Adam Armstrong insists this Wolves squad are fully aware of Sunday’s importance and are ready to leave everything out on the Molineux pitch.
In Raul Jimenez’s absence, the striker looks set to lead in the line in Sunday’s Black Country derby against West Bromwich Albion, but having scored 92 goals in the Championship and experienced derbies elsewhere in his career, he’s ready for the challenge.
As football fans themselves, footballers have their own rivalries, with Armstrong hailing from Newcastle, and on Sunday he’s fully focused on doing everything he can to deliver for the city of Wolverhampton.
On preparing for a derby
“Everyone knows what the game means. We've seen it all week, it's on the TVs, on the screen of how big the game is. All the lads are fans themselves, so they know what rivalry means. It’s a game that means something for everyone, the whole city, so we're going to have to go out there and put on a good performance and hopefully get the win.
“As football players, we don’t really need to be told what these games mean because we’ve all seen rivalries throughout the Premier League and Championship. They’re huge. As a fan, I try to put myself in that position and imagine playing against a rival club that you’ve hated all your life. It’s going to be an intense game, we know what they’re capable of, they’re a good side and they’ve started the season very well, so hopefully it’ll be a great game.”
On his role on and off the pitch
“For me now, it’s also about getting around the group and showing how important this game really is. There’s no point beating around the bush – it’s a massive game. It’s something all the lads should be relishing. You want to be involved in the biggest games you can, and Sunday is certainly one of those.
“It’s nothing new to me [leading the line]. I’ve been a striker for as long as I can remember, when I was a kid. It’s something I enjoy, helping bring the other lads into the game, whether that’s coming short or stretching the pitch. But ultimately, scoring goals is the main thing and hopefully I can get a few on Sunday.”
On the differences on derby day
“I played two for Southampton against Portsmouth. There was a big build-up to the first one and it ended up being 0-0 with pretty much nothing in the game, it was very tense and there weren’t many chances. Hopefully this one has a lot of chances and it’s an entertaining game, which is what the fans want to see, and most importantly we come out with the win.
“It definitely makes a difference if you can get the crowd going towards the end of the game, whether you’re pushing for a goal or trying to defend a lead, they can definitely play their part. They’ve already done that for us this season and hopefully they can do it again on Sunday, help us along the way and we can get the win.”
Sunday. pic.twitter.com/rUNaLPsQ1T
— Wolves (@Wolves) September 17, 2026
On missing Jimenez on Sunday
“He’s a great guy to have around the place with his experience, what he’s achieved at Wolves and where he’s been throughout his career at the highest level, the lads can only learn from him. You can get better every day by taking things from him. We’ve seemed to have a good relationship on the pitch when we’ve played together. Unfortunately, he can’t play this weekend, but we’ll all be doing everything we can to get the win for him.
“I’ve played out wide when he’s been playing centrally and we have that relationship on the pitch. We try to use it as much as possible and work out what’s best for both of us. Sometimes I need to be around him to help him, and sometimes I need to stay wide and put crosses into the box for him. We’re all still relatively new as a group and getting everybody to gel together is the main thing and there’s no better feeling than when it’s working on the pitch.”
On Lopez, Mane and Gomes supporting
“They’re all still very young and learning the game, but they’ve had a flying start – they’ve been brilliant. You see their quality in training every day, so it’s nice when you then see them producing it on a Saturday. I’ll just keep trying to help them along the way.
“We know what the Championship is like, it’s a hard schedule when you’re playing Saturday-Tuesday a lot, so keeping them fit and enjoying their football is important. The gaffer gives them a lot of confidence, which you need as a young player, and they’re all doing really well.
“Fer’s been spot-on. When I came in, he was out on loan, so I’ve really seen it from pre-season onwards. He’s been a breath of fresh air. With a new manager coming in, I think all the boys wanted to show what they could do. The manager has given Fer that trust and told him he’s one of the important players and he’s given him the freedom to do what he’s best at. If that helps the team win, that’s the main thing.”
