Wolverhampton Wanderers

Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter

Image source, Getty Images

There was a consensus among Wolves supporters contacting BBC Radio WM last week about what they were getting in their new defender Emmanuel Agbadou.

"He's a unit."

Having met him after his first appearance for the club in Saturday's FA Cup tie at Bristol City, I can confirm they were right.

Talking to a small group of reporters, he presented as a gentle soul, quietly but genuinely overjoyed to be in England: "It's a dream. When you play football you want to play in the Premier League, because there are a lot of good players who play there. It is a dream, and today the dream has come true, so I want just to enjoy."

He is the first signing made since the arrival of Vitor Pereira, who has spoken in much the same terms over the past few weeks - refreshing sentiments at a time of the season when it is easy to become jaded, especially at a struggling club.

Agbadou shaped up well enough at Ashton Gate. There were a few moments of miscommunication with his team-mates, not unreasonable after only having met them a couple of days earlier. After each hiccup he could immediately be seen signalling to Pereira for guidance: a good sign of a busy mind and, hopefully, a quick learner.

He acknowledged there is a lot to learn, after his experiences in the top divisions in Belgium and France.

"It's not the same. Even when you play against a Championship team, the game never stops," he said. "It's transition, transition, transition. You don't have time to stop. So it's very different."

From the bench, Pereira agrees the pace is the difference between English football and the game elsewhere. On Tuesday, he related a discussion with midfielder Andre, comparing their experiences in Brazil - Pereira has managed two clubs there - with the Premier League.

"The difference is, when we have a throw-in in Brazil, we have time to do it. We breathe a bit, we rest a bit - calm, calm...

"Here, if you sleep 10 seconds, you will wake up losing the game 1-0. The game doesn't stop, never stops.

"But this is something that I love. To be, every time, connected, one step ahead... I feel that I'm playing, with my team."

At St James' Park later, Agbadou will really find out what the Premier League is like, and he has been primed about the atmosphere.

"Yes, they tell me that. But this is the Premier League, and I think every team plays like this..."

Listen to full commentary of Newcastle v Wolves at 19:30 GMT on Wednesday on BBC Radio WM (DAB/Freeview and BBC Sounds)

Tune into The West Midlands Football Phone-In from 18:00 on weeknights

This is pretty straightforward as far as predictions go.

Newcastle are on for a domestic Treble this season - well, on current form anyway - and I do not see their eight-game winning streak stopping here.

Wolves had made a good start under new boss Vitor Pereira but they had their bubble burst by Nottingham Forest in their last league game, and I do not see them dealing with the Magpies' firepower.

Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon have been great and Jacob Murphy is absolutely flying. I am really pleased for Murphy because a lot of people forget about him - but I haven't, I have got him in my Fantasy team.

Sutton's prediction: 3-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

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Wolves have lost their past three Premier League away games against Newcastle and have never kept a clean sheet in nine visits to St James' Park in the division.

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

Wolves boss Vitor Pereira has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game at Newcastle (19:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Pereira confirmed Nelson Semedo, Matheus Cunha and Craig Dawson are fit and ready for Wednesday: "They are coming back from injury and we need to be careful with minutes, but we need players with their quality."

• Pereira also confirmed Mario Lemina is available after recovering from illness.

• On the midfielder's contract, which expires in the summer: "It's an issue he must solve with the club. We know what he wants and we now have to solve the issue. I expect him to be professional."

• On top scorer Cunha's return from a two-match ban: "In the conversations that we have together, he is very comfortable. He's very happy with his role in the team. If he's happy, I'm happy. If he plays at a high level, I'm happy for him."

• However, Pereira was not drawn into talking about his striker's future: "I don't know - you must ask the club. He's my player and I won't lose sleep thinking about it."

• Pereira has been pleased with Rodrigo Gomes' attitude since arriving at Molineux: "He's small, but he has a lot of energy. He is very happy as a person, smiling every time with good energy. If he starts on the bench, he's the same and helps the team. This is the personality I like."

