Wolves return to competitive action after a disappointing 2025-26 campaign that ended in Premier League relegation. However, they have impressed in pre-season, winning three of four matches, including a 3-0 victory over Racing Santander, while keeping clean sheets in all three wins. Although the Old Gold failed to win any of their final four home league games last season, they scored in seven of their last eight competitive matches at Molineux.

Port Vale also endured a difficult 2025-26 season, finishing with just 42 points and suffering relegation from League One. They have responded well in pre-season, winning all four friendlies, including a 1-0 success over Blackpool, with three clean sheets.

Despite that encouraging form, the Valiants have lost six of their last eight competitive away matches and have not won at Molineux since 1996.