Midlands | Wolves need a win to kickstart their campaign

Wolves v Leeds United preview

Looking to collect their first points of the Premier League term, Wolverhampton Wanderers host Leeds United 

Author | James L

Stadium | Molineux

Wolves v Everton earlier in the season

Wolves’ search for a first Premier League win of the season went on with a narrow defeat at Newcastle United last weekend. There were encouraging signs in their display, especially in the early stages, echoing positives from the previous home match against Everton. 

Each of their last three league losses has been by a single goal, underlining the thin margins at this level, and they will draw confidence from the Carabao Cup victory over West Ham United at Molineux.

Wolves v West Ham in Carabao Cup

Team news for both sides

In his pre-match press conference, Vítor Pereira confirmed that Jørgen Strand Larsen is nearing a return from the Achilles injury that has sidelined him since his brace against West Ham United in the Carabao Cup. The head coach does not expect the Norwegian to be ready to start against Leeds on Saturday but hopes he can play some part. Pereira has no fresh concerns elsewhere, with the full squad training this week, leaving the Portuguese manager with several decisions to make before kick-off.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke faces doubts over two of his attacking players, Daniel James and Willy Gnonto, both struggling with injuries. James has a core muscle problem, while Gnonto has been dealing with a calf issue that kept him out of training. Both are unlikely to feature at Molineux but will be assessed closer to the match. In goal, Karl Darlow is expected to continue in place of the injured Lucas Perri, who remains unavailable with a thigh injury.

A previous memorable encounter between the two sides

Dave Edwards struck a memorable late winner as Wolves edged out Leeds in a seven-goal Championship thriller at Molineux in April 2015.

Charlie Taylor’s first senior goal gave Leeds the lead, but a brace from Nouha Dicko and a strike from Benik Afobe turned the match in favour of the hosts. Danny Batth’s own goal handed Leeds a lifeline before Alex Mowatt drew them level. With the game finely poised, Edwards met Kevin McDonald’s cross to secure victory and lift Kenny Jackett’s side into the play-off places.