Match Thread: Blackburn Rovers v Wolves FA Cup 4th round

Those were the days!
By Ivybridge Wolf
February 9 2025

Blackburn Rovers v Wolves kick this 4th round FA Cup tie off at 12.30pm this afternoon and will be screened live on the BBC iPlayer, so an opportunity for everyone to watch. Remarkably this is the first time the two sides have met in the FA Cup since the 1960 FA Cup Final when Wolves were victorious 3-0 and I expect there will be a few references to it be the match commentators and presenters. In another moment of history against Blackburn, albeit slightly less triumphant, who could forget that Stephen Hunt 87th minute top left curler to keep us up at Molineux in 2011? Wolves arrive at Ewood Park this afternoon off the back of a significantly improved performance by beating Villa last weekend which is bound to boost confidence, however Blackburn lost their last fixture 2-1 away to QPR.

Form, it is often said, is out of the window for the cup, and although currently occupying the last play-off place in the championship Blackburn have lost 5 of their last seven matches and winning just two, losing to QPR, Bristol City, Coventry, Oxford and Burnley. On that basis it might be argued that Wolves have a more straightforward job, nevertheless I doubt there’ll be any complacency in the Wolves dressing room as Rovers will be full of adrenaline and in front of their own fans to hopefully deliver their own 5^th round spot. It is also recognised that Wolves performances remain ‘a touch’ up and down, however should they produce an effort similar to the one at Ashton Gate in the 3^rd round, then (as long as they take their chances) that will be the kind of energy required for the win.

Pereira has mentioned that both new signings, Munetsi and Djiga, are unlikely to feature in this match citing they will need a bit more time to adapt, however I expect Vitor will go for a strong staring line up today, as he did versus Bristol City. From comments, he appears to value the opportunity to advance in the FA Cup and to raise confidence, something which is refreshing to hear. Obviously it is great that Cunha has signed a new contract which cements his commitment to the cause (for now at least!) and he’ll certainly be a handful for the Rovers defenders. Agbadou has also made a terrific early impact in the side with composure on the ball whilst still prepared to throw himself in the way of trouble and do the dirty work required at the back.

In all competitions, Wolves have a good record at Ewood Park, winning four of last five matches, though they were mainly in the championship and we haven’t played there since October 2016! Should we progress, then that would be the first time we’ve got to the 5^th round in consecutive seasons since 93-94 / 94-95, an age ago and a sign of our relative disappointment in the Cup. Rovers have won all of their last six 4^th round ties …. With any luck that particular trend will stop today!

And so we have another potential banana skin versus a team looking for promotion from the championship, with the TV presenters baying for an upset, yet to really happen this weekend (Millwall at Leeds maybe?) though Blues pushed Newcastle hard yesterday evening. With a more competent and rounded performance witnessed last week Wolves should prevail ….. but who knows, it’s the FA Cup?!

Enjoy the match, the teams will be out soon, please leave all of your thoughts and comments in the thread to go …. I must admit I’m excited about this one.

All the best, UTW.

Match Thread: Blackburn Rovers v Wolves FA Cup 4th round

Posted by: Wolves (IP Logged)

Date: 09/02/2025 11:20

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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2025:03:04:10:27:43 by Ivybridge Wolf.