After a brutal start to the Premier League, with five straight defeats for the first time in the club's history, Wolverhampton Wanderers return to Carabao Cup action tonight against Everton. For Wolves, this is about more than progressing in the competition: it's an opportunity to reset, restore some confidence, and offer a response to mounting pressure and fan unrest. Manager Vítor Pereira will be hoping to use this as a springboard for some positive results.
Team News & Injuries
Wolves may be low on confidence, although there is some positive news as Jørgen Stand Larsen will be back in contention after featuring for 45 minutes in last weekend's loss to Leeds United, having also scored twice in the last round of the cup. Ki-Jana Hoever also made the matchday squad against Leeds, which suggests he is also fit. With no new injury concerns, there will be no selection issues for Pereira.
Everton, meanwhile, will likely use this game to make some changes of their own. Rumours suggest that there will be some squad rotation, with fringe players and youngsters getting some game time.
Recent form
Morale is currently low at Wolves, enduring their worst start to any league campaign in the club's history, with no wins or points on the board. The only promising moment so far came in the previous round of the Carabao cup after coming from behind to beat West Ham 3-2, with Strand Larsen scoring two late goals. That performance demonstrated character and provided the team with something to build on.
Everton have had some mixed results but have shown plenty of promise, including a strong performance in the Merseyside derby and a 3-2 win over tonight's hosts in their recent league fixture. That recent win at Molineux will give the visitors a psychological edge.
Tactical considerations
Pereira faces a balancing act: whether to treat this fixture as an opportunity to rotate heavily or to field the strongest side possible in an attempt to build momentum. Given Wolves' poor start to the Premier League campaign, fans will most likely be expecting a strong showing.
Key players to watch out for
Jørgen Strand Larsen - His form and fitness will be crucial. If he scores tonight Wolves will have hope.
Tolu Arokodare - Still yet to score for his new club, pressure and expectation will be mounting, and this could be the perfect platform for the new boy to get off the mark.
Fer López - Has looked bright in spells when he's been on the pitch, but hasn't been given enough time to shine so far. Tonight could be the perfect game for him to showcase his skills.
Wolves need this. Not just for a cup run, but for morale at the club. If Everton rotates their squad, the home advantage could be enough to exploit any disjointness in the Everton squad. However, The Toffee's recent win at Molinuex will mean the visitors will arrive with confidence high.
From where Wolves are now, a gritty performance, disciplined defending, perhaps taking the game to Everton, has to be the minimum. If everything falls into place, a win is not out of reach.
Match Prediction
Wolves 1, Everton 1 after 90 minutes, and Wolves to edge the tie on penalties.
