AliousWolves will be aiming to replicate their recent triumph over Bournemouth, but this time, a spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals is on the line.
It’s been a challenging season for the Wanderers, who have spent much of the campaign either in the relegation zone or hovering just above it. Their 1-0 win against Bournemouth last weekend provided a much-needed confidence boost, but any momentum was quickly halted by a 2-1 defeat to Fulham in midweek.
Despite holding a five-point cushion over 18th-placed Ipswich Town, Vitor Pereira remains focused on securing Wolves’ Premier League survival. However, a deep FA Cup run has been a welcome distraction. Last season, under Gary O’Neil, Wolves reached the quarter-finals before falling to Coventry City. Now, Chris Sutton has weighed in on whether they’ll make it that far again.
Chris Sutton Predicts Bournemouth vs. Wolves Outcome
Wolves progressed to the Fifth Round with a convincing 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers, courtesy of goals from Matheus Cunha and Joao Gomes. Interestingly, former Blackburn striker Chris Sutton had backed Rovers to cause an upset—but he was proven wrong.
Now, in his *BBC Sport* column, Sutton is predicting another Wolves defeat, tipping Bournemouth to secure a 2-1 victory and book their place in the last eight.
“Wolves won at Bournemouth in the Premier League last Saturday, but that result was influenced by Illia Zabarnyi’s first-half red card,” Sutton wrote. “I’m not using that as a form guide for this match.
“What will matter more is how many changes both teams make. I covered Wolves’ fourth-round win over Blackburn, and Pereira fielded a mixed-strength squad. I can guarantee his priority is Premier League survival, so we’ll likely see a rotated lineup again.”
Sutton expects Pereira to rest key players, but some believe Wolves should be going all in.
Wolves Should Prioritize the FA Cup
Last season, Wolves missed out on a trip to Wembley after a shock defeat to Coventry. In a campaign with few highlights, the FA Cup has offered some excitement, even if their victories have only come against Championship opposition.
Pereira’s men delivered a solid performance in their recent win at the Vitality Stadium, controlling play even before Bournemouth went down to 10 men. While the Cherries will pose a bigger threat this time, Wolves have reasons to be optimistic—especially with Cunha in top form and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde making an impact.
A quarter-final spot is within reach, but will Pereira seize the opportunity or stick to prioritizing survival?
Alious
