Rob Edwards will have one worry about Joao Gomes when they play Aston Villa on Sunday.
It is a West Midlands derby, and games against rivals can be quite hectic and feisty. Typically, you would associate derbies with being filled with fouls and yellow cards.
Rob Edwards and Unai Emery disagree on the rivalry of the West Midlands derby 😂
Joao Gomes is a player who tends to pick up bookings from referees, and it is a criticism he has frequently received.
Over his Wolves career, he has played 102 games in the Premier League and averages a booking every 3.4 games.
It is a trait that has now left him in danger of a suspension for the Wanderers.
Joao Gomes is one yellow card away from suspension
Wolves are in danger of losing Joao Gomes to suspension on Sunday against Aston Villa, and that would mean the Brazilian is ruled out against Nottingham Forest.
So far this season, the midfielder has accumulated four yellow cards, and for players who receive five in the first 19 matches, that results in a one-game ban.
| Date | Match result | Opponent |
| August 23, 2025 | Bournemouth 1 – 0 Wolves | Bournemouth |
| September 13, 2025 | Newcastle United 1 – 0 Wolves | Newcastle United |
| September 27, 2025 | Tottenham Hotspur 1 – 1 Wolves | Tottenham Hotspur |
| November 22, 2025 | Wolves 0 – 2 Crystal Palace | Crystal Palace |
The Wolves head coach will no doubt be aware of the circumstances heading into this clash, and he will be hoping that Joao Gomes keeps it calm and does not get himself into the book.
It would be a huge blow for the Molineux side to lose him for any of the upcoming fixtures.
Wolves got six yellows in this fixture last year
If Rob Edwards was not already concerned he could lose his midfielder for one game, then last year’s statistics will not help ease his worries.
In Aston Villa’s 3-1 win against Wolves last season, the Old Gold picked up six yellow cards, and the Brazilian was one of those booked on the day.
Wolves head coach Rob Edwards began his career at Aston Villa but played just nine games between 1999 and 2004. His most notable period during his playing career came at Molineux, playing 111 times for the Old Gold.
He gave everything for the shirt when he played.
The Wanderers won’t be helped by the referee either. Chris Kavanagh is set to officiate the game, and he comes in with 3.9 yellows per game.
Although, when in charge of Wolves’ games, he does book below his average with 2.19 yellows per game over a 19-match span.
Just do not do anything silly, Joao Gomes. Rob Edwards will need you on Wednesday as well, with Sam Johnstone admitting the head coach has enough concerns as it is.
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