Our prediction: 2nd
Likely finish: 1st–4th
Transfer window so far: 8/10
Biggest question
Can the new manager bring calm and stability after relegation?
Why we have Wolves 2nd
Wolverhampton Wanderers have lost João Gomes to Aston Villa, but we think the club have responded well in the transfer market.
Ladislav Krejčí brings strength, leadership and defensive quality. Kieran Trippier arrives with enormous experience and remains a major threat from set pieces, while Raúl Jiménez returns with experience, knowledge of the club and a style of play that should translate extremely well to the Championship. Rafiki Saïd adds pace, dribbling ability and the kind of direct attacking threat that can punish teams prepared to defend with a high line.
These are not simply high-profile names. They are players whose attributes should suit the Championship. Trippier can influence matches through his passing and crossing, Jiménez provides a natural focal point in attack, Krejčí should give Wolves a major physical presence at the back, while Saïd offers something very different in wide areas.
There is inevitably some uncertainty following relegation and a managerial change, but on paper this looks like one of the strongest and most complete squads in the division.
Strengths
Wolves should be among the Championship’s most versatile teams. They have enough technical quality to dominate possession against weaker opponents, but they also possess the physicality and experience required when matches become scrappy and direct.
More importantly, they have several different ways to win. Wolves can play through midfield, deliver early crosses towards Jiménez, attack space with their quicker wide players or use Trippier’s delivery to decide tight matches from set pieces. That variety should make them considerably harder to prepare for than teams dependent on one particular style.
There is also a wealth of top-level experience in the squad. Over a 46-game Championship season, the ability to manage difficult periods and grind out results when performances dip can be just as important as producing spectacular football.
AdvertisementWeaknesses
The situation surrounding Tolu Arokodare is an unwelcome distraction. Reports of dissatisfaction over his role are hardly ideal for a club attempting to reset after relegation, and the new manager will want the situation resolved quickly rather than allowing it to become an ongoing issue.
João Gomes is also a major loss. He provided energy, aggression and ball-winning ability in central midfield. Without him, other players will need to take greater responsibility, and there is a risk that Wolves become slightly too static through the middle.
Finding the right midfield balance will therefore be important. Championship matches can quickly become chaotic, and Wolves need players capable of matching that intensity rather than relying entirely on superior technical quality.
Key player
Kieran Trippier
If Trippier stays fit, he could become one of the most influential players in the Championship. His leadership and experience are obvious assets, but his set-piece delivery could be particularly decisive. In a division where so many matches are settled by narrow margins, having a player capable of consistently producing dangerous deliveries can turn draws into victories.
Player to watch
Rafiki Saïd
Saïd may not have generated the biggest headlines among Wolves’ summer arrivals, but he could prove to be one of their smartest signings.
His pace and one-on-one ability give Wolves a genuine weapon against teams that defend aggressively or leave space behind their back line. If he adapts quickly, he could become one of the Championship’s most dangerous wide players.
What they still need
A dynamic central midfielder should be the priority. Wolves need someone capable of replacing at least some of the energy and ball-winning ability lost with João Gomes while ensuring the midfield does not become too slow or predictable.
Another younger striker capable of sharing the workload with Jiménez would also make sense across such a demanding season.
Verdict
Wolves have handled relegation better than we expected. The squad looks strong, experienced and well equipped for Championship football. They have recruited players who should suit the division rather than simply relying on Premier League reputations, and there is enough variety in the team to win matches in several different ways.
The managerial transition creates some uncertainty, while replacing João Gomes will not be straightforward. Nevertheless, we believe Wolves have a more complete squad than almost every other team in the Championship.
We expect them to remain in the automatic-promotion race throughout the season and ultimately secure an immediate return to the Premier League.
Our prediction is 2nd place – and automatic promotion.