Streaming Subscription: AU$15 per month or AU$130 annually
- Pay TV Integration: Available through Foxtel packages
- Free Trial: One-week trial period for new subscribers
The service also provides access to Ligue 1, Serie A, Bundesliga, and EFL Championship football.
Using VPN Services for International Streaming
For viewers traveling abroad or seeking access to regional content, Virtual Private Network (VPN) services can enhance streaming experiences while maintaining privacy and security.
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VPN Usage Guidelines
When considering VPN services for streaming:
- Check Platform Policies: Verify streaming service terms regarding VPN usage
- Legal Compliance: Ensure VPN use complies with local laws
- Service Compatibility: Confirm your streaming subscription allows VPN access
- Connection Security: Follow provider installation instructions carefully
Team Form Analysis: Tale of Two Struggling Sides
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Searching for Identity
Wolves enter this fixture winless in their opening Premier League matches, suffering defeats to Manchester City (0-4) and Bournemouth (0-1). Manager Vitor Pereira faces significant challenges following key summer departures.
Recent Departures Impact:
- Rayan Ait-Nouri: Left-back’s departure leaves defensive gaps
- Matheus Cunha: Creative midfielder’s absence affects attacking options
Current League Form:
- Points: 0 from 6 available
- Goals Scored: 0 in two Premier League matches
- Goals Conceded: 5 across two fixtures
West Ham United: Pressure Mounting on Potter
The Hammers endure an even more troubling start under manager Graham Potter, with two comprehensive defeats raising serious questions about tactical approach and squad preparation.
Alarming Recent Results:
- Opening Day: 0-3 loss to newly-promoted Sunderland
- London Derby Disaster: 1-5 home thrashing by Chelsea
Key Concerns:
- Defensive Fragility: 8 goals conceded in two matches
- Lack of Cohesion: New signings struggling to integrate
- Manager Pressure: Potter’s position increasingly scrutinized
Team News and Expected Lineups
Wolves Squad Updates
Defensive Changes: With Toti Gomes unavailable, Santiago Bueno likely partners Yerson Mosquera and Matt Doherty in a back three formation.
Midfield Rotation: Andre expected to replace Joao Gomes, partnering Jean-Ricner Bellegarde in central midfield.
Attack Opportunities: Enso Gonzalez and Fabio Silva ruled out, creating chances for Marshall Munetsi, Sasa Kalajdzic, and Jhon Arias.
Expected Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Goalkeeper: Sam Johnstone
- Defense: Mosquera, Bueno, Agbadou
- Midfield: Bellegarde, Gomes, Hwang, H. Bueno
- Attack: Andre, Arias, Lopez
West Ham Team Selection
Injury Concerns:
- Crysencio Summerville: Hamstring injury (return mid-September)
- Luis Guilherme: Broken collarbone (longer-term absence)
- George Earthy: Doubtful for selection
Key Players Available:
- Jarrod Bowen: Fit and ready for attacking duties
- Max Kilman: Expected to anchor back three
- Callum Wilson: Could make first start following Newcastle transfer
Expected Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Goalkeeper: Alphonse Areola
- Defense: Mavropanos, Aguerd, Todibo
- Midfield: Diouf, Walker-Peters, Rodriguez, Paqueta
- Attack: Soucek, Ward-Prowse, Bowen
Historical Head-to-Head Record
Recent meetings between these sides show competitive balance, with slight advantage to West Ham:
Last Five Encounters:
- Wolves Wins: 2
- Draws: 0
- West Ham Wins: 3
- Goals: Wolves 6, West Ham 8
Notable Recent Results:
- April 2025: Wolves 1-0 West Ham
- December 2024: West Ham 2-1 Wolves
- December 2023: West Ham 3-0 Wolves
Wolves vs West Ham—Key Players to Watch
Wolves Attacking Threats
- Jhon Arias: Versatile forward seeking first goal in English football
- Marshall Munetsi: Energetic midfielder offering pace and creativity
- Sasa Kalajdzic: Target man providing aerial presence
West Ham Danger Men
- Jarrod Bowen: Proven Premier League goalscorer and England international
- Lucas Paqueta: Brazilian playmaker with technical brilliance
- Callum Wilson: Experienced striker potentially making West Ham debut.
Tactical Analysis and Key Battles
Midfield Control
The central midfield battle could prove decisive, with both teams seeking to establish rhythm and confidence through possession-based play.
Defensive Stability
Both sides desperately need clean sheets to rebuild confidence, making defensive organization crucial for cup progression.
Set Piece Situations
With both teams struggling for goals in open play, set pieces may provide the decisive moments in this encounter.
Cup Competition Significance
For both clubs, the Carabao Cup represents more than just trophy aspirations:
Immediate Benefits
- Confidence Building: Victory provides psychological boost
- Squad Rotation: Opportunity to assess fringe players
- Momentum Creation: Positive result can kickstart league campaigns
Long-term Implications
- European Qualification: Cup success offers potential European competition pathway
- Manager Security: Results impact managerial positions and fan sentiment
- Player Development: Young players gain valuable experience
Prediction and Betting Insights
Given both teams’ poor form and desperate need for victory, this encounter promises competitive intensity despite cup competition format.
Expected Outcome: Close, low-scoring affair with extra-time potential Key Factors: Which defense shows more resilience under pressure Wild Card: Cup competition often produces unexpected results and breakthrough performances
Streaming Tips and Technical Considerations
Optimizing Your Viewing Experience
Internet Connection: Ensure stable, high-speed connection for uninterrupted streaming Device Compatibility: Verify streaming apps work on your preferred viewing device Backup Options: Have alternative streaming methods ready for technical issues.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Buffering Problems: Check internet speed and close unnecessary applications
- Geographic Restrictions: Verify VPN settings and server locations
- Account Access: Ensure subscription payments are current and account details updated
Social Media and Fan Engagement
Both clubs maintain active social media presence, providing real-time updates, behind-the-scenes content, and fan interaction opportunities throughout match day.
Official Accounts:
- Wolves: @Wolves (Twitter), Wolves (Facebook, Instagram)
- West Ham: @WestHam (Twitter), West Ham United (Facebook, Instagram)
Final thoughts
The Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United have a chance to turn their seasons around in this Carabao Cup match after poor Premier League campaigns. Both sides have mixed fortune in their league performances and the cup competitions are always a chance to gain redemption and that one breakthrough.
Stream viewers across the globe can have access through various platforms irrespective of the geographical location. A viewer in the United States can follow this exciting match of the second round on Paramount Plus, those in the United Kingdom can do so on Sky Sports, in Canada on DAZN, and in Australia on beIN Sports.
Competitive intensity should be high, with both of these proud clubs attempting to salvage disappointment on the season so far through a cup performance. A win by either would give both just the lift they needed to make their campaigns the stuff of success.
Kick-off on Tuesday, August 27, 2025, at the Molineux Stadium is set to begin at 7:30 PM BST, and this Carabao Cup match is not merely a game that will last 90 minutes – it is a battle that both teams that will play need to win to get back on their winning tracks.
