All of the talk heading into Wolves clash against West Ham on Tuesday has been dominated by Matheus Cunha’s future.
Cunha has been linked with big clubs since signing a new contract in January, and the 25-year-old is destined to exit Molineux this summer.
On Monday, the Brazilian sparked mass outrage from the fanbase as Cunha hinted at leaving Wolves before the 2024/25 campaign has even drawn to a close.
Cunha urged fans to read the full interview, emphasising that his transfer comment was a small part of a discussion that was purposely cast into the spotlight.
Now, ahead of Wolves clash against West Ham, former Premier League winner Chris Sutton has issued his verdict on the situation as well as his prediction for the fixture.
- READ MORE: Dave Edwards doesn’t think Wolves ‘could ever’ do one thing with Matheus Cunha as exit edges closer
Chris Sutton shares Matheus Cunha claim in Wolves vs West Ham prediction
Wolves will head into their showdown with the Hammers without Cunha once more, as the 15-goal star serves the final two games of his suspension.
In the absence of the Brazil international, the Wanderers have secured a point against Everton and a win at Southampton, suggesting they’re capable of achieving positive results without his influence.
But, in his prediction for BBC Sport, Sutton believes Cunha’s comments about wanting to leave don’t do them any favours in their flight for survival, although he has tipped Wolves to draw 1-1.
“Wolves have got a nine-point cushion above the bottom three but they still have a bit of work to do to make sure they are completely safe,” Sutton wrote.
“Their best player Matheus Cunha is still suspended, and he is such a big miss. His recent comments about wanting to leave to win trophies are hardly much help to them either.
“I’d like to pick a winner but I am not sure that will get me anywhere – this game smells of a draw. 1-1.”
- READ MORE: Vitor Pereira can shock Wolves fans at 7pm by naming ‘excellent’ player in his XI vs West Ham
Wolves head to head record against West Ham
Paul Merson has predicted Wolves to draw against West Ham, agreeing with Sutton, and he also thinks the Old Gold will survive this term.
Wolves have a 1.8% chance of relegation, according to Opta, and they are currently nine points above 18th place Ipswich Town.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 15 |  EvertonEverton | 29 | 7 | 13 | 9 | 32 | 36 | -4 | 34 |
| 16 |  West HamWest Ham | 29 | 9 | 7 | 13 | 33 | 49 | -16 | 34 |
| 17 |  WolvesWolves | 29 | 7 | 5 | 17 | 40 | 58 | -18 | 26 |
| 18 |  IpswichIpswich | 29 | 3 | 8 | 18 | 28 | 62 | -34 | 17 |
| 19 |  LeicesterLeicester | 29 | 4 | 5 | 20 | 25 | 65 | -40 | 17 |
The job is far from complete but Vitor Pereira’s tactical expertise has placed Wolves in a prominent position, and that will fill them with confidence.
| Date | Fixture | W/DL | Scoreline |
| 27 Feb 2022 | West Ham v Wolves | L | 1-0 |
| 01 Oct 2022 | West Ham v Wolves | L | 2-0 |
| 14 Jan 2023 | Wolves v West Ham | W | 1-0 |
| 17 Dec 2023 | West Ham v Wolves | L | 3-0 |
| 06 Apr 2024 | Wolves v West Ham | L | 1-2 |
| 09 Dec 2024 | West Ham v Wolves | L | 2-1 |
However, what won’t fill them with hope ahead of Tuesday nights match is their recent record against the Hammers, having lost five of their last six meetings in the Premier League.
Wolves lost 2-1 against West Ham in December 2024 in what was the penultimate game of Gary O’Neil’s time in charge. Pereira will now look to avenge his predecessor and put the Old Gold one step closer to safety.