Birstol city vs Wolves

Wolverhampton Wanderers will set aside their ongoing battle for Premier League survival as they travel to Ashton Gate for a Saturday lunchtime clash with Championship outfit Bristol City in the third round of the FA Cup. This encounter marks the first meeting between the two sides since February 2019, a game in which Wolves secured a narrow 1-0 victory over the Robins during the fifth round of the same competition.

Bristol City enters this match in their 10th consecutive Championship season, sitting eighth in the league table after 26 games. Under the guidance of head coach Liam Manning, the Robins have registered nine wins, 10 draws, and seven losses this campaign, collecting 10 points from their last four league fixtures. While they experienced a frustrating start to 2025, conceding a stoppage-time equalizer in a 2-2 draw against Plymouth Argyle, they bounced back with a 1-0 home win over Derby County last weekend, courtesy of Luke McNally's decisive strike.

Ashton Gate has proven to be a fortress for Bristol City in recent weeks, as they have won four and drawn one of their last five home matches, keeping four clean sheets in the process. Manning has expressed his desire for his team to maintain this strong home form, which has been pivotal in their rise up the Championship standings. The Robins also boast a respectable recent record in the FA Cup third round, progressing from four of their last six ties at this stage. Impressively, they have defeated Premier League opposition twice during this period, securing 1-0 victories over Huddersfield Town in 2019 and West Ham United last season.

However, history presents a mixed picture for Bristol City against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Robins have failed to win their last three meetings with Wolves, including two home defeats. Their struggles against the Old Gold stretch back decades, with their most prolonged losing streak against Wolves at Ashton Gate occurring between 1929 and 1965, when they suffered four consecutive home defeats. While Manning's men will hope to rewrite that narrative, their recent form against their visitors remains a hurdle to overcome.

Wolves, under the stewardship of new head coach Vítor Pereira, arrive at Ashton Gate after a mixed start to his tenure. Pereira has overseen two wins, one draw, and one loss in his first four Premier League fixtures in charge. However, their most recent outing ended in a humbling 3-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest. The match saw former Wolves midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White open the scoring early on, followed by goals from Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi that compounded Wolves' misery. The loss marked their 12th league defeat of the season, leaving them precariously positioned just above the relegation zone on goal difference.

Despite their Premier League struggles, Pereira remains optimistic about his team’s efforts since his arrival. While he acknowledges the challenges ahead in their league campaign, the FA Cup presents an opportunity to shift focus and potentially build momentum. Wolves, a four-time winner of the competition, last lifted the trophy in 1960. The club’s recent FA Cup history has been a mixed bag, with five third-round exits in the last 10 seasons. Last year, they advanced to the quarter-finals but were ultimately eliminated by Championship side Coventry City in a dramatic 3-2 contest at Molineux.

This time around, Wolves will aim to avoid another upset against lower-league opposition. Encouragingly, they have triumphed in both of their previous FA Cup encounters with Bristol City, securing 1-0 victories on each occasion. Additionally, Wolves have not been eliminated by lower-league teams in consecutive seasons since falling to Birmingham City in 2012 and Luton Town in 2013. These historical patterns offer some hope for Pereira’s side as they prepare for the trip to Ashton Gate.

Bristol City’s recent FA Cup pedigree, combined with their solid form at home, suggests they will be a formidable opponent for Wolves. The Robins’ ability to shut out opposing teams at Ashton Gate has been a key factor in their success, and they will likely aim to replicate that defensive solidity against their Premier League visitors. Meanwhile, Wolves’ experience and quality in their squad, even amid their league struggles, will make them a tough challenge for the Championship side.

As the two teams prepare to lock horns, both have compelling reasons to prioritize a positive result in this FA Cup tie. For Bristol City, a victory would underline their credentials as a team capable of competing with top-flight opposition, while also continuing their momentum under Manning’s leadership. For Wolves, the match represents a chance to regroup and regain confidence, particularly with a challenging run of Premier League fixtures looming on the horizon. The FA Cup has often served as a stage for underdogs to shine, but it also provides struggling top-flight teams with an opportunity to reset and find their rhythm.

The clash at Ashton Gate promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams bringing their own strengths and vulnerabilities to the table. Bristol City’s recent home form and history of upsetting Premier League opponents in the FA Cup will give them belief heading into the match. Meanwhile, Wolves will rely on their pedigree and the leadership of Pereira to navigate what could be a tricky test against spirited Championship opposition. With both sides eager to advance to the fourth round, Saturday’s showdown is poised to deliver drama and intrigue in equal measure.