NafisaTEAM NEWS
Wolves will face Bristol City in Saturday’s FA Cup third-round clash without Nelson Semedo, Toti Gomes, and Craig Dawson, all sidelined due to injuries. Matheus Cunha remains unavailable as he serves the final match of his suspension. With a Premier League fixture against Newcastle just days away, manager Bruno Pereira may consider squad rotation to manage player fitness.
PEREIRA PRESS CONFERENCE
Bruno Pereira provided updates on the fitness of his injured players during a pre-match press conference. Speaking about Semedo, Dawson, and Toti Gomes, he said: “They are working to recover as soon as possible. I can’t say the amount of time they need to come back. They are doing good work. I don’t think [they will be available for Bristol City].”
The manager also discussed Emmanuel Agbadou, Wolves’ new signing, who joined the squad earlier this week. Pereira was optimistic about the centre-back’s potential: “He’s a player that can help the team. Strong in duels, fast for his weight and he is a technical player. He has the qualities I like to see in a centre-back. He can play in the three positions [in a back three]. He is a defender but has the skills to build the play. I believe we have signed a good player.”
When asked if Wolves might bring in further reinforcements during the transfer window, Pereira remarked: “The market is about opportunities. We are looking for opportunities. Another midfielder is important for us, in my opinion.” He added: “They work and propose to me some players to check. We cannot think about the long-term future. January is not the market to take risks. We need to find the right players to come and help us now.”
Pereira also hinted at a possible start for goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on Saturday: “We have internal and external competition [for positions], which is good. We have four goalkeepers who are doing very good work. It is a possibility for Sam to show his qualities in the next game.”
MATCH STATS & FACTS
Wolves boast a perfect record against Bristol City in the FA Cup, having won both previous meetings 1-0, first in February 1973 and again in February 2019. The Midlands side have also won their last two visits to Ashton Gate in all competitions. However, Bristol City have shown pedigree in this competition, progressing from four of their last six third-round ties, including victories against Premier League opposition in 2018-19 and last season.
For Wolves, this is a rare FA Cup third-round tie against non-Premier League opposition, with the last instance being a 3-0 victory over Sheffield United in 2021-22. However, they’ll need to avoid a repeat of last year’s quarter-final exit to Championship side Coventry City. Wolves haven’t been knocked out by lower-division opponents in back-to-back campaigns since 2011-12 and 2012-13.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Robert Jones
Assistant referees: Ian Hussin and Neil Davies
Fourth official: Stephen Martin
MATCH INFO
The match kicks off at 12:00 PM on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Ashton Gate. Unfortunately, it will not be broadcast live on UK television.
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