Cunha's Future and Wolves' Survival: Sutton Predicts a Draw Against West Ham

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Amidst Matheus Cunha's transfer speculation, Chris Sutton predicts a 1-1 draw in Wolves' crucial clash against West Ham. Will Cunha's desire to leave impact Wolves' fight against relegation?

The upcoming Wolves vs West Ham match is overshadowed by the uncertainty surrounding Matheus Cunha's future. The 25-year-old, who signed a new contract in January, has been linked with several top clubs and hinted at a potential departure this summer, even before the season's end. This revelation, despite Cunha's insistence it was a small part of a wider interview, has cast a shadow over Wolves' relegation battle. Despite Cunha's absence due to suspension, Wolves have shown resilience, drawing with Everton and winning against Southampton. This suggests a capacity to perform well without their star striker. However, BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton believes Cunha's comments about seeking a trophy-winning move are detrimental to the team's survival efforts. Sutton's prediction for the Wolves vs West Ham game is a 1-1 draw. He acknowledges Wolves' nine-point cushion above the relegation zone but emphasizes that securing safety requires continued effort. He highlights Cunha's absence as a significant blow, adding that the player's public statement about wanting to leave doesn't aid the team's fight to remain in the Premier League. Paul Merson echoes Sutton's prediction of a draw and shares his belief in Wolves' survival. Opta's relegation probability model gives Wolves a mere 1.8% chance of dropping down to the Championship, currently sitting nine points clear of 18th-placed Ipswich Town. The Premier League table reflects the precarious situation: * **15. Everton:** 34 points * **16. West Ham:** 34 points * **17. Wolves:** 26 points * **18. Ipswich:** 17 points * **19. Leicester:** 17 points Wolves' recent head-to-head record against West Ham is not encouraging, with five defeats in their last six Premier League encounters. Their last meeting ended in a 2-1 loss in December 2024, during Gary O'Neil's tenure. New manager Vitor Pereira hopes to turn the tide and secure a vital point to enhance Wolves' chances of survival. While Pereira's tactical prowess has propelled Wolves to their current position, the team's recent performances and Cunha's situation create an air of uncertainty heading into this crucial match. The game promises a tense atmosphere, with both teams fighting for different objectives: West Ham potentially aiming for a European spot and Wolves desperately clinging to their Premier League status. The outcome could significantly influence the relegation battle's final outcome. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, April 1st, 2025 at 7 PM.
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