Wolverhampton Wanderers

Dan Roan
Sports editor

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A decision on whether to scrap the Premier League's controversial Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and adopt an "alternative system" is "coming up", says chief executive Richard Masters.

The current regulations, introduced in 2015-16 to prevent clubs from overspending, allow losses of £105m over a three-year reporting cycle.

However, they have been criticised by several top-flight teams for limiting their ability to invest.

BBC Sport has been told a decision on any changes is likely to be made at a meeting in November.

In February, clubs chose to continue with PSR for the current season.

However a squad cost ratio (SCR) system of financial control was adopted by the Premier League on a shadowing, non-binding basis.

SCR is similar to Uefa's existing financial rules and allows clubs to spend up to a percentage of their total revenues on squad-related costs.

Nine of the league's 20 clubs already have to comply with Uefa's SCR as a result of qualifying for Europe. Both Chelsea and Aston Villa were fined by Uefa in July for breaching the rules.

Asked about SCR at the Leaders sports conference in London, Masters said: "We are talking to our clubs about an alternative system. That's not to say we don't think the PSR system works."

He added: "It's about closer alignment with European regulation, which is squad cost ratio, which is a revenue test. In Uefa, it's now set at 70%. Our system will be 85% because we always want our clubs to have the ability to invest.

"The Premier League has been built on the back of investment in which international capital flows [are] coming in. We don't want that to be to be stifled off."

Read more here

Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter

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Let's adapt a Chinese proverb: "A journey to 40 points starts with a single step. But it should have been three steps."

All the same, there was more cheer to be had from Saturday's performance at Tottenham.

In a scrappy game, Wolves were better at scrapping, a trait that will serve them well in the difficult months ahead. Everyone agreed there were a lot of good things to take forward for the rest of the season.

But, hang on. Which things exactly?

Vitor Pereira sent out almost the same team that competently saw off Everton in the Carabao Cup last week, which is to say an almost completely different team, in a different formation, to the one that fell in a heap against Leeds.

On this page earlier this week, you'll have read George Lakin of Always Wolves, and others, heralding a back four as the way forward.

But at half-time, and at nil-nil, Pereira changed it back, reintroducing Emmanuel Agbadou as the middle man of three centre-backs. Afterwards, the coach told me it had worked. "In my opinion, we controlled the second half. We created the best chance, we played better football, and in my opinion, we deserved to win."

So reverting to a back five was to gain more control?

"Of course, because in the first half we conceded a lot of dangerous crosses - we were facing some problems. That's why it's important to have not one system but two systems working, and when we cannot control with one system, we control with the other."

As such, those calling for Pereira to settle on his 'best XI' may be disappointed. By this reading, Wolves may be dogged, but not dogmatic.

Some things are clearer. Sam Johnstone, not immediately taken to the hearts of the supporters, has brought a welcome steadiness recently and staked his claim to stay in the team.

Ladislav Krejci is the most obviously ready of the summer signings and bears the hallmarks of a leader. His position, in whatever formation, seems assured.

Hugo Bueno, the best crosser in the squad, is now in possession at left-back - or wing-back.

Most of all, Wolves look up for the fight, and are at least conscious that they really are in a battle to stay up. Pereira believes they will win it: "I don't have any doubts."

Listen to full commentary of Wolves v Brighton at 14:00 BST on Sunday on BBC Radio WM

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

Explore Wolves content on BBC Sounds

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Whether there are any plans for Fosun to invest in Wolves' academy has been a topic sent in via our 'Ask about Wolves' form.

It would be harsh to say Wolves' academy has stood still because one problem they have is seeing their best young talent taken by others.

Striker Jashayde Greenwood, an England Under-16 international, is joining Chelsea, with the move to be settled by a tribunal.

So it does not mean there is no talent, but Wolves are vulnerable to seeing their best prospects leave. There is no protection for clubs, who have their best talent cherry picked by other bigger sides.

In terms of those who are at the club, 15-year-old midfielder Jerome Abbey has trained with the first team, was on the bench for the under-21s against Real Madrid this month and is considered a real talent.

