This game could prove crucial in the context of the relegation scrap, with both teams looking to bolster their survival hopes. Wolves are in the midst of a poor run, while Everton’s recent form has seen them climb well above the dreaded drop zone.
Recent Form & Head-to-Head
Wolves are finding it tough to string together consistent results as the season enters its final stretch. After a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bournemouth a couple of weeks ago, they suffered a disappointing 2-1 loss at home to Fulham in Gameweek 27. The defeat left them languishing in 17th place, just five points clear of the relegation zone.
What’s more concerning for the Old Gold is their form at home. Wolves have lost nine of their last 10 Premier League home games in which they have conceded first. This poor record at Molineux has placed added pressure on them to deliver a positive result on Saturday.
Everton, on the other hand, has been steadily climbing the table thanks to a remarkable unbeaten run under manager David Moyes. The Toffees are currently 16th in the league but have built a healthy 15-point cushion over the relegation places. Everton’s defense has been notably solid away from home, having conceded just one goal or fewer in 10 of their last 11 Premier League away matches.
The reverse fixture in December saw Everton inflict a crushing 4-0 defeat on Wolves, their joint-heaviest league loss of the season. That result could inspire the Toffees as they seek to complete only their second Premier League double over Wolves, having previously done so in the COVID-affected 2020-21 season.
Player News: (just in, out, questionable)
Wolves will be without key forward Matheus Cunha, who is serving a three-match ban for violent conduct after an incident in the FA Cup loss to Bournemouth. His absence is a huge blow for the team, as Cunha has been one of their most creative and influential players this season. Marshall Munetsi or the fit-again Hwang Hee-chan are likely to fill in for Cunha, with Hwang, in particular, having shown promise on his recent return from injury.
Other injury concerns for Wolves include Goncalo Guedes (knee) and Rodrigo Gomes (groin), both of whom are doubts for this game. Wolves will also be missing Sasa Kalajdzic, Yerson Mosquera, Enso Gonzalez, Leon Chiwone, and Emmanuel Agbadou due to various injuries, leaving Vitor Pereira with a limited squad to choose from.
Everton, meanwhile, will be welcoming back Abdoulaye Doucoure, who was absent for their 1-1 draw at Brentford due to the birth of his son. The Frenchman’s return is a welcome boost for Everton, as he has been a key figure in their midfield. However, attackers Armando Broja (ankle) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (thigh) are both still recovering and might not be available for selection. Everton will also be missing Iliman Ndiaye, Seamus Coleman, Dwight McNeil, and Orel Mangala, all of whom are sidelined due to injuries.
Stats Watch
- Wolves’ Home Struggles: Wolves have lost nine of their last 10 home Premier League matches when conceding first, which highlights their vulnerability in front of their own fans. They’ll need to improve their mental fortitude if they are to stand a chance against Everton.
- Everton’s Strong Start: Of Everton's 15 goals during their seven-match unbeaten run, 11 have come in the first half. This fast start could be key to their hopes of extending their unbeaten run.
- Wolves’ Record Against Everton at Molineux: Despite their recent struggles, Wolves do have a solid record against Everton at Molineux, with only one defeat in their last seven home league meetings (W3, D3). This could provide a psychological boost for the hosts as they look to avoid another heavy defeat.
Conclusion
This match represents a crucial opportunity for both teams. Wolves are looking to cut the gap to the teams above them and move away from the relegation zone, while Everton aims to continue their strong form and ensure their safety in the Premier League.
The absence of Matheus Cunha for Wolves is a significant blow, and with their home form faltering, they’ll be under pressure to see them turning things around against a confident Everton side. David Moyes’ men have proven difficult to beat, especially away from home, and their defensive solidity will likely test Wolves’ attacking options.
That said, Wolves will take some comfort from their good record against Everton at Molineux, and with the Toffees still dealing with a number of injury concerns, meaning this should be a close encounter.