Wolves’ key fixtures in the Premier League relegation battle

Not surprisingly, former Spain and Real Madrid coach and UEFA Europa League winner Julen Lopetegui has facilitated a clear improvement in Molineux after succeeding Bruno Lage as Wolves coach.

The Spaniard has restored Wolves to a state of functional competence. They are not the most inspiring team the Premier League has to offer, but they are technically skilled and brave in defence.

Despite scoring just ten goals in 2023, Wolves have accumulated 14 points from ten games – the ninth best in the division. This improvement has seen Lopetegui’s side creep up the table but while many expect them to remain in the top flight next season, the hoarding of the bottom half means they are not out of danger just yet.

Here’s what Wolves’ schedule looks like at the conclusion of the 2022/23 season.

Wolves vs Leeds

Next up for Wolves is the reverse fixture of the opening game of the season. Leeds beat Lagy’s side 2-1 at Elland Road to open in 2022/23; The defeat that heralded the death of the Portuguese coach in the Midlands.

Leeds will also be a different boss in the dugout as Javi Gracia will succeed Jesse March at the helm. The Spaniard’s start as manager has been good enough, and it would be foolish to rule out Saturday afternoon’s draw.

Nottingham Forest vs Wolves

Wolves on the road upon their return from the international break. Nottingham Forest’s home record has kept them afloat this season, with City’s stadium proving to be a tough place for every Premier League side to visit.

Again, this is another contest in which Lopetegui is content with a point.

Leicester vs Wolverhampton

The lack of televised action shows what the broadcasters think of Lopetegui Wolves. They are hardly a consumer’s dream.

Wolves have only won twice on the road all season (one of which came against Nathan Jones’ Southampton), and it remains to be seen whether Leicester’s troubles will continue beyond the international break.

Wolverhampton vs Crystal Palace

Another potential relegation contender visits Molineux just two days after his trip to King Power.

Crystal Palace have suddenly found themselves in the middle of the mix after suffering a winless 2023 so far. While Patrick Vieira’s side sit above Wolves in 12th place, they are just three points clear of the relegation zone.

Wolverhampton vs Everton

With would-be champions Arsenal visiting on the final day, Wolves will want to ensure their fate is secured well before then.

They will take on Shaun Dyche’s gritty Everton in the penultimate round of the season, and the difficulty of Everton’s long-term schedule means it’s likely the visitors will need something of that.

Wolves were going downhill before Lopetegui’s arrival but the Spaniard has since achieved some impressive stability. They are slowly collecting points and making their way up the table, but they are still only three points away from relegation in 13th place.

It should also be noted that Wolves have played a game more than most of their fellow relegation favorites at this point.