Recently, Chem Campbell, Luke Cundle and Dion Sanderson have all left Molineux for EFL clubs. If they are not going to have a career at Wolves, it remains a feather in the cap for the academy for any graduate to forge a career in the game.

Steve Davis is pathways manager, a role which was created three years ago to strengthen the link between the academy and the first team.

So there is a focus on the academy, and with Profit and Sustainability Rules always a consideration, bringing players through will remain one of the priorities.

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George Lakin
Fan writer

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Inhale. Hold. Exhale. Whisper it: Wolves might not actually be that bad.

At least not as bad as we all feared after the first five games anyway.

Despite building a squad overloaded with centre-backs for a season of rock-solid, five-at-the-back football, we somehow look better with most of them on the bench.

New signing Ladislav Krejci, first used in midfield by Vitor Pereira, and Santiago Bueno, who seemed surplus to requirements in the summer, are forming a surprisingly solid partnership in an old-fashioned back four.

Krejci is a natural leader and organiser - something we have missed since the days of Conor Coady and Ruben Neves. You don't captain Sparta Prague at 23, end a nine-year title drought and lift a domestic cup unless you have something special.

He wasn't cheap (the fee will exceed 30m euros) but that is what it costs to compete in the Premier League, and so far he looks worth every penny.

Calls for a back four have come and gone before, usually followed by panic and a return to a five after we start shipping goals. But this feels different.

Great defences are built on partnerships, and in Bueno and Krejci we have two players who read each other well, who are tough and physical but also comfortable on the ball. Krejci might even have the best first touch in the entire squad.

Sam Johnstone also adds calm behind them, and with Joao Gomes and Andre screening in front, you can see the spine of a proper side taking shape. The heartbeat from which everything ticks.

As we edge into October, it seems Pereira is finally close to figuring out his best system and starting XI. Now he must trust it. Give it more than 45 minutes, and resist the urge to throw on defenders when we're in the ascendancy.

Saturday night proved we have a squad more than capable of competing.

Besides, shutting up shop rarely works in the Premier League, sit deep for too long and someone will pick the lock, as Joao Palhinha's 94th-minute gut punch revealed in the most devastating fashion imaginable.

Find more from George Lakin at Always Wolves, external

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Spurs and Wolves.

Here are some of your comments:

Spurs fans

Mickey: Battling point against a side we should be beating. The lack of a dominant striker is holding us back. As hard as he works, as hard as he tries, Richarlison isn't anywhere close to being the answer. Bergvall is posing more of a threat. There's so many positives under Frank and this will improve no doubts, but we can't keep relying on bit-part forwards.

Alan: Same old Spurs. You could put your house on them either losing or dropping points against the bottom team. Happens every time. Xavi Simons is not good enough - lightweight. Well done Wolves - should have won the game.

Helen: Simply not good enough. It should have been three points for the taking, Wolves at home. More passion, more determination, and tighter play going forward please - COYS!

Kevin: Woeful. Frank's summary after the game beggars belief. Wolves deserved a win - they were faster and won every first and second ball, while Spurs were lethargic at best. These high-earning superstars need to knuckle down.

Wolves fans

Jill: I am gutted at the result but thought we played really well. A back four is the way to play and Santiago Bueno is a must to start. We looked solid at the back and pace up front. The only disappointment is why Hwang is playing. Surely Fer Lopez should be starting. We played like we know the team can play and hope that this is the springboard to kick start our season.

Stanley: Far better than any other league games this season. We did well under pressure but again we failed to keep a clean sheet. Conceding in the 94th minute feels hard to take but at least we got a point at last. We have to kick on from this now. We know our best starting line up and we need to keep it. We have some good subs to use so not all doom and gloom yet.

Mel: At last we showed some cohesion within the team. Good performance by the lads and after making nine changes we saw a fighting spirit. Unlucky to concede the equaliser but it's still a good point away from home!

Neil: I thought it was an impressive display. Hopefully he can stick with these players and system for the next matches and surely Sam Johnstone has to keep his place.

