Wolves boss wary of threat posed by Chorley on their own patch

Boss Nuno Espirito Santo has warned misfiring Wolverhampton Wanderers they cannot afford to become another FA Cup scalp this evening.
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito SantoWolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo

The Premier League club go to National League North side Chorley in the fourth round tonight aiming to avoid a second upset in Lancashire.

Back in 1986, Fourth Division Wolves were embarrassed 3-0 by Northern Premier League Chorley in the first round.

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Nuno’s side go into this year’s tie winless in their last six Premier League games, having suffered a damaging 3-2 derby defeat to West Bromwich Albion last weekend.

The Wolves boss said: “We don’t have to go much further back, recent history in football tells you – especially in this competition – things can happen.

“We have to be aware of the responsibility we have.

“We will approach it exactly the same as any game, with the search for detail.

“The difference of the divisions doesn’t show you the game so we have to compete and play.

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“We are going to find a pitch which is not in the best condition, we know an effort has been made to preserve the pitch but with the weather conditions it will be very difficult to play football on. We have to adapt.

“The next game is always the opportunity to improve on what you did wrong before.”

Wolves will be without Marcal (groin), Daniel Podence (calf), Jonny (knee) and Raul Jimenez (fractured skull).

Nuno (below) has been short on firepower since Jimenez suffered his horror injury in November and the striker remains Wolves’ joint top scorer on four with Pedro Neto.

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Real Sociedad striker Willian Jose is close to joining on loan as cover. The 29-year-old has scored six goals in 21 appearances for Sociedad this season.

“Things are going on but there is nothing signed yet so we can’t speak too much about the situation,” said Nuno. “I will speak more deeply about him when things are signed and ready to go.”

Jose will fill the gap left by Jimenez but the Mexico international has at least stepped up his recovery.

“He has started jogging and started some physical work in the gym and on the treadmill,” added Nuno.

“We cannot put a time on it, hopefully things keep improving and he can re-join the group.”