Wolves vs Bournemouth

Molineux prepares for a high-stakes survival battle this afternoon, Saturday, January 31, 2026, as bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers host a resurgent AFC Bournemouth. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 GMT (10:00 ET).

For Wolves, time is rapidly running out. Anchored to 20th place (8 points), they sit a staggering 17 points adrift of safety with only 15 games remaining. Every match at Molineux is now essentially a "final." Bournemouth, meanwhile, arrives in 13th place (30 points), buoyed by a thrilling 3–2 win over Liverpool and looking to cement their mid-table security.

Match Information

Wolves: The Great Escape or Final Stand?

Head coach Rob Edwards has praised his side's "character" despite a 2–0 loss to Manchester City last weekend, which ended a promising five-match unbeaten run. Wolves have shown signs of defensive life at home recently, keeping consecutive clean sheets at Molineux, but their inability to turn draws into wins has left them in this dire predicament.

Team News and Selection:

• Injury Boost: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde has returned to full training and is expected to be in the matchday squad for the first time since December.

• Defensive Blow: Captain Toti Gomes remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Ladislav Krejčí is a doubt following a bout of flu.

• Transfer Distractions: Despite heavy interest from Crystal Palace and Leeds, top scorer Jørgen Strand Larsen is confirmed to be in the squad. Goalkeeper José Sá is also available despite rumors of a move to Nottingham Forest.

• Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): José Sá; S. Bueno, Krejčí, Dawson; Tchatchoua, André, Joao Gomes, H. Bueno; Hwang, Jhon Arias; Strand Larsen.

Bournemouth: Iraola’s 100th Milestone

This afternoon marks Andoni Iraola’s 100th Premier League match in charge of the Cherries. His side has become one of the most entertaining in the league, characterized by high pressing and verticality. They are looking to complete a league double over Wolves for only the third time in their history after a 1–0 win in the reverse fixture in August.

Team News and Selection:

• Creative Crisis: The Cherries are missing several key attackers. Justin Kluivert, Marcus Tavernier, and Tyler Adams are all out with long-term injuries. David Brooks faces a late fitness test.

• New Faces: Exciting 19-year-old Brazilian signing Rayan is physically ready for his debut. Fellow January arrivals Ade Solanke and Alex Toth are also available.

• In-Form Goalscorer: Eli Kroupi leads the team with 7 goals this season and will be the primary threat against a depleted Wolves backline.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Mandas; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Cook, Christie; Semenyo, Scott, Adli; Kroupi.

Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• Molineux Hoodoo: Wolves have lost each of their last three Premier League home games against Bournemouth, scoring just once in that span.

• Defensive Weakness: No team has conceded more goals from outside the box this season than Wolves (9).

• Recent Meeting: Bournemouth won 1–0 at the Vitality Stadium on August 23, 2025, in a game where Toti Gomes was sent off.

• Points Target: Wolves are fighting to avoid breaking Derby County’s record for the lowest points in a Premier League season (11).

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

Wolves will likely adopt a compact 3-4-2-1 formation, focusing on absorbing Bournemouth's high press and hitting them on the counter-attack via Hwang Hee-chan. However, their struggle for goals (just 15 all season) remains their Achilles' heel. Bournemouth will look to exploit the wide areas and use the pace of Semenyo to stretch the Wolves' wing-backs.

While Wolves have been more resilient at home lately, Bournemouth’s attacking momentum and the tactical clarity of Iraola’s system make them favorites. Edwards' men will fight, but the Cherries' quality in the final third may prove too much.

Final Score Prediction: Wolves 0–1 Bournemouth