Wolves boss Vitor Pereira, speaking to BBC Sport: "We deserved the three points and almost in the end it's difficult to accept. I'm trying to come back but it's difficult. We controlled the game in the second half.

"The spirit was there. Everything was there but the last minute, it's football.

"It's difficult to come to this stadium and play this way. The first half we had some problems but the second half my team were the best team on the pitch.

"Keeping this spirit, two games in a row without losing, we played very well against Everton. Tactically and mentally we are in conditions to compete. We are on the same page. I believe we'll get points.

"They are working well, all of them, fighting for the position. We need to find our balance, give some confidence for the first XI. When they came from the bench they showed the spirit we have in this team.

"Mentally we are stronger.

"We [him and the owner] talk every day, if we have something to talk, we talk."

Did you know?

• Wolves remain winless in their last 10 Premier League games (D2 L8) - this after winning six in a row in the league beforehand.

Hear from Hugo Bueno and more from Pereira on BBC Sounds

Pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday’s Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Crystal Palace 2-1 Liverpool

• Nottingham Forest 0-1 Sunderland

Emily Salley
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Having trailed at half-time in each of their nine previous Premier League games, Wolves manager Vitor Pereira will have been relieved to see his team enter the break on level terms for the first time since April.

Tuesday's 2-0 victory over Everton in the Carabao Cup helped ease the misery around Molineux and it was evident that it had given the players a much-needed confidence boost.

Pereira made nine changes from last weekend's defeat by Leeds - instead keeping faith in the side that triumphed against the Toffees.

Sam Johnstone kept his place in between the posts and Wolves had the England goalkeeper to thank for keeping Spurs out for the majority of the game.

Given the nod ahead of regular starter Jose Sa, Johnstone twice denied Mohammed Kudus and commanded his box to deal with a barrage of Tottenham crosses.

Despite Spurs' late equaliser, there will be a sense of optimism around Wolves as they proved they are improving and can indeed compete with the league's top teams.

Even after Bueno's goal they continued to pile on the pressure and threatened to double their lead.

But in the end there was little they could do to stop Joao Palhinha's ferocious strike.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Tottenham's performance

What did you make of Wolves' display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Thomas Frank makes seven changes to the Tottenham team that started in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Doncaster in the Carabao Cup.

Antonin Kinsky, Pedro Porro, Kevin Danso, Archie Gray, Brennan Johnson, Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert all make way.

Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie, Lucas Bergvall, Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison come back into the starting line-up.

Tottenham XI: Vicario, Spence, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie, Bentancur, Bergvall, Palhinha, Simons, Kudus, Richarlison

Substitutes: Kinsky, Danso, Tel, Gray, Johnson, Porro, Odobert, Sarr, Scarlett

There is only the one change to Vitor Pereira's Wolves after their 2-0 win against Everton in the Carabao Cup.

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde is replaced by Joao Gomes.

Wolves XI: Johnstone, Doherty, H Bueno, Krejci, S Bueno, Munetsi, Andre, J Gomes, Arias, Strand Larsen, Hwang

Substitutes: Sa, Moller Wolfe, Agbadou, Arokodare, R Gomes, Toti, Bellegarde, Lopez, Tchatchoua

There are seven games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Brentford v Manchester United (12:30)

• Chelsea v Brighton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Crystal Palace v Liverpool - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Leeds United v Bournemouth

• Manchester City v Burnley

• Nottingham Forest v Sunderland (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Tottenham v Wolves (20:00)

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Crystal Palace v Liverpool" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Nottingham Forest v Sunderland", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Things are getting desperate for Wolves after five straight defeats in the league, but it is hard to make a case for them getting anything here.

Tottenham showed great resilience to come back late on to rescue a point at Brighton last week. They have got that side to them now where you feel they can get something from games, even when things go wrong for them.

I was at their Champions League win over Villarreal when they huffed and puffed but still got the job done. This game might not be entirely straightforward for them either, but I am expecting the same outcome.

Sutton's prediction: 1-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

Tottenham look to continue their strong start to the season against a Wolves side still pointless in the Premier League. BBC Sport takes a look at some of the key themes before Saturday's match.

