Wolves predicted XI vs Bournemouth: Edwards sticks with back three as Cherries seek Molineux response | OneFootball

Wolverhampton Wanderers return to Molineux on Saturday afternoon, looking to respond to their first defeat of 2026 as AFC Bournemouth visit the West Midlands.

Wolves saw a five-game unbeaten run brought to an end last weekend, but recent performances have offered genuine encouragement, particularly on home soil.

Wolves have kept clean sheets in their last two Premier League matches at Molineux, and Edwards will be keen to build on that defensive solidity.

However, Bournemouth arrive in a confident mood after dramatic back-to-back 3-2 wins, but their away form remains patchy, setting the stage for a finely balanced contest.

Match preview

Despite sitting adrift at the foot of the table, Wolves have shown signs of life in recent weeks.

Wolves sealed a draw at Manchester United, a vital win over West Ham United, and a thumping 6-1 FA Cup victory against Shrewsbury Town.

These victories have restored belief for Rob Edwards’ side after a disastrous first half of the season.

The defeat at the Etihad was far from damaging in isolation. Edwards praised his side’s fight, particularly after the break.

He will hope that performance levels carry over into a must-win home fixture.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth are enjoying a resurgence of their own. Late winners against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool have lifted Andoni Iraola’s side into 13th.

Unfortunately, their struggles on the road remain a concern, with just one away league win all season.

Wolves lost the reverse fixture 1-0 in August, a game defined by Toti’s red card, and will be eager to settle that score on home turf.

Match stats

Wolves have kept clean sheets in their last two Premier League home games, after conceding in their previous 11 at Molineux.

Bournemouth have won just one of their 11 Premier League away matches this season, conceding more away goals than any other side.

However, the Cherries have won their last three league visits to Molineux, making this a difficult match-up historically for the hosts.

Wolves team news

Edwards is expected to persist with the 3-5-2 system that has brought improved balance in recent weeks.

Toti Gomes and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde remain sidelined with hamstring injuries, while Ladislav Krejci is a late fitness doubt after missing training through illness.

Jose Sa and Jorgen Strand Larsen are both available despite transfer speculation.

The Wolves boss may opt for a more physical presence up front after starting without a recognised target man against Manchester City.

Hwang Hee-chan (30) is set to keep his place in attack, with £24 million signing Tolu Arokodare pushing to start as he looks to end a seven-game Premier League goal drought.

Wolves predicted XI (3-5-2)

Jose Sa; Yerson Mosquera, Santiago Bueno, Ladislav Krejci; Jackson Tchatchoua, Andre, Mateus Mane, Joao Gomes, Hugo Bueno; Hwang Hee-chan, Tolu Arokodare.