Wolves’ FA Cup journey continues with a challenging fifth-round tie against Bournemouth, a fixture that presents both an opportunity and a significant test for Vitor Pereira’s side. With the draw being made on BBC’s The One Show, Wolves now know they must travel to the Vitality Stadium to take on a team that has had the upper hand in recent meetings. Given Bournemouth’s recent record against Wolves—winning three of the last four encounters, including a 4-2 victory at Molineux where Justin Kluivert scored a hat-trick of penalties—Pereira’s men will feel they are long overdue a win against the Cherries.
Wolves Looking for Revenge After Recent Struggles Against Bournemouth
The last time these two sides met, Wolves suffered a frustrating defeat in front of their own fans, conceding three penalties to Kluivert in what was a chaotic game. Defensive lapses and ill-discipline cost them dearly that day, and they will be eager to set the record straight. Bournemouth, under Andoni Iraola, have steadily improved over the course of the season, making this a tricky tie—especially with the game taking place at the Vitality Stadium, where they have been strong.
That said, Wolves can take plenty of confidence from their fourth-round performance against Blackburn Rovers. They were dominant, controlled possession well, and took their chances, securing a comfortable win to advance to this stage of the competition. Pereira has shown that he is taking the FA Cup seriously, and with silverware up for grabs, Wolves fans will hope to see a strong lineup once again.
Sam Johnstone Confirmed to Start Against Bournemouth
One of the biggest takeaways from Wolves’ win over Blackburn was the performance of goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who stepped in for Jose Sa and gave a solid account of himself. Despite not having played much since joining the club, Johnstone looked sharp, making four saves and commanding his box well. The only real blemish on his performance was a moment of hesitation that led to Blackburn scoring—although that goal was ruled out for offside.
Pereira was clearly impressed, as he has already confirmed that Johnstone will start against Bournemouth in the next round. Speaking after the game, he said (via E&S):
“I’m very happy with him.
In two games, for me, he’s played at a high level, and it means I am confident for the future.
He gave me the confidence that I need to have if I need him.
It’s not easy, after a long time without playing, to come to this pitch, and he did very well, in my opinion.
If he’s playing and giving me confidence, why not (start at Bournemouth)?
He will play the next round, for sure, because he gave me this confidence.”
This is a big show of faith in Johnstone from Pereira. The Wolves boss is known for being ruthless with his selection decisions, and if he felt that Sa was the better option, he would have no hesitation in reinstating him. The fact that he has backed Johnstone so strongly suggests he sees something in the goalkeeper and believes he can be a reliable presence between the sticks.
Johnstone’s Chance to Prove Himself
For Johnstone, this game is another chance to establish himself at Wolves. His time at the club has not been smooth sailing, with some fans questioning whether he was a necessary signing in the first place. Since arriving, he has struggled for consistency and game time, leading to doubts over his role in the squad. However, the FA Cup presents a golden opportunity for him to turn things around.
If he can put in another strong performance against Bournemouth, it will strengthen his case for more regular minutes and potentially even put pressure on Sa for the starting spot in the league. Goalkeeper rotations in cup competitions are common, but if Johnstone continues to impress, Pereira might have a decision to make moving forward.
How Will Wolves Approach the Game?
Beyond Johnstone’s confirmed start, the big question now is how strong of a lineup Pereira will field. Against Blackburn, he went with a relatively strong XI, and given the difficulty of this tie, he may take a similar approach.
Bournemouth are a well-drilled side under Iraola, and their recent record against Wolves suggests they won’t be pushovers. If Wolves want to progress, they will need to be at their best. The FA Cup is an important competition for many clubs, and with some of the traditional big sides already knocked out, the path to Wembley is beginning to open up.
For Wolves, this is more than just another game—it’s a chance to continue building momentum under Pereira, take revenge for past results against Bournemouth, and keep the dream of silverware alive. The fifth round promises to be an intriguing battle, and with Johnstone getting the nod in goal, all eyes will be on him to deliver another strong performance.