When Steven Fletcher swiveled to volley home the winner against Sunderland at the start of December, I didn’t think we’d be sitting here two months later still waiting for our next Molineux-maximum.
But we are.
No way through at the Hawthorns
Make no mistake, survival very much depends on Wolves doing better business on their own patch, with Bolton and Blackburn still to pay a visit after Sunday’s gargantuan match against Albion.
Speaking of our dear neighbours, their need for a win is becoming as desperate as ours.
Swansea’s victory at the Hawthorns last weekend means they now boast an even worse home record than us with just 2 wins to show from their 12 matches to date.
What’s keeping them afloat is their away form, which is sumptuous, particularly for a team in their position. With 5 wins and 3 draws, they’ve collected more points on their travels than Arsenal and just 2 less than Chelsea.
Gulp.
Just as well the form book goes out the window in a derby then…right?
The Team
Both teams have been struck down with injuries of late.
Brunt and Gera are long-term absentees for Albion, which is a plus for Wolves as they’ve definitely been thorns in our side over the years.
Shane Long is in a race to prove his fitness and after the anarchy he caused in the match at the Hawthorns, it would probably be better for us if his name didn’t appear.
Still, enough about them, what about us? This is the team I would personally pick:
Hennessey, Foley, Johnson, Bassong, Ward, Milijas, O'Hara, Edwards, Jarvis, Doyle, Fletcher
That’s very similar to the side that finished the match at QPR, but as we’ll be starting off against 11 men this week, we probably need to be a little more cautious, hence Milijas added to the midfield.
I like the idea of Doyle playing from deep. We need to get him facing the play more as it brings out the best elements of his game, so starting him wide on the right and allowing him to drift inside could be a good bet. He might have to do some defending though.
I hope the introduction of Bassong at the back will be as telling as I believe it should be. Too often over the last 5 years or so, Albion have had pace up front that’s caused our lumbering defenders problems. We’ve lacked any real athleticism at the back, so I’m pinning my hopes on the Spurs man to solve the problem.
So that’s my preferred team, but as to what eleven Mick will send out, I’m not so sure.
I think he’ll want to play Doyle from the start and I can’t shake the suspicion he’ll move Foley into midfield again and play Stearman at right-back. Most likely a 442 I’d say.
Prediction League
Well done to the 10 pundits who kept the faith and predicted a win against QPR.
Hats off to Morph, Putney Wolf, Philly Pete and Hudds Wolf who got the 2-1 scoreline too. They get the maximum 3 points, the others take a single.
I said before the Liverpool game I thought we’d take 4 points from the next 3 games.
So we had the defeat to the scousers and a fantastic win at QPR, which leaves a draw to support my logical conclusion.
Can’t see either team keeping a cleansheet, so how about this for a prediction – 3-3.
I genuinely believe there’s nothing to choose between the sides in terms of ability, so on any given day the result could be pretty much anything.
If you’re at Molineux Sunday, be loud and make the place bounce rather than boing. This would be a massive win if Mick and the boys can pull it off.
Up The Wolves.
* Just one final plea to support our March to Molineux fundraising efforts. Ben and I will be doing the 10-mile walk on Sunday morning to raise money for Acorns children’s hospice and any donations would be gratefully accepted. Here’s the link to our fundraising page. It’s a wonderful cause, so be please do dig deep.
we’re gonna lose and get relegated. it’s gonna be 0-10, with jubilant b***ging b*****s all over the place.
2-1 Wolves, please please please. Just for the delight of dragging them into the mire with us.
I can’t predict a loss against a****n, so prediction 2-1 win like against QPR.
Hope Doyle demonstrates his worth once again.
We were wonderful to watch in the second half against QPR. If we have that sort of performance here and Long doesn’t start I reckon we’ll edge it 2-1. Here’s hoping Kev’s season-saving renaissance continues on Sunday with another winner
I am going for a 1-0. O’hara free kick… Last minute…
It is out of pure hope than anything I’m gonna opt for 3-2 to us, with Fletcher bagging a late winner. I’ll be in the pub down in Horsham and am trying to build up a small gang of people to cheer us on and shout down any exiled Baggies down south.
93rd minute Foley volley: 1-0
I love this shout
I think we’ll win. 2-1.
I agree that Doyle will start. I would definitely not like Milijas and Edwards to start, it would leave us with very little defensive capability in midfield (and not much attacking either!).