• On opponents Newcastle: "A team that has eight wins in a row. They play with identity at a physical level, technical level and tactical level. They are a strong team, but I don't know any perfect teams. With our game and our qualities, we have the players. We can't allow them to play how they want to."

Follow all of Tuesday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Commentary of Newcastle v Wolves will be available on the BBC Sport website from 19:30 GMT on Wednesday as part of our live coverage of the Premier League's midweek fixtures

Dazzling Dave
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Before the FA Cup tie at Bristol City, some Wolves fans voiced a familiar opinion: prioritise Premier League survival and field a weaker side in the cup.

Vitor Pereira, however, had other ideas. Ignoring the cautious calls, he opted for a strong squad, signalling his intent to take the competition seriously.

That decision paid off, at least in the first half. Wolves treated their fans to 25 minutes of champagne football - a showcase of Premier League quality that Bristol City simply could not match. Wolves played some of their best football this season, with quick passing, sharp movement and attacking flair.

Yet, for all their dominance, Wolves failed to capitalise on all their chances, losing their flow and intensity - and the sense of control and assurance began to fade.

It highlighted a recurring issue - Wolves' inability to sustain their dominance over the full 90 minutes.

If Pereira wants to see his team push up the Premier League table and navigate cup ties successfully, he will need to focus on extending those periods of brilliance and instilling a ruthless, killer edge in front of goal.

One bright spark in the match was Rodrigo Gomes, who stood out with his energy, creativity, and potential. Once considered "not ready" for Premier League action under Gary O'Neil, Rodrigo now seems to be thriving under Pereira's guidance.

Comparisons with Pedro Neto have already begun. While their styles differ, Rodrigo's ceiling looks equally high.

Wolves' second-half dip was a stark reminder of the work still needed. Newcastle are next up in the league and one of the most in-form sides. Wolves will have to stretch that spell of brilliance into a consistent 90-minute display if they hope to secure any points.

Every victory sends a clear message: this team is capable of competing.

Success in the FA Cup offers more than just progression. It also provides a valuable break from league pressures and can build momentum that fuels stronger performances in the Premier League.

The win over Bristol City highlights progress, but unlocking Wolves' full potential remains an ongoing challenge.

Find more from Dazzling Dave at Always Wolves, external

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Derby County have cut short the loan stay of Wolves attacking midfielder Tawanda Chirewa.

The 21-year-old Zimbabwe international moved to Pride Park from the Premier League side on a season-long deal last summer, but made just six appearances in all competitions in his near five-month stay with the Rams.

"Derby have opted to exercise the right to end the loan agreement during the current transfer window," said the Championship club on its website.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's FA Cup game between Bristol City and Wolves.

Here are some of your comments:

Wol: I thought that we played well in the first half with our quick counter-attacks and pace down the flanks. The City goal changed the half-time team talk and in the second half they were more attacking and we sat back. But we could easily have scored a couple more goals ourselves. Overall, we deserved the win and it was just what we needed after the Nottingham Forest defeat.

John: Typical of Wolves this season - we could have scored five and could have conceded three! Given it was the same against Forest and we lost 3-0, sorting the clinical finishing and leaky defence is key for Vitor Peirera.

Graham: An efficient performance and a good win. Two minuses to highlight are the inability to defend set-pieces and the performance of Hwang Hee-chan who cannot keep missing golden chances.

Shaun: Wolves were predictably the architects of putting themselves under pressure, yet I felt they never got out of second gear all game. Great first 45 minutes, sloppy from that point on. Need to convert those chances.

Simon: Great first-half performance, fast football andgreat to see fluidity in attack. However one player seemed to be carried by the team and his only contribution was allowing Bristol City back into the game. Hwang is done and we need to cash in on him. He had half a good season but the rest of his career has been marred by low confidence. A nice guy but when £20m is on the table, it's time to say thank you and goodbye.

The draw for the FA Cup fourth round has been made. Here is a list of all the ties involving Premier League teams in the order they were drawn.

