Wolves Players Risking Suspension Ahead of Crucial Burnley Clash

Wolverhampton Wanderers are heading into a critical encounter with relegation rivals Burnley, and the timing couldn’t be more precarious. Manager Vítor Pereira is facing growing scrutiny just weeks after penning a contract extension, as results continue to disappoint. A damaging 2-0 defeat to newly-promoted Sunderland at the Stadium of Light has only intensified the pressure on the Portuguese boss, with fans and pundits alike questioning whether he can turn the tide.

The defeat leaves Wolves with a meagre two points from a possible 23 in the league so far—an alarming statistic that has seen them slump to the bottom of the table. They now trail 17th-placed Burnley by five points, even at this relatively early stage of the campaign. If the Old Gold fail to pick up a result against Vincent Kompany’s side, they risk being cut further adrift in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested relegation battle.

What makes this situation even more troubling is the resurgence of newly-promoted clubs this season. Unlike previous campaigns, where top-flight newcomers often struggled to adapt, this year’s crop have shown fight, tactical discipline, and an ability to grind out results—raising the bar for survival and leaving teams like Wolves with even less margin for error.

To get out of this downward spiral, Wolves must rely heavily on their key performers—those who helped them stay afloat last season, along with the summer signings brought in under Pereira’s guidance. However, availability issues may begin to mount—not just due to injuries but because of potential suspensions that could further deplete the squad during a period where fixtures come thick and fast, particularly over the congested festive season.

As the Championship calendar intensifies, maintaining squad discipline becomes just as crucial as tactics and fitness. With that in mind, attention is turning to Wolves’ disciplinary record and which players are walking the suspension tightrope ahead of key games.

Key Players at Risk of Suspension

Club captain Toti Gomes remains the only Wolves player to have received a red card so far this season. The Portuguese defender was sent off during a narrow 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth after receiving his marching orders in the 49th minute. Since that suspension, he has made four appearances but was absent from the matchday squad during the 2-2 draw with Brighton and the recent Sunderland loss.

In terms of yellow cards, Wolves have two players who are inching dangerously close to triggering a suspension. Midfield enforcer João Gomes, who collected an alarming 11 bookings last season, already has three to his name this term. Irish full-back Matt Doherty is in the same boat with three yellow cards as well. If either player receives two more cautions before Matchday 19, they will be forced to serve a one-match suspension under Premier League disciplinary rules.

Elsewhere, Brazilian midfielder Andre has picked up two yellow cards, while six additional players in the squad have been cautioned once. Though not immediate concerns, a couple of rash challenges or misjudged tackles could quickly bring them into the danger zone.

Understanding the Rules

Per Premier League regulations:

• Five yellow cards before Matchday 19 results in a one-match suspension.
• Ten yellow cards before Matchday 32 leads to a two-match ban.
• Fifteen bookings over the course of the season will see a player handed a three-match suspension.

Given these rules, Wolves must tread carefully. Losing key players—even for one game—could be disastrous during this crucial phase of the season.

Wolves’ Disciplinary Standing in the League

Unfortunately, discipline has already become a worrying theme this season. Wolves currently have the fifth-worst disciplinary record in the Premier League. They’ve accumulated 14 yellow cards and one red—a tally that reflects their struggles not just in results, but also in on-field discipline.

With so much riding on every point, and games coming in quick succession, avoiding suspensions is now a top priority for Pereira’s side. The upcoming clash with Burnley could be a turning point—either a step towards survival or another nail in the coffin of what’s becoming a nightmare season.

If Wolves are to claw their way out of trouble, they’ll need discipline, resilience, and a consistent run of form. The Burnley game may well prove to be a litmus test—not just of Pereira’s tactical acumen, but of the squad’s mental strength and commitment to the cause.