It is possible that Mick will put Foley in midfield, but this would make our defence more ‘iffy’ (hurry back Zubes!).
I liked the attacking threat of 4-4-2 / 4-3-3, with SEB & Fletcher up front and Doyle on the right, but this would leave us vulnerable as Albion play very much on the break.
It’s my first Black Country Derby, that good or bad?
I’d go for the same team as you Thomas, except Jonsson for Milijas.
Most of us have seen far too defeats to the stripey lot in recent years, Louie, so let’s hope your first Black Country derby ends with a Wolves win.
*far too many defeats*
Sorry louie, your first derby was Not so good but bad and definitely the ugly side of wolves
Do you still think mm should be manager.
Unfortunately, that was the final straw for me. I was fuming then and still am. He’s got to go now.
Absolutely no idea with regards to what team Mick will field…Im also undecided…maybe…Hennessey, Ward, Bassong, Johnson, Foley, Jarvis, Ohara, Hammill, Doyle SEB and Fletcher.
1 – 1 this weekend…Fletcher
Regardless of the much needed and well received win last weekend…and I think a point this weekend…I still want Mick out, but now accept that it isn’t going to happen before the end of the season!
MoCi
I’ll stick my neck out and go for 2-1 Wolves. We have to win at home sometime this year, so why not against our dear neighbours?
2 – 0 to the Wolves. I dreameth of a clean sheet against the ….
Living close to Nottingham its pleasing to see that Notts Forest are becoming a nursery club for our players MM wants to lose for a while. Even big George, now that all our defenders are back, hmmm …..obviously George isn`t a defender then……..
As for Sunday, Albion are very quick up front, and we have a very pedestrian defence, so how can we cope with a team that gets much better results away from home?
Drop Ward of course, but somehow I doubt that will happen even if he is in that wheelchair that Clive from Houston wants him in to be more mobile.
We have to win in any case, so 3-1 will do me.
mind yer language mate, no need to swear
Louie-you won’t forget this game-hope it becomes a happy memory.
Shits will score and so will we-a nervy 2-1. Fletcher and Doyle.
So is our squad now down to 23?
If so, can we get in replacements?
Losing Elokobi is no loss at all, now who needs a versatile, play anywhere, paceless, lost in space big nosed Irishman?
If we can loan players, can we loan managers?
England need one, and we’ve got one who isn’t doing anything for us!!!
With regards to the game on Sunday, it does not matter who is picked to play, and in what position, they should be so pysched up for it, they will sweat blood for the team, the shirt and the fans.
As Ed Harris, in Apollo 13, so eloquently put it:
” Losing to those poxey eyd scum bags from sandwell is not an option”
Or words to that effect.
Prediction?
Wolves to win.
Don’t care who scores, how spawny we are, who gets booked and sent off, how many outrageously homer decisions we get from the ref, who we upset, as long as we win.
FOWB
So another of the squad McCarthy claims to be very happy with is sent away to play for someone else.
This time our only genuine left back, which leaves us with utility man Ward.
Presumably Bassong is the alternative now although he’s really a centre back isn’t he?
Did he sometimes play left back for Spurs or Newcastle?
2-0 Wolves simples
I’m happy no way big George can play! In that vain I’m going for an overly optimistic 3-1 Wolves scoreline. It be nice to get a win and drag our oh so noisy neighbours in the mire with us. If it happens anyone want o join in my McCarthy for England chant?
Like I’d ever predict a loss here!
3-1 Wolves, just like last year – why not? We definitely have the confidence (theoretically) and W*** B*** are low on confidence… they can keep that slump up, thank you very much!
I’m with Clive on this, I don’t care how they’d achieve it but I need a win. An ugly,undeserved,injury-time-handball-cheating-thugs-win.
2-1, Fletcher and O’Hara.
2-1 to Wolves, Fletch the Baggie killer at the double.
Something tells me Mick has Stephen Hunt locked and loaded for this one…
3-2 to wolves. End to end bruising stuff but with us getting the deserved winner with a SEB outside the box screamer to hit his 50th goal for wolves.
Ok so what, its overly optimistic. I’ve been depressed enough, now time to dream.*
*thats what one win does to you!
So now two and a half seasons into our premiership adventure, MM has started to offload some of the promotion squad, with big George going to Forest, (this will never be permanent due to their owner`s sad demise last week), and Andy Keogh finding a buyer in the January window, after several false starts. I wonder who next, Ward to Bohemians reserves perhaps?
