Opinion

Emmanuel Agbadou could face biggest challenge yet, how another star can end three-year curse and more Wolves predictions ahead of Ipswich clash

Wolves will travel to Ipswich for their 31st Premier League match. Despite playing away from home, the Old Gold will be expected to pick up another three points.

Wolves’ recent win over West Ham eased relegation pressure but the job is not done yet.

Position Team Played MP Won W Drawn D Lost L For GF Against GA Diff GD Points Pts
15 EvertonEverton30 7 13 10 32 37 -5 34
16 West HamWest Ham30 9 7 14 33 50 -17 34
17 WolvesWolves30 8 5 17 41 58 -17 29
18 IpswichIpswich30 4 8 18 30 63 -33 20
19 LeicesterLeicester30 4 5 21 25 67 -42 17

Vitor Pereira knows that taking another three points from Portman Road will all but secure survival, though.

Ahead of Saturday’s important matchup, Molineux News have picked out three things fans should look out for.

Jorgen Strand Larsen can do something for first time since joining Wolves

Jorgen Strand Larsen is shining without Matheus Cunha. His numbers with and without Cunha suggest Wolves will be in good hands if, and when, the Brazilian leaves Molineux.

Strand Larsen has scored in back-to-back games and a goal against Ipswich will make it three on the bounce — something he hasn’t done since 2022 when he was with Dutch side Groningen.

We’re backing Wolves’ in-form number 9 to end his three-year curse when the Old Gold travel to Portman Road.

Emmanuel Agbadou set for biggest challenge yet

Emmanuel Agbadou has been a revelation since joining in January.

Not only has the commanding African formed a great partnership on the left side of the defence with Toti Gomes, but he’s helped ease the pressure on Jose Sa.

Agbadou’s numbers this season see him rank among the Premier League’s best centre-backs, including being top out for most ball recoveries.

A graphic showing Emmanuel Agbadou's stats for Wolves in the Premier League this season.
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Agbadou will be in for a tough game at Ipswich, though; perhaps even his biggest challenge yet.

Ipswich striker Liam Delap is the Tractor Boys’ most important player. Despite his side’s struggles, Delap has already reached double figures (11) for the campaign and is certain to attract high-profile interest in the summer.

But for now, Agbadou must find a way to contain the problematic 22-year-old. Delap is notoriously difficult to contend with — he is strong, powerful and doesn’t give up any second balls.

Agbadou will need to be at his best if Wolves are to keep Ipswich, and more specifically, Delap, out.

Rodrigo Gomes to make long-awaited Wolves return

Rodrigo Gomes has not featured since Wolves played Blackburn in the FA Cup third round at the start of February.

Blackburn Rovers v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round
Photo by Lee Parker – CameraSport via Getty Images

However, judging by Pereira’s recent comments on Gomes, this weekend’s game away to Ipswich should see the young winger make his long-awaited return to action.

“Yes (Gomes and Goncalo Guedes are available), maybe not flying but they will be able to help us,” Pereira told the Express and Star during his pre-match press conference.

“This is an important moment (in the season) and it’s good for me that I have the contribution of everybody.”

Gomes is very unlikely to start but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him introduced in the second half, especially if Wolves have the lead late on.