Micah Richards now predicts where Wolves will finish in the Premier League under Vitor Pereira

The feel-good factor has returned to Molineux as Wolves manager Vitor Pereira makes a brilliant start to life in the Premier League.

Wolves looked destined to be relegated under Gary O’Neil after he won just two of his first 16 Premier League matches this term.

O’Neil was then sacked by Wolves following the 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town, and they quickly identified Vitor Pereira as his replacement.

Pereira has instantly brought fresh energy to Molineux and the results have reflected an upturn in fortunes, claiming wins against Leicester City and Manchester United before drawing at Tottenham.

Wolves head into their clash against Nottingham Forest on Monday night just outside the relegation zone, and the Portuguese boss will want to pull his side away from danger in 2025.

Micah Richards predicts Wolves to finish in mid-table

At the beginning of the campaign in August, the Old Gold were written off in many of the pre-season predictions, with several pundits having their say.

For instance, former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock predicted Wolves to battle relegation and so far, he looks right.

However, given how the Wanderers have started under Pereira, Micah Richards has tipped the new manager to propel Wolves towards mid-table.

Speaking on the Rest Is Football podcast, Richards said: “I still think mid-table bounce. I think that the players that they have, new manager, I really enjoy watching them from midfield to attack, to Strand Larsen up front. I think they’ve got Hwang back now.

“Yes, Cunha is a big part of what they do, but I just enjoy watching them play.”

Richards has been impressed with what he’s seen from Pereira so far but their fortunes this season fall at the feet of one man.

• READ MORE: When Vitor Pereira will complete the signing of Emmanuel Agbadou as Wolves agree £15m deal

Wolves must keep Matheus Cunha to survive

Matheus Cunha is facing a two-match ban as a result of his violent conduct charge in the loss against Ipswich in December.

The Brazilian will now miss the home clash against Nottingham Forest on Monday and the trip to Bristol City in the FA Cup.

It remains to be seen how Wolves will cope without their talisman, who has proven his importance to the club by plundering 10 goals and registering four assists this term.

So, with Arsenal huge admirers of Cunha, supporters will fear the worst as many believe the 25-year-old is destined to play Champions League football.

That being said, Wolves are in talks over a new contract for Cunha, and that will be music to the ears of everyone associated with the club.

Indeed, failure to keep hold of their star forward in January could result in Wolves being relegated, and that is a scenario they’re desperate to avoid.