Of the newcomers since then, Sunday may be a game for Hunt to show why MM paid more than £5 for him, let alone £3.5m. I still say Fletcher, Jarvis and Doyle can do it for us 3-1 on Sunday.
So lets practice please, one, two, three, F*** O** West Brom, hey Hoe silver lining, come on you wolves………
you put the stars in the wrong place mate, it should read FUCK OFF W**t B**m
Just to check this is on sky sports this weekend right?
Yep, I’ll be watching it in London. Come on you Wolves!
Due for a clean sheet, 2-0 wolves.
O hara injured
Edwards injured
Foley injured
Have i missed a game mid week or not?
No its just the usual hack job training sessions we always put on right before our most important games. Honestly I haven’t known a team as bad as ours for training ground injuries.
Not definitely out, but struggling. Which means we could be left with a midfield of Milijas and Jonsson…the thought of which sends chills down my spine which are not related to the weather. And due to sending Guedioura to Forest and Henry having no brain, that means we have literally no recognised central midfielders other than Milijas and Jonsson. Which brings me back to the point I made during the summer transfer window…why the hell didn’t we sign Mancienne?!!!
You can also add Kightly to that injury list.
Haywood Wolf, I agree – it seems every week at least one person is injured in training.
Incompetence or unfortunate training methods, i do not know which, but i do know i do not need this suffering 2 days before the most important derby in a very long time.
My confidence goes down by a notch with every injury, on the totam pole of life, there is a notch just below my ankle.
1-0 wolves. Doyle again. Feeling oddly optimistic for a change!
UTW
“but admitted his record and grasp of English were far from perfect. ”
This taken verbatim from the Telegraph online, about Capello, but surely it could apply to our beloved leader??!!
FOMM
Wolves 3 Tesco 1
My team would be similar to yours Thomas. Thinks Milijas will contribute in a game, where I hope that we can hold on to the ball a lot more than we can with a Jonsson or a Foley in central midfield.
O’Hara and Edwards doubtful? Both will have to play in order for us to win. We only have the team for a 4-5-1 so if Mick decides to field a 4-4-2 we will lose the game I am pretty sure. Our midfield will be wide open.
Loaning out Guedioura seems more and more as a disastrous decision.
Don’t know what to predict havn’t done anygood of late,so i’ll stick my neck out and predict a
scrapy 1-0 to the wolves,
Got to agree with clive,McIdiot for England.he’s got international experience with Ireland so
for me the right choice.and i’m sure all of us would give him our heartfelt best wishes and good riddence i wish.FOMM..Forgot to mention the team.Who the hell will he pick it will probably totally different to anything we predict.FOMM…UTW.
Cant see much change from the team that finished against QPR. Still struggling to get my head around why MM signs players and then they dont get in the squad.(18?) Suffice to say that Jonsson, Hammill are at best fizzy pop quality. I think that Hunt will be on a mission this weekend if he gets a chance. That said Bassong will, I believe to prove to be a masterstroke signing.(Shane Long beware coz you wont get any change out of him!) as for going home happy, after my half time fix it will be 2 – 1 to be babbies.
Famous last words on Long there!! I’m not going on Sunday now – long story but I have to forfeit my ticket (and Twix) GUTTED!! Still doing the walk beforehand though!!
Been looking at the E & S training ground photos, and applying my ‘bib theory.’
Wardy was wearing as bib, which means he is training for the ’1st team’ against the training ground opposition (consisting of kids and returning players from injury.)
Interestingly, Doyle was also in a bib, meaning he will play.
Even more interestingly, SEB was in a bib, meaning he will play too.
Milijas had a bib too.
So the team will be (it won’t really, just using my stupid bib logic that is usually wrong, as Edwards isn’t in it and he has to play!)
Diamond lights, with the full backs having to push on to make it work (which they do anyway!)
Henners
Ward Bassong Roger Foley
Milijas
Jarvis Doyle
O’Hara
Fletcher SEB
Looks bit like the charge of the light brigade – be interesting to see if Milijas can protect the space in behind.
2-0 to the wolves. Payback’s a b****
Myself and my Albion supporting housemate will be glued to our sofa for this one.
I feel some sort of bet is in order…
I would love it if Mick had the balls to play Fletch, Doyle and SEB and really went for it. The way our midfielders are dropping like flies, he may have no choice.
Can’t wait for Sunday, but also have that nervous sick feeling starting to build up, which I get before every game against the shit.
