What have we learnt from Wolves’ start to the 2026/27 EFL Championship season?
Wolves are back in the Championship for the first time in more than eight years, following a dismal campaign that ended in Premier League relegation last season.
New manager César Peixoto will be expected by many to get the Old Gold back into the top flight at the first time of asking.
The Midlands side have started the competitive season unbeaten, with three wins and a draw from their first four games.
With plenty of positives but also a few areas for concern, what can we really make of Wolves’ start to the new season? Sports News Blitz’s Will Jones takes a closer look.
A positive start to the season
Wolves had a comfortable opening to the competitive season, beating Port Vale 3-0 in the Carabao Cup.
Wolves controlled the game and progressed without too much trouble, with Fer López scoring twice. It was a positive first look at Peixoto's side, particularly going forward.
They followed that up with a point against Blackburn Rovers in their first league match of the season. Although Wolves looked competent going forward, defensively there were concerns.
Next up was a trip to Deepdale to face Preston North End - a 3-1 comfortable away win followed, Wolves’ first away league win in 489 days.
Their latest match was a professional 2-0 away win over Sheffield Wednesday, providing Peixoto with further evidence that he has options beyond his strongest eleven.
The biggest positive for Wolves so far has undoubtedly been their attacking output. They’ve already scored ten goals across their first four competitive games.
The 3-1 victory away at Preston was very encouraging, as Wolves showed they could produce a convincing attacking performance away from home in the Championship.
Fer López emerging as a key player under promising Peixoto
Another major positive has been the emergence of Fer López.
The Spaniard has three goals and an assist to his name so far and has made an excellent start to the campaign. His first goal against Preston in particular was wonderful.
His dummy on the halfway line allowed him to turn his marker. He drove deep into the opposition’s half before unleashing a ferocious left-footed shot into the top corner.
His performances have provided Wolves with another creative option and, at just 21, his development could be particularly important to Peixoto's side throughout the season if they’re to be promoted.
There have also been encouraging signs from César Peixoto.
While it is still far too early to make definitive judgements on the new head coach, Wolves have remained unbeaten across their opening four competitive games, and he’s given them a clear attacking identity.
Three victories and a draw represent a strong start for a team expected to challenge for promotion, and Peixoto will be pleased with the momentum his side have built.
Defensive and depth concerns remain
Despite this solid start, this Wolves side have shown some weaknesses that need addressing.
The Blackburn game highlighted the side’s defensive frailties.
Wolves took the lead but struggled to control the game. Their high press approach left lots of gaps in the midfield for Blackburn to exploit, causing the home team to be frequently overrun.
The defending for both Blackburn goals was poor too.
There was a lack of communication, as both goals came from runners into the box not being tracked by the Wolves centre-backs - this lack of organisation punished them.
Another concern for Wolves is squad depth.
Kieran Trippier and Yerson Mosquera have already suffered injuries and are expected to be out for a few weeks.
Wolves have coped well so far with players like Jackson Tchatchoua and Nasser Djiga stepping in.
With 46 Championship matches to navigate alongside cup commitments, maintaining competition for places will be crucial.
Wolves cannot afford to become overly reliant on a small group of players, particularly if Peixoto's high-intensity style continues to demand so much physically.
They still need reinforcements, though, especially since Ladislav Krejci and Santiago Bueno are widely expected to leave the club before deadline day.
That could leave Wolves with several areas to address before the transfer window closes, with a left-footed centre-back, winger and another striker among the positions that have been highlighted as potential priorities.
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What does Wolves’ start tell us?
Overall, Wolves’ start to the 2026/27 season has provided plenty of reason for optimism, but there is still work to be done.
Peixoto has already given his side a clear attacking identity, while the emergence of Fer López has been one of the biggest positives for the club in a long while.
However, the draw against Blackburn highlighted defensive concerns, while injuries and potential departures raise questions over the depth of the squad.
With the transfer window closing soon, Wolves must address those weaknesses and give Peixoto the tools he needs.
Three wins and a draw represent an encouraging start, but Wolves will need to maintain their attacking threat while becoming more defensively reliable if they are to turn early-season promise into an immediate return to the Premier League.
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