Wolves predicted lineup vs Shrewsbury: rare start for £19m midfielder as two youngsters earn debuts in FA Cup

Wolverhampton Wanderers turn their attention to the Emirates FA Cup this weekend as they welcome League Two side Shrewsbury Town to Molineux.

The Old Gold will be keen to bring some cheer to their dismal campaign with a cup run, and they have the opportunity to continue that with a very winnable fixture.

Shrewsbury, currently 22nd in League Two with just four wins from 24 matches, are struggling to say the least. The Shrews had to win two games to get to this stage of the FA Cup, but they were the favourites in both - against South Shields and Sutton United - so it wasn’t a huge effort to get here.

Wolves will fancy themselves to win fairly comfortably this weekend and so head coach Rob Edwards is likely to rotate somewhat. There probably won’t be wholesale changes as not to disrupt any rhythm Wanderers may have built up in their recent win over West Ham and draw at Everton, but there could be some opportunities for fringe players.

Wolves predicted lineup vs Shrewsbury

With all of that in mind, here’s the team we reckon Edwards will name against the Shrews.

GK - Sam Johnstone: It’s been all change between the sticks for Wolves this season, but considering Jose Sa is now first-choice in the Premier League, it’s likely Johnstone plays in the cup.

RWB - Pedro Lima: The young Brazilian could get a run out in the place of Jackson Tchtachoua this weekend. Lima has the skill to cause real problems for the Shrews on the overlap.

CB - Matt Doherty: Often utilised centrally despite playing as more of a wing-back earlier in his career, Doherty is back to fitness and will probably get some decent minutes here.

CB - Santiago Bueno: Established as a regular starter, Santi Bueno is likely to continue his run in the team to offer some balance to the defence.

CB - Temple Ojinnaka: The academy product was on the bench away at Everton and he could make his first-team debut this weekend. Another option is Mustapha Olagunju. Edwards likes putting trust in youngsters.

LWB - David Moller Wolfe: Linked with a potential transfer to local rivals Aston Villa, Wolfe has been behind Hugo Bueno in the pecking order recently. The Norwegian needs to build up a head of steam.

CM - Andre: Providing some stability at the base of midfield, Andre probably won’t get a rest on this occasion. The Brazilian can ensure the youngsters in and around him are given space and time in possession.

CM - Tawanda Chirewa: The Zimbabwean was in the first team plenty under Gary O’Neil before a brief loan to Huddersfield Town. Edwards has utilised Chirewa off the bench and could turn to him in the XI.

CAM - Fer Lopez: If given the chance, Lopez could slot into a fluid attacking midfield role just behind the strikers. The Spaniard is yet to fully get going since joining Celta Vigo, so any opportunities will be welcomed.

ST - Tolu Arokodare: Wolves’ summer signing has scored just three goals in 19 appearances across all competitions so far. Tolu would love to improve his tally and he should have a good chance of doing so against League Two opponents.

ST - Mateus Mane: This feels like a good time for Wolves’ in-form hot prospect to lead the line. Mane has been playing a bit further back in the Premier League but could shine in this more advanced role.