Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

Wolves vs Aston Villa confirmed lineup & team news
October 8, 2025 By  Wolves, Premier League

Five Players Who Must Step Up If Wolves Are To Avoid Relegation

2. Fer López

Spanish midfielder Fer López has only played limited minutes in the Premier League so far, but his brief cameos have offered rare glimpses of creativity and composure in a side that is lacking an attacking spark. Fans have taken notice and are continually calling for his inclusion every week. However, manager Vítor Pereira has so far been reluctant to drop Hwang Hee-chan, sticking with experience over potential. This approach has frustrated fans who believe López’s technical quality and quick passing could help Wolves build more fluid attacks.

Read More: Wolves Top Five Managers Of All Time

If Pereira does give him a proper run, López must show he can influence games over 90 minutes, not just in short bursts. His ability to link midfield to attack and unlock defences could make a real difference in Wolves’ battle for points.

1. Sam Johnstone

Since arriving at Molineux, Sam Johnstone has had to be patient, but in recent weeks, he’s finally managed to wrestle the number one spot from José Sá. His performances have brought a measure of stability to a shaky back line, with sharp reflexes and vocal leadership beginning to earn him plaudits.

Now that form needs to continue. Wolves’ defensive record has been among the league’s worst this season, and Johnstone’s presence between the sticks could be vital in tightening things up. Commanding his box, communicating clearly with his defenders, and maintaining concentration will all be essential if the side are to grind out results. Given how Fragile their confidence has become, a reliable goalkeeper could be the difference between narrow defeats and valuable draws, or even wins.

Avoiding relegation will not come from one miraculous run, as it did last season; it will require consistent performances from the core players. If these five players can raise their levels, the Molineux club still has a realistic chance of survival. But with mounting pressure on Pereira and growing unrest among supporters, time is quickly running out for this group to deliver.

Featured Image

wolverhampton wanderers wolves cult heroes
IMAGO / Action Plus 10th May 2025 Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, Wolves, West Midlands, England Premier League Football, Wolverhampton Wanderers versus Brighton and Hove Albion A general view of Molineux showing the pitch and stands with the corner flag in the foreground PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK ActionPlus12785140 GodfreyxPitt

About Luke Fletcher

Is a passionate football writer with a BA (Hons) in Sociology with Criminology and a Postgraduate Certificate in the Sociology of Sport and Exercise. A dedicated Wolverhampton Wanderers fan, he balances his love for the game as a married father of three. When he's not analysing football, he's adding to his ever-growing collection of football shirts or masterminding his latest Football Manager dynasty.