Wolves shift their focus from a desperate Premier League survival bid to the “magic of the cup” as they host League Two strugglers Shrewsbury Town at Molineux on Saturday.
While Wolves are currently enduring a dismal league campaign, sitting 14 points adrift of safety, they enter this third-round tie on a rare high. Rob Edwards’ side has managed a three-match unbeaten run for the first time this season, most recently fighting back to earn a 1-1 draw at Everton thanks to the emergence of 18-year-old starlet Mateus Mane.
In contrast, Shrewsbury are sliding toward the foot of the EFL, sitting just two points above the League Two relegation zone amidst a six-game winless streak. With Molineux expected to be a factor, Wolves will be desperate to avoid a repeat of last season’s quarter-final heartbreak against lower-league opposition.
Wolves vs Shrewsbury Town – FA Cup Preview and Team News
- Date: Saturday, 10 January 2026
- Kick-off: 12:15 GMT
- Venue: Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton
- Referee: Stephen Martin
- VAR: Not in operation
- Last Meeting: Wolves 3-2 Shrewsbury, 5 February 2019 (FA Cup)
Team News
Wolves
Rob Edwards is expected to rotate his squad but remains hamstrung by several injuries. Rodrigo Gomes (groin), Toti Gomes (hamstring), and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (hamstring) are all sidelined. With backup keeper Daniel Bentley nursing an ankle issue, Sam Johnstone is poised to start in goal to give Jose Sa a rest. Key attackers Hwang Hee-chan and Jørgen Strand Larsen could start as Wolves look to maintain their recent goalscoring momentum.
Shrewsbury Town
The visitors are without midfielder Harrison Biggins, who has joined Newport County on loan. Manager Michael Appleton will rely on the FA Cup pedigree of Anthony Scully, who has scored four goals in four career starts in the competition proper. Ismeal Kabia, who netted the last-minute winner in the previous round, is expected to start on the wing as Salop look for their first away win against a top-flight side since 1979.
Form
Wolves
Wolves have progressed from both previous FA Cup meetings with Shrewsbury, though they were forced to a replay on both occasions in 1979 and 2019. The Old Gold enter this fixture with Mane Momentum, as youngster Mateus Mane has scored in back-to-back Premier League games. Despite their league position, Wolves remain four-time winners of this trophy and will be heavy favourites to progress.
Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury are currently languishing in 22nd place in League Two and have found life difficult away from home. Salop have lost 14 of their 15 away FA Cup ties against top-flight opponents. Their best recent run in this competition saw them reach the fourth round in 2019-20, a feat they are desperate to replicate tonight.
Predicted Lineups
Wolves predicted XI: Johnstone; Ojinnaka, Bueno, Mosquera; Doherty, Andre, Lopez, Chirewa, Moller Wolfe; Strand Larsen, Hwang
Shrewsbury Town predicted XI: Brook; Hoole, Anderson, Boyle; Kabia, Perry, England, Clucas, McDermott; Lloyd, Marquis
How to watch Wolves vs Shrewsbury Town?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+, with coverage starting at 11:30 GMT ahead of the 12:15 GMT kick-off.
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