Wolverhampton Wanderers shift their focus to the Emirates FA Cup this weekend, aiming to inject some positivity into a difficult season. They host League Two strugglers Shrewsbury Town at Molineux on Saturday, 9th January 2026, in a third-round tie that presents a clear opportunity for progression.
Opportunity Knocks for Fringe Players at Molineux
Head coach Rob Edwards is anticipated to utilise the fixture to give minutes to squad players, though not at the expense of completely disrupting the team's rhythm. Wolves are coming off a recent Premier League win over West Ham United and a draw at Everton. Their opponents, Shrewsbury, sit 22nd in League Two with only four victories from 24 matches, having seen off South Shields and Sutton United to reach this stage.
The tie is viewed as a very winnable fixture for the Premier League side, allowing Edwards to balance competition seriousness with squad management. This approach is set to hand chances to several players who have seen limited action this campaign.
Predicted Starting Eleven for the Cup Clash
In goal, with Jose Sa now the established league keeper, Sam Johnstone is likely to be given the cup duty. The defensive unit could see significant changes. Young Brazilian Pedro Lima may start at right wing-back, while Matt Doherty's return to fitness could see him deployed in a central defensive role alongside regular starter Santiago Bueno.
Academy product Temple Ojinnaka is in line for a potential first-team debut in defence, an option favoured by Edwards who has shown trust in youth. On the opposite flank, David Moller Wolfe could get a chance to impress at left wing-back amid transfer links to Aston Villa.
Midfield Shake-up and Attack Refresh
The engine room is expected to see Andre providing experienced stability at the base, facilitating the more attacking players around him. Alongside him, Tawanda Chirewa, who has featured from the bench under Edwards after a loan at Huddersfield Town, could earn a start.
The most notable inclusion is set to be Spanish attacking midfielder Fer Lopez. The £19 million signing from Celta Vigo, who has struggled to find his best form, is predicted to be handed a rare start in a fluid number ten role just behind the strikers.
Up front, summer signing Tolu Arokodare will be desperate to add to his tally of three goals in 19 appearances against lower-league opposition. He could be partnered by in-form prospect Mateus Mane, who is tipped to lead the line in a more advanced role than he has occupied recently in the Premier League.
This FA Cup encounter represents a crucial moment for Wolves to build momentum and for several individuals to stake a claim for more regular involvement. For Shrewsbury, it is a monumental challenge but a classic cup opportunity to cause an upset.