Spurs will begin as overwhelming favourites in this game despite failing to win any of their previous five meetings with Wolves. They lost four of those games, with their last victory in this fixture coming courtesy of Harry Kane's 250th goal for the club in August 2022.

Tottenham will be optimistic of putting that record right given their promising performances under Thomas Frank. Wednesday's Carabao Cup victory over Doncaster Rovers made it five wins from eight matches under the Dane. Coincidentally, that is as many victories as predecessor Ange Postecoglou earned in his first eight games.

Frank's arrival has, as expected, added some much-needed structure and solidity to Spurs, though so far that has not come at the cost of attacking threat. The north London side have scored 10 Premier League goals already, second only to Liverpool.

But just like the Merseysiders, they have dramatically outperformed their expected goals total, scoring four goals more than would typically be expected basis on the quality of chances created.

Wolves in danger of sixth straight league defeat

Tuesday's 2-0 victory over Everton was Wolves' second win against top-flight opposition in the EFL Cup this term, but they are still yet to earn a point in the league and risk becoming just the fourth team to lose their opening six fixtures in a Premier League campaign.

In addition to this season's five defeats, they also ended last term poorly, meaning they have taken just one point from the last 27 available – in May's final-day draw against Brentford, then managed by Frank.

Wolves went in front after just eight minutes against Leeds last weekend, but were already 3-1 down by half-time, with boss Vitor Pereira admitting his side did not show "our level" during the opening 45 minutes.

Slow starts have been a recurring issue for Pereira's side, who have already conceded nine times before the break. That is at least four more than any other Premier League club and represents 75% of their total goals conceded.

They cannot afford to be playing catch-up in the second half on Saturday, as Tottenham are the only top-flight side yet to concede after the interval.

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Wolves boss Vitor Pereira has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Tottenham (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Pereira said there are no new injury concerns "which is good", but it creates "a big headache" for him in terms of selection and missing out players "who deserve to be" in the starting XI.

• He added that "he prefers this kind of headache" though because it means he "has a full squad ready to help".

• Jorgen Strand Larsen will not play 90 minutes as they continue to build up his minutes.

• On whether he will stick to four at the back like he did in the Carabao Cup victory over Everton: "Tottenham are a different challenge. I believe that being conditioned to play in two different systems is better for us."

• More on that midweek win: "A good result brings confidence, smiles and good energy. We have been working well to prepare for the game tomorrow."

• Pereira said they need a Premier League win "because after that everything can change", but he also has "no doubts" they will "increase their level in the next weeks".

• On there being no cause for concern yet: "I don't like to be in this position [in the league]. It is the first time in my career that I am, but I know why the start was not the best or how we wanted. We've been facing some problems but now is the time that I start to see the connection between the players."

• On Tolu Arokodare, who scored against Everton: "He scored a beautiful goal which showed quality in the finishing. He still needs to get into [better physical] condition to play 90 minutes with intensity."

Hear more from Pereira on BBC Sounds

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

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The fourth-round fixtures of the EFL Cup have been confirmed:

• Arsenal v Brighton

• Grimsby Town v Brentford

• Swansea City v Manchester City

• Newcastle United v Tottenham

• Wrexham v Cardiff City

• Liverpool v Crystal Palace

• Wolves v Chelsea

• Wycombe v Fulham

Ties to be played in the week of 27 October

Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The Carabao Cup is, obviously, not Wolves' top priority this season - or, to put it another way, Wolves are about 35 Premier League points short of being able to make the Carabao Cup their priority.

But you've got to start somewhere, so last night's win over Everton came as much as a relief as a revelation.

Vitor Pereira might have learned some useful things about his squad too, but most important for now were the smiles and the cheers, lifting the misery that hung around Molineux after the lamentable show against Leeds.

This was a more sound performance than in the previous round against West Ham. Yes, Everton didn't start with a Premier League line-up, but for most of the second half they fielded largely the team that embarrassed Wolves just three weeks ago.

This sturdier version of Wolves was built, unusually for Pereira, on a back four.

