Rob Edwards believes the fearlessness of teenage star Mateus Mane has rubbed off on the remainder of his Wolves squad, because the Premier League’s backside membership look to proceed their mini revival in opposition to Everton on Wednesday.
Wolves have been reduce adrift on the foot of the desk following a dismal first half of the season, they usually had been threatening to interrupt the file for the longest winless run from the beginning of a marketing campaign in English top-flight historical past (Bolton Wanderers’ 22 video games in 1902-03).
However they lastly obtained off the mark for 2025-26 on the twentieth try on Saturday, overcoming West Ham 3-0 at Molineux after rallying to attract 1-1 at Manchester United earlier that week.
Mane was Wolves’ standout participant in opposition to the Irons, taking part in a outstanding position in Jhon Arias’ opening objective, then successful the penalty that allowed Hwang Hee-chan to make it 2-0.
Mane then drilled into the bottom-left nook following a elegant contact to make it 3-0, changing into Wolves’ youngest-ever Premier League goalscorer on the age of 18 years and 109 days.
And Edwards believes Mane’s influence goes past what he has contributed on the pitch, saying: “He’s nonetheless at that stage the place I’m most likely nonetheless a bit scary to him, so he gained’t ask me any questions in any respect!
“He’s simply obtained to maintain doing what he’s doing. He’s obtained a extremely good perspective, however he’s affected video games very, very nicely along with his depth and his selfless work, however then actual moments of high quality and bravado, which I feel has rubbed off on the group as nicely.”
Reflecting on Wolves’ first win, Edwards added: “There’s been extra of a bounce round, as a result of individuals can see just a little bit extra development.
“The lads can really feel that as nicely. The membership wanted it. The supporters wanted it greater than anybody else. However we simply crack on and hold working laborious.”
Everton, in the meantime, misplaced 4-2 at dwelling to Brentford final outing, their third defeat within the area of 5 video games.
David Moyes continues to be with out a number of key gamers, together with Kiernan Dewsbury-Corridor, Jarrad Branthwaite, Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye, attributable to harm or worldwide responsibility, however he nonetheless foresees a quiet January switch window.
“I feel that we’re most likely extra unlikely than possible [to be busy],” Moyes stated. “We’re trying, however I wouldn’t need to get everybody’s hopes up.
“We’re taking a look at some gamers, however we shall be fairly cautious with it.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Everton – Jack Grealish
Grealish has supplied six Premier League assists this season, solely recording extra in 2022-23 for Manchester Metropolis (seven) and in 2020-21 for Aston Villa (10).
Solely Andrei Kanchelskis (eight in 1995-96), Peter Beardsley (seven in 1992-93) and Nick Barmby (additionally seven in 1996-97) have ever assisted extra objectives of their debut Premier League season for Everton.
Wolves – Hwang Hee-chan
After his objective and help in opposition to West Ham final outing, Hwang now has 30 Premier League objective involvements (24 objectives, six assists), all for Wolves.
Solely Raul Jimenez (58) and Matheus Cunha (42) have ever recorded extra for the membership.
MATCH PREDICTION – EVERTON WIN
Following their 3-2 win at Molineux in August, Everton need to full a Premier League double over Wolves for the primary time since 2020-21.
Nonetheless, the Toffees have misplaced their final two Premier League video games at Hill Dickinson Stadium, the primary time they’ve carried out so at their new floor. The Toffees final suffered three successive dwelling league defeats in September 2023 (a run of 4).
The most recent group information forward of tomorrow evening’s recreation at dwelling to Wolves. #EVEWOL pic.twitter.com/m7WSj4pW9K
— Everton (@Everton) January 6, 2026
And Wolves haven’t gained any of their final 12 away Premier League matches (two attracts, 10 defeats), having gained 4 in row earlier than this run started.
The guests may fancy their possibilities of a outcome, although, having solely gained away at Southampton and Tottenham (each 5 occasions) extra typically than they’ve at Everton (4 occasions) within the Premier League.
And Everton have misplaced 5 of their final 9 Premier League matches in opposition to sides beginning the day backside of the desk (three wins, one draw), although they gained their solely such recreation since Moyes returned as supervisor, beating Southampton 2-0 in Might 2025.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Everton – 62.6%
Wolves – 17.6%
Draw – 19.8%