Games will be played over the weekend of 8 February.

• Manchester United v Leicester

• Brighton v Chelsea

• Exeter v Nottingham Forest

• Coventry v Ipswich

• Blackburn v Wolves

• Mansfield/Wigan v Fulham

• Birmingham v Newcastle

• Plymouth v Liverpool

• Everton v Bournemouth

• Aston Villa v Tottenham

• Southampton v Burnley

• Leyton Orient/Derby v Manchester City

• Doncaster v Crystal Palace

See the full draw

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Wolves have won six of their past seven FA Cup games against teams from lower divisions, after winning just one of their previous eight before that (D4 L3).

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Wolves' performance

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

The FA Cup third round continues on Saturday, with three Premier League teams involved in early kick-offs.

This is how you can follow the action:

• Bristol City v Wolves (12:00) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Liverpool v Accrington Stanley (12:15) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Leicester v QPR (14:00)

Kick-off times GMT

Follow all of the action and reaction

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The FA Cup third round is well under way, with Premier League sides Everton, Fulham and Aston Villa the clubs already booking their places in the fourth-round draw with wins on Thursday and Friday.

But for other sides hoping for a healthy cup run this season, when will the draw take place?

The draw will be live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer following the conclusion of the Arsenal v Manchester United tie, which kicks off at 15:00 GMT on Sunday.

It will include 32 teams - with all third-round matches this weekend settled on the day - and the resulting ties will be played over the weekend commencing Saturday, 8 February.

BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton has made his predictions for all 32 FA Cup third round games and given his verdict on who will make it into round four.

For this week's matches he is up against actor and musician Billy Bob Thornton, who is a Liverpool fan.

Sutton's prediction: 2-2 - Bristol City to win on penalties

Bristol City have picked up a bit of form of late, with three wins and a draw since Christmas.

They did well in the FA Cup last season, knocking out West Ham and then taking Nottingham Forest to a replay, and I fancy them to cause a bit of a shock here too.

Vitor Pereira made a good start as Wolves boss, but they were well beaten by Forest on Monday. He will want to get some momentum back, but how strong does he go?

I suspect he will give some of his fringe players a go, which will make an awkward tie even harder.

Billy's prediction: 1-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Josh Lobley
BBC Sport Journalist

Wolves boss Vitor Pereira has been speaking to the media before Saturday's FA Cup game against Bristol City (kick-off 12:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Pereira was asked about the fitness of Nelson Semedo, Craig Dawson and Toti Gomes: "They are working to recover as soon as possible. I can't say the amount of time they need to come back. They are doing good work. I don't think [they will be available for Bristol City]."

• On centre-back Emmanuel Agbadou, who signed for the club this week: "He's a player that can help the team. Strong in duels, fast for his weight and he is a technical player. He has the qualities I like to see in a centre-back. He can play in the three positions [in a back three]. He is a defender but has the skills to build the play. I believe we have signed a good player."

• Asked if there could be any more signings this month, Pereira said: "The market is about opportunities. We are looking for opportunities. Another midfielder is important for us, in my opinion."

• More on the club's transfer strategy: "They work and propose to me some players to check. We cannot think about the long-term future. January is not the market to take risks. We need to find the right players to come and help us now."

• Pereira hinted that goalkeeper Sam Johnstone could play in Saturday's match: "We have internal and external competition [for positions], which is good. We have four goalkeepers who are doing very good work. It is a possibility for Sam to show his qualities in the next game."

Follow Friday's FA Cup news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Image source, Getty Images

Wolves have won both of their previous FA Cup meetings with Bristol City, winning 1-0 in February 1973 (fourth round) and 1-0 again in February 2019 (fifth round).

Image source, Getty Images

We asked you to tell us one thing - good or bad - that nobody seems to be talking about at Molineux.

Here are some of your comments:

Dan: How Matt Doherty has seemingly transformed into a technical ball-playing aggressive right centre-back with strong aerial threat. Vitor Pereira has transformed him from a bench-warming has-been into an integral part of our new system, even handing him the armband on Monday. It has been great to see him revitalised in this new hybrid role and enjoying playing football again.

