Bristol City v Wolves
Sunday 17th February 1300hrs
Football – England – FA Cup
Pick Both teams to score
Bookmaker Ladbrokes
Odds: Evens (odds taken 13.30 GMT, Saturday 16th February)
Wolves have been one of the few Premier League teams actively targeting a prolonged run in the FA Cup and they have been tested in each round so far. Another big test awaits them on Sunday when they play an in-from Bristol City team at Ashton Gate.
Bristol City Preview
Lee Johnson has been in charge of Bristol City for three years this month and there’s no doubting it’s been a very successful period for both the club and the manager. Johnson led City to safety in his first few months in the post and has now firmly established them as a Championship team who have the sights set on what’s above them or below them. Add in their excellent run to the semi-final of last year’s League Cup and the manager is certainly making a name for himself. It’s been the last couple of months this season, particularly though, that have really got people sitting up and taking notice of what Bristol City may be capable of. Heading into Sunday’s fifth round cup tie with Wolves, Johnson’s men are on a nine-match winning run in all competitions that has seen them not only progress in the FA Cup, but also surge up the table and now sitting comfortably in the playoff positions. They’re eight points behind leaders Leeds but have a game in hand and will feel they are not without a chance of automatic promotion such is the form they’re in. City have already accounted for Premier League opposition in the cup as well having beaten Huddersfield before knocking Bolton out in the previous round. They are the form side in the country at the moment and will relish a crack at big-sending Wolves.
Key-Facts – Bristol City v Wolves
- Bristol City have won their last nine games and not lost since the end of November
- Wolves have battled past both Liverpool and Shrewsbury to reach the fifth round
- Nine of the last 10 meetings between these clubs have ended with both teams scoring
Wolves Preview
Wolves were dealt arguably the toughest draw in terms of opponent in the third round when paired with Liverpool. The two saving graces for Nuno Espirito Santo was that they were drawn at home and also that the Reds were much more concerned with their title challenge than progress in the FA Cup and their performance showed as much. Credit to Wolves, however, as they fielded their strongest team and were able to take advantage of the situation. An away tie against League One opposition Shrewsbury looked to be much more straightforward on paper but they were pushed all the way requiring a replay to overcome their opponents and having to come from behind in that game to win 3-2 in order to make it through to facing Bristol City. One of the reasons why Wolves have been able to target this competition is how well they are placed in the Premier League. They are under no threat of relegation and the highest they can realistically finish is seventh. With the resources they have at their disposal, Wolves will see this as an opportunity whereby they can threaten the likes of Manchester City and the other remaining top-flight clubs in pursuit of the trophy.
Bristol City v Wolves Betting Preview
Both Bristol City and Wolves are amongst the most in-form teams in England at the moment which sets this fifth round tie up perfectly. The home team have not lost a game in any competition since the end of November – a total of 15 games without defeating, winning 11 of them. Their opponents cannot quite match that but considering they are playing at a higher level, Wolves’ record of only three defeats in their last 15 is also encouraging. The two managers will be expecting both of those records to be thoroughly put to the test on Sunday, however.
These teams were, of course, competitors in the same division last season and Bristol City were one of the more stubborn opponents that Wolves faced en route to their Championship title. Johnson’s men drew 3-3 away from home and were undone with virtually the last kick of the ball at Ashton Gate to lose 2-1. I envisage much the same on Sunday as the home team are full of confidence, they’re well organised and have proven they are a match for anybody at home under Johnson. Wolves have been excellent themselves and will give this tie and opposition plenty of respect. Nine of the last 10 meetings between these clubs have seen both teams scoring and that’s the selection for Sunday’s game.