"I'm here not to please myself," he explained, "but to find solutions, to try to put my players in a comfortable position, to feel comfortable to play in their level. And today, I like it."

Whether or not he employs it at Tottenham on Saturday, at least it is now clear that he has that option. Several players looked happier in their adjusted roles. Ladislav Krejci, signed primarily as a centre-back, started there for the first time and kept the team organised. Sam Johnstone brought a sense of calm to in goal.

Others just seemed sharper. Jhon Arias was more influential than in any of his previous appearances, while Andre - dropped again on Saturday - proved an effective midfield minesweeper. Tolu Arokodare, having appeared far short of fitness in his first two games, seized his chance with a remarkably confident finish.

And Marshall Munetsi, who alas may be destined to be a player valued more by managers for his unstinting work rate than by fans for his skills, answered some of that criticism with a well-taken and much deserved goal.

Regardless of the competition, this was an encouraging display. To be clear: Wolves' status in the Premier League remains deeply imperilled, even more so than this time last year, given the form of the promoted teams.

But last night it felt, for the first time in a few weeks, that Vitor Pereira might have the tools required to repair their position, just as he did last spring.

Listen to full commentary of Tottenham v Wolves at 20:00 BST on Saturday on BBC Radio WM (95.6FM/DAB/Freeview 714)

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

Explore Wolves content on BBC Sounds

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Former Crystal Palace winger Jobi McAnuff believes Tuesday's Carabao Cup win over Everton was "really important" for Wolves boss Vitor Pereira, who has signed a new deal despite a winless start to the Premier League season:

"It's been a really poor start when you look at the Premier League campaign so far," McAnuff told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"It was really interesting the whole new contract scenario after such a bad start. Of course it was a vote of confidence to make sure the dressing room know that this is the guy they feel will take them forward, but at the same time it's only going to last a certain amount of time if you keep losing games.

"So the win was really important for him. Yes, it was a much changed team, but to get a bit of a feel-good factor going on around the place.

"When you haven't been playing well and you make those changes you're expecting those players to step up and stake a claim for the shirt and if you're a player who hasn't been in the team with results not going your way you're wondering how you haven't got in the team.

"You have to use these moments as opportunities to make the manager's decision for him and come into the team and hopefully turn that form round. A much-needed win but they need this in the league now.

"It's a little step certainly in the right direction - just that feeling of winning a game that they haven't had in the Premier League. Things can spiral quite quickly, especially with the promoted teams starting well, so there might have been alarm bells ringing with the quality that has left the club as well.

"It's just a matter of getting themselves going. That first win is going to be massive for them and they need it sooner rather than later."

Image source, Getty Images

Wolves manager Vitor Pereira speaking after their 2-0 win over Everton in the Carabao Cup: "It was nice to see the players with confidence, playing good football, controlling the game [with] character and team spirit. The players have quality, and we can bring a team stronger and get points in the league.

"A good result can change everything. It can change the spirit of the team, change the atmosphere. I've missed it a lot, the smiles of my players and the supporters, and today I think we have reasons to smile."

On changing his system: "I'm here not to please myself but to find solutions. To try to put my players in comfortable positions, to feel comfortable [and] to play at their level. Today, I liked it. Sometimes we used to say that we need to change to get different things. Today, I think we did it.

"At this moment, we can use both formations. Of course, we just had one day to change. But the intention of the game is the same. You can change the system and I'm very happy for my players."

Listen to more from the manager here on BBC Radio WM

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

It was a contrasting atmosphere at the beginning and end of the game at Molineux.

Many Wolves fans had stayed away, unhappy with the way owners Fosun are running the club, but by the end they were chanting Vitor Pereira's name after a much-needed win.

The five straight Premier League defeats have left supporters fearing the worst, although there is quiet confidence internally that Pereira will get it right with time.

That will be highlighted by victory against Everton, albeit it was a much-changed side from that which won at Molineux in the league last month.

Both Wolves' victories in the EFL Cup have come against Premier League opposition and they will take heart from those as they search for a first league win.