Wolves’ key fixtures in Premier League relegation battle

It’s no shock that former Spain, Real Madrid and Europa League-winning coach Julen Lopetegui has facilitated a definite enchancment at Molineux after succeeding Bruno Lage as Wolves supervisor.

The Spaniard has returned Wolves to a state of useful effectivity. They’re hardly probably the most inspiring staff the Premier League has to supply, however they’re technically proficient and stout sufficient in defence.

Despite scoring simply ten targets in 2023, Wolves have gathered 14 factors from ten video games – the ninth-best document within the division. This enchancment has seen Lopetegui’s aspect creep up the desk, however whereas many anticipate them to stay within the high flight subsequent season, the compactness of the underside half means they are not out of hazard simply but.

Here’s what Wolves’ schedule appears like to shut out the 2022/23 season.

Wolves vs Leeds

Up subsequent for Wolves is the reverse fixture of the opening sport of the season. Leeds beat Lage’s aspect 2-1 at Elland Road to open up 2022/23; a defeat that foreshadowed the Portuguese supervisor’s demise within the Midlands.

Leeds, too, may have a distinct boss within the dugout with Javi Gracia succeeding Jesse Marsch on the helm. The Spaniard’s begin as supervisor has been respectable sufficient, and you would be silly to rule out a draw on Saturday afternoon.

Nottingham Forest vs Wolves

Wolves are on the highway as they return from the worldwide break. Nottingham Forest’s residence document has stored them afloat this time period, with the City Ground proving to be a troublesome place for each Premier League staff to go to.

Again, that is one other contest by which Lopetegui might be content material with some extent.

Leicester vs Wolves

The lack of televised motion reveals what the broadcasters consider Lopetegui’s Wolves. They’re hardly the patron’s dream.

Wolves have gained simply twice on the highway all season (one in every of which got here towards Nathan Jones’ Southampton), and it stays to be seen whether or not Leicester’s woes will perpetuate after the worldwide break.

Wolves vs Crystal Palace

Another potential relegation contender visits Molineux simply a few days after their journey to the King Power.

Crystal Palace have all of a sudden discovered themselves within the combine having endured a winless 2023 to this point. While Patrick Vieira’s aspect sit simply forward of Wolves in twelfth, they’re simply three factors away from the drop zone.

Wolves vs Everton

With a go to to potential champions Arsenal beckoning on the ultimate day, Wolves will wish to guarantee their destiny is secured effectively earlier than.

They’ll tackle Sean Dyche’s plucky Everton on the penultimate matchday of the marketing campaign and the issue of Everton’s schedule down the stretch means it is extra seemingly the guests will want one thing from this one.

Wolves have been slumping earlier than Lopetegui’s arrival however the Spaniard has since introduced some unspectacular stability. They’re slowly selecting up factors and making their means up the desk, however they continue to be simply three factors away from the drop in thirteenth.

It’s additionally price noting that Wolves have additionally performed a sport greater than most of their fellow relegation candidates at this stage.