Come on Wanderers!
Wolves 1-2 West Brom.
Hennessy concedes from range early, we eventually equalise only to lose to a goal in last 10 mins.
Another guts and no glory performance as we slip back into the welcoming arms of the relegation zone.
Can’t wait!
Must come out in the all gold strip we wore V Villa in 1965 in the Cup. Will take the shits breath away.
Need all the help we can get….Remeber Clive and others who were there.
UTW
FOMMCPPOXEY MOXEYAND MORGAN-Sold any houses yet?
I very rarely predict a win which could explain why I’m doing well in the prediction league.
I WANT us to win so badly, but I’m afraid in a derby against a team who’s also not in sparkling form I think it’s hard to call.
Sod it, I’m going for the win: 2 – 1 to wolves. Bring it!
Hope you go level with me after Sunday then – or even me jumping to second!
Ha ha, me too – although if I cement my position ‘in Europe’ that may mean that we’ve been relegated, so I’d rather be crap in the prediction league!
I think we’ll lose
Easy 4-1 this one! Our greatest loss to the Scum was 8-0 in ’63, but we went to beat them 7-0 that same year so who gives a toss if we lost at the Scumhole earlier in the season!
I was successful with my 2-1 prediction last week, so I’m going to predict the same for Sunday.
Being optimistic with this one
2-1 Wolves!
An ugly battle fitting of both teams
1-1. O’Hara with our goal
In the absence of Frimpong expect plenty of ping-pong as we gift possession away in our normal fashion.
Plenty of huff and puff and good intention but will that be enough against a team with a good away record AND eleven men?
Maybe but i certainly wouldn’t bet on it. Can’t bring myself to print my prediction.
I’ve no idea what will happen but I think there will be goals. 3-2 to us with Sylvan notching his 50th. Come on me babbies!
Wolves 2-1 Unmentionables
Precarious manager…
Too many injuries…
2-2
Win 3-1, Wolves will. Hmmmmmm
MM in E&S showing loads of confidence by saying our season will “go to the wire”. No not again
FOMMPMANDM.
Surely you’d agree with this though? Unless you think we’re doomed to relegation with 0% chance of survival?
McIdiot says he believes survival fight will go to the wire and he’s probably right it will,and who’s fault is it, his, its a mockery the way he talks about the situation we’er in and its all down to his inability thats why we are scratching near the bottom of the premier league.What gets me he still thinks he’s doing a good job.If we lose this one he surely has got to go and his backroom staff with him.FOMM.
Where does Mick say that he thinks he’s done a good job? Wasn’t there a quote from him along the lines of “another chairman other than Morgan would have sacked me by now?”
I’m sure he’s doing his best for Wolves, but is his best enough to establish Wolves as a mid-table side? For now, let’s see if we can start with a win! Back-to-back wins will be highly encouraging!
OK, I’m on a roll, much like Wolves – one positive result in living memory (well in the prediction league anyway). Whilst in this hour of glory, do I take a step back, ala MM and go for a draw, I think not. Wolves to win 3-1.
Obviously they’ll go one up first,with Mick trying to get the team to grind out a bland draw. The crowd finally get through to Mick in the second half and he grasps the concept of, if you’re losing or indeed need a win, you need to score a goal, to attain such a thing you need to pass and move, beyond that you need to pass forwards, run into space, attack………
The rest is in the predicted score, lets enjoy the roller coaster.
Hamlet like MM enjoy a scrap-but this was avoidable-Morgan himself said we wouldn’t
Be here-this is where MM earns his money or not.
Trust me, I don’t enjoy being around the relegation zone, and I don’t think we should be here either – but the sad fact is that it where we are….
Opportunity to put some space between us and bottom 4 after Saturday’s results – and drag that lot into the mix. But can we do it? Very worried about the midfield… Wolves 0 – Them 2
Wolves 2 The other Team 0
3-1 win for Wolves. Goals by Fletcher, Doyle & Bassong will do nicely.
Wolves 1:0 Albion = A towering Johnson header from a corner
Offered a free ticket for 2day. Can I get cover at work? No. Stuck cheering (or crying) at bbc score updates! Goin with my heart 2day. Wolves 2-1 the shit. UTW!!
After my Magpies got thumped by Tottenham yesterday, I could really do with a Wolves win to salvage the weekend. Go Wolves!
I’ve lost my faith! Shocking in such an important game – for fuck’s sake!
