Wolves face Sunderland at Molineux after relegation confirmed, injuries mount

Key facts

• Wolves are bottom of the Premier League with 18 points, relegation confirmed.
• Sunderland sit 12th with 47 points, having conceded nine goals in their last two games.
• Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa is injured (ankle) and will miss the match; Josh Gracey included in squad for first time.
• Ladislav Krejci is also injured and not available for Saturday's game.
• Dan Bentley, Yerson Mosquera and Tolu Arokodare start for Wolves; Matt Doherty and Rodrigo Gomes drop to bench.
• Sunderland make two changes: Reinildo and Chemsdine Talbi start; Habib Diarra and Chris Rigg among substitutes.
• Sunderland lost 4-0 at Aston Villa and 5-0 at home to Nottingham Forest in their last two matches.

Relegated Wolves host Sunderland amid injury crisis

Wolverhampton Wanderers, already relegated from the Premier League after accumulating just 18 points from 35 matches, welcome Sunderland to Molineux on Saturday. The Black Cats sit 12th with 47 points, but arrive having conceded nine goals in their last two outings — a 4-0 defeat at Aston Villa followed by a 5-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest. Wolves head coach Rob Edwards confirmed that goalkeeper Jose Sa and defender Ladislav Krejci will miss the fixture due to injury. Sa, who has been playing through shoulder, back and now ankle pain, is expected to be sidelined for at least one or two matches. Krejci, though progressing in training, is not yet fit enough to return.

Edwards defends squad effort, points to lack of quality

Despite the club's dire league position, Edwards insisted that the effort of his players cannot be questioned. “They’re giving their absolute all,” he said, adding that training levels have been “through the roof” since his arrival. However, he conceded that “a bit of quality” has been lacking and that mistakes are inevitable. Edwards acknowledged the frustration of supporters, who have seen three consecutive defeats. “I’m absolutely fine with them being angry and venting their frustration because we’re bottom of the league and we’ve lost three games in a row,” he said. He praised the fans for their “incredible” support, particularly during the last home match, and stressed that the team needs to find a winning formula.

Team news: Bentley, Mosquera and Arokodare start for Wolves

Wolves XI: Dan Bentley in goal; Pedro Lima, Yerson Mosquera, Santiago Bueno, Toti Gomes, Hugo Bueno; André, João Gomes; Carlos Mane, Adam Armstrong, Tolu Arokodare. Matt Doherty and Rodrigo Gomes drop to the bench, while goalkeeper Jose Sa’s injury opens a spot for Josh Gracey, who is included in a matchday squad for the first time. Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris made two changes from the side that lost heavily to Nottingham Forest. Reinildo and Chemsdine Talbi come into the starting lineup, with Habib Diarra and Chris Rigg moving to the substitutes. Jocelin Ta Bi returns to the squad after recovering from an ankle injury.

Sunderland’s defensive woes and attacking threats

Sunderland have shipped nine goals in their last two Premier League matches, raising concerns about their defensive solidity. The Black Cats’ backline, featuring Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete and Reinildo, will need to contain a Wolves side that, despite its lowly position, possesses attacking threats in Armstrong and Arokodare. On the offensive end, Sunderland boast power and athleticism, who described them as having “some really talented individuals” and “an effective way of playing.” The visitors will rely on players like Le Fee, Talbi and Brobbey to create chances and reverse their recent slump.

Wolves’ season of struggle and the road ahead

Wolves have endured a difficult campaign, sitting bottom of the table with just 18 points — 12 adrift of safety. Relegation was confirmed several weeks ago, leaving the remaining fixtures as an opportunity to restore some pride and give supporters something to cheer. Edwards acknowledged the challenge: “Every game for us is a big challenge.” Despite the circumstances, Edwards remains optimistic about the team’s spirit. “They’ve done incredibly well and have had a fantastic couple of years, so deserve a lot of credit,” he said, referring to the squad’s recent history. He stressed the need to stay strong and believe in the club’s direction, even as the season winds down.

What’s at stake for both sides

For Wolves, the match is a chance to end a three-game losing streak and demonstrate resilience in front of their home fans. Edwards is under pressure to find a winning team, but he insists the players are giving everything. “In the end, we’ve got to win games of football,” he said. Sunderland, meanwhile, will aim to halt their defensive collapse and climb the table. With two heavy defeats behind them, Le Bris will expect a response from his players. The match at Molineux offers both teams an opportunity to regain momentum — one to avoid the ignominy of a long losing run, the other to steady a ship that has taken on water.

The bottom line

• Wolves are already relegated with 18 points, bottom of the Premier League.
• Key injuries to Jose Sa and Ladislav Krejci weaken Wolves further.
• Sunderland have conceded nine goals in their last two games, raising defensive concerns.
• Rob Edwards defends his players’ effort but admits a lack of quality.
• Wolves XI features three changes from the previous match, including a debut squad inclusion for Josh Gracey.
• Sunderland make two changes, with Reinildo and Talbi starting.