Sunderland will face Wolves away from home in the Premier League
Sunderland travel to a relegated Wolves side on 2 May 2026, desperate to save some face after that 5-0 nightmare at the hands of Nottingham Forest. The Black Cats currently sit 12th in the table, and their European ambitions are fading fast following back-to-back defeats.
Manager Regis Le Bris will demand a sharp reaction as his side head to the home of Championship-bound Wolves, who have lost three straight Premier League games without scoring. Sunderland hold 46 points against Wolves’ mere 17, and the visitors come in with three wins from their last six away fixtures; form that gives the travelling support genuine reason for confidence heading into the Midlands.
How Sunderland could line up at Molineux?
In goal, Robin Roefs will likely start between the sticks, offering the kind of composed passing from the back that’s become a staple for Sunderland. His positioning can occasionally leave him exposed to crosses, but his shot-stopping at this level has proven more than adequate.
At right back, look for Nordi Mukiele to fly up the right flank, bringing pace and energy to the right channel, though he sometimes sacrifices defensive discipline when marauding forward. Daniel Ballard and Omar Alderete should form a robust central partnership, with Ballard reading danger smartly and Alderete winning aerial duels with authority, even if his distribution under pressure remains uneven. Trai Hume will likely operate at left back, covering ground relentlessly; though sharp wingers regularly exploit the space he leaves behind.
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The battle in the middle
Granit Xhaka will probably anchor the middle third with his characteristic leadership, dictating tempo and driving attacks from deep. Habib Diarra could operate alongside him, offering aggressive ball-carrying and tireless pressing, while Noah Sadiki likely rounds out the trio, putting in the hard yards and keeping the ball moving without much fuss.
How will they try to hurt Wolves?
Chris Rigg could start on the right, his smart footwork letting him drift inside to cause real problems. Brian Brobbey will likely lead the line, bringing physicality and directness that a worn-down Wolves backline may struggle to contain, even though his hold-up play remains a work in progress. Enzo Le Fée might occupy the left channel, creating with sharp one-touch combinations. Simon Moore, Bertrand Traoré, Jocelin Ta Bi, Nilson Angulo, and Romaine Mundle all miss out through injury, giving Le Bris little room to rotate, making Sunderland’s starting eleven all the more critical to get right.
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Sunderland (4-3-3): Robin Roefs – Nordi Mukiele, Daniel Ballard, Omar Alderete, Trai Hume – Habib Diarra, Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki – Chris Rigg, Brian Brobbey, Enzo Le Fée.
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