Wolverhampton Wanderers' manager Vitor Pereira has emphasised the importance of his team being at its best to take on a buoyant Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

Since taking over from former boss Gary O'Neil, Pereira's Wolves have clawed their way out of the relegation zone and are undefeated, claiming notable victories against Leicester City and Manchester United, and snatching a late draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

Their resurgence faces a stern test as they prepare for their home game at Molineux against a Forest side that has secured five consecutive wins.

Pereira acknowledged the challenge, stating: "Strong team, and the results are telling us they are a strong and consistent team.

"They defend well and are fast in counter-attacks and good when the other team lose balls and they are ready to go fast with quality, and quality in transitions and a consistent team. We need to win this game, we need to be at our best."

However, Wolves will have to face third-placed Forest without influential player Matheus Cunha who is serving a suspension and has been fined £80,000 following an altercation with one of Ipswich’s coaching staff.

Despite Cunha's valuable contribution of 10 goals and four assists this season, Pereira is confident his squad will manage in his absence: "We need to be ready with or without Cunha and play as a team.

"We have players with different skills and qualities but we will be ready. He knows that it wasn’t a good reaction but I look for not only a player but as a human being, and sometimes even I make mistakes and everyone makes mistakes. He knows. Now is to not do it again and keep the emotional balance and move forward."

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