Wolverhampton Wanderers will aim to extend their recent unbeaten run as they welcome League Two strugglers Shrewsbury Town to Molineux in the FA Cup third round this Saturday. The Premier League's bottom side host the match at 12:15 GMT, looking to capitalise on a rare spell of positive form.
Wolves' Form and Family Ties for Cup Clash
Under head coach Rob Edwards, Wolves have finally found some momentum after a dismal campaign that has seen them rooted to the foot of the table since August. Their festive period yielded a creditable draw at Manchester United, a 3-0 victory over West Ham United, and a midweek 1-1 draw at Everton, marking a three-match unbeaten streak.
They face a Shrewsbury side languishing in 22nd place in League Two and battling against a second consecutive relegation. The fixture carries a personal touch, as Wolves' Edwards is the cousin of Shrewsbury's first-team coach, Sean Parrish. Edwards once played on loan for the Shrews, while Parrish spent ten years in Wolves' academy, intertwining the clubs' histories.
Team News: Gomes in Contention, Six Players Ruled Out
The home side could receive a timely boost with the potential return of versatile defender Rodrigo Gomes. The 22-year-old, who has been sidelined since late October following groin surgery, is 'in contention' to face Shrewsbury, though his fitness remains a slight doubt.
Edwards praised the player's influence, stating his smile and energy are 'infectious' and much needed for the squad. Beyond Gomes, the news is less positive. Six Wolves players are confirmed absentees for the cup tie.
Toti Gomes (hamstring) is not expected back until February, while Marshall Munetsi (calf) and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (hamstring) are still a couple of weeks away from fitness. Goalkeeper Daniel Bentley (ankle) and striker Leon Chiwome (ACL) are long-term casualties. Defender Emmanuel Agbadou is also unavailable as he represents the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Mane's Momentum: Starlet Eyes Cup Impact
One bright spark for Wolves has been the emergence of 18-year-old forward Mateus Mane. Since his first Premier League start on December 27th, the teenager has scored twice and provided two assists, including the crucial equaliser in the midweek draw at Everton.
Reflecting on his goal, Mane said: 'It was an amazing feeling... I'm not scared of anyone, I deserve to be here and I'm now proving what I can do.' He added that Edwards encourages him to express himself and be brave in one-on-one situations, a philosophy the young player is embracing as Wolves fight for Premier League survival.
With key players missing but morale rising, Wolves will view the FA Cup clash as an opportunity to build further confidence before the league campaign resumes.