Rae: One thing with Wolves no one is talking about is the owners. Fosun had ambition in the past and many fans now believe the plan is to coast along and just not get relegated. This window is huge for Wolves as it could determine the likelihood of if the fans really turn on the owners.

Joe: Vitor Pereira's distinct lack of enthusiasm for the club. Every question he is asked about managing Wolves produces answer how about "how great the Premier League is". I believe he is the right person to save our season regardless, but if he does keep us in the Premier League next season, I want to see him invest some emotion for Wolves as a club, not just the players and the league.

Bobby: We are too small as a team and need a midfielder who can head the ball. Thankfully, Boubacar Traore is nearly fit and he could be the missing link for the second half of the season.

Dan: Are the owners ever going to put their hands in their pockets to continue with the stadium redevelopments? The Stan Cullis Stand was improved ages ago, but nothing has been done to improve the Steve Bull and connect them together. More seats are needed, and improved facilities might justify the massive price increases that are laid on fans each year.

Image source, Getty Images

Wolves have completed the £16.6m signing of defender Emmanuel Agbadou from Reims.

The 27-year-old centre-back has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at Molineux, with the option of an extra 12 months.

The Ivorian becomes Vitor Pereira's first signing at the club.

Vitor Pereira was handed his first loss as Wolves boss on Monday as his side were defeated 3-0 by high-flying Nottingham Forest.

Having claimed seven points from his first three games in charge, Pereira will be hoping his new team can quickly bounce back and progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup against Bristol City on Saturday.

But along with the new boss' positivity and an uptick in results, what else have you noticed at Wolves over recent weeks?

We want you to tell us the one thing good or bad - that no-one is talking about right now.

Have your say - and come back on Thursday for a selection of replies

Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter

Image source, Getty Images

"The result is a heavy result, for what we played in the game," said Vitor Pereira after a Monday night where Wolves had simultaneously managed to appear quite close to Nottingham Forest yet, at the same time, miles away from beating them.

Wolves lost by three, but could easily have scored more than that themselves. Forest's goalkeeper Matz Sels had much more to do than Jose Sa, yet from the moment they took the lead the visitors played with a quiet confidence. That is what a few wins do for you. The second half played out like a one-sided cup tie, when the plucky underdogs kept on swinging, but only hit fresh air.

Pereira's media appearances so far have projected a sunny realism - a positive outlook and talking up the ability of his players, while not denying the challenges. This feels like the right frame of mind to lead the club through the next few weeks.

There have been causes for optimism, even in the defeat by Forest. With a long list of absentees, including their most talented forward Matheus Cunha, they showed they could create clear chances, and the young wing-backs Pedro Lima and Rodrigo Gomes delivered pace, energy and crosses that deserved better results.

It is not being unfairly negative to note the strength of their next few opponents in the Premier League - Newcastle, Chelsea, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Liverpool - and say that Wolves could play well in all of those games and still lose. Any points from those, especially away from home, will feel as good as if they count double. Pereira's biggest challenge may be to keep heads up, in the team and stands. What we have heard so far suggests he will be up to that.

But the major difference between Wolves and most Premier League strugglers - and what should, despite all that has happened, be enough to keep them safe - is their ability to score goals.

This responsibility has rested chiefly with Cunha, but Jorgen Strand Larsen's performances have been increasingly encouraging. Yes, he ought to have taken more of his chances on Monday, but his efforts to join up Wolves' attacking players have become more effective.

With Larsen as a spearhead, Wolves can ask hard questions of any of the European contenders in the coming weeks - and could trip them up.

Listen to full commentary of Bristol City v Wolves at 12:00 GMT on Saturday on BBC Radio WM and the BBC Sport website and app

Tune into The West Midlands Football Phone-In from 18:00 on weeknights

Wolves and Bournemouth are interested in Chelsea's 21-year-old Portugal defender Renato Veiga. (Mail, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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