And would you believe I posted this when we were – ‘only’ – 1-3 down?
Feel so sorry for whoever will be writing the verdict thread for this – Tom or Ben, I can sympathise with you!
Livid, absolutely livid. They were literally the best players we have in the squad. First choice defence for most of the game. Lots of attacking talent in midfield. Our three best strikers on the field at the same time. What an absolute clusterfuck. What the fucking hell was he thinking playing 433??
If Mick McCarthy still has a job tomorrow morning then i’m handing my notice in at work cos Premier League management pays much better.
Mccarthy played the ‘ attacking ‘ formation most fans were calling for afraid its just not cute enough at this level.
Disgrace!
I see no way that Mick can survive this. No way!
One lucky win at QPR must save him. The club must act now to show that they care about this club. Mick has taken the club as far as he could but it must end now.
* must not save him
“I see no way that Mick can survive this. No way!”
Agreed. After today, which Wolves fan will stick up for him now?
18 months too late Hamster, but better late than never i suppose.
5 reasons to get in a new manager right there.
What happened to the 4-2-3-1 that was working so well? I know frimpong has gone but surely packing out the midfield was a better option than that fiasco!?
I’ll save my opinions for the write up thread… but we have to let off steam somewhere!
When he’s sacked (there cannot be an ‘if’ can there ?) it’s too little too late, should have gone a long time ago.
We were totally outplayed in the first half and they should have been 3 or 4 up by half time.
Too pissed off to write anything else.
Disgusted, livid, ashamed. What a shower of white. Straw that breaks the camels back. MM out.
Time for three little words I never thought I’d say.
“Clive, I agree”
Never have I said this in my life. McCarthy must be gone.
Sad that fans need this to happen to realise.
It was clear that he was never getting fired before this. It was about support, not about living in some fantasy realm. We could protest all we want but nothing would happen and the dissent would only hurt so why bother. This result was always going to be necessary for any changes to be made and to make the silent majority actually speak up.
It’s time for mick to fall on his sword. As far as everything goes I will always be thankful for his work in getting us here and keeping us up for the last two seasons. But it is time for change now. He will never win back the fans he lost today. And his tactical decisions hav cost us more points than I care to mention. But as he’s on his way out can he take terry Connor and moxey with him pls.
Curbishley for wolves.
I have been expecting this we cant keep the ball or move it around quick enough but what did surprise me was the sluggish closing down and woeful defending -second goal particularly Olsson had time to wait for the ball to drop in our own penalty area noone prepared to put there body on the line.
WHAT A PERFORMANCE.or lack of one on our part,it pains me to say this but the shite where head and shoulders better than us, the way they went about their football i’ve got to say i applaud them.this now must be the final nail in the coffin if morgan don’t get rid now then
that sends a message to ALL us fans that he dose’nt give a shit about the club HE owns i would rather have Sir jack back at least he was a passionate wolves fan not like this fuckin red
fan morgan.tactically McIdiot is totally inept why did he put jarvis in the middle what was that all about it made us look so inaffective if we was anything like affective in the first place.
Don’t know where our next win is coming from, time for a change it needs freshening up NOW big style tomorrow.FOMM.FOSM.FOJM.WE CAN’T DO ANY WORSE.
Its time for the board TO ACT NOW.sSTOP THE DITHERING AND SORT IT NOW…FOMM.
Get chris hughton
What a shambles, I’ve wanted MM out since rolling over for Sir Alex a few seasons ago, if he ain’t sacked tomorrow then I really do think Morgan and the weazel Moxey don’t give a stuff about the fans.
Any other manager with any pride would resign after that debacle, or he should have resigned when Morgan undermined him in the dressing room after the Liverpool game.
But no he must have skin as thick as a Rhino’s arse, he also has no principles, f@@@@@g brown nosing the Chairman after what Morgan did across him, if it had been me in MM’s shoes I would have told Morgan to stick his job up his arse, because I would have known that I would be losing the dressing room after that, which as everyone can see, HAS HAPPENED.
Absolutely clue less.
Somehow we go in on level terms after getting stuffed in the first half (it could have been 1:5 at that point) – so what does tactical genius MM do? Leaves it exactly the same for the second half.
Doyle, Fletcher, SEB and Jarvis were moved around so much they didn’t have a clue where they were playing. For 10 mins in the second half SEB seemed to be at right back?
Albion deserved to win – we were tripe.
I actually began to feel sorry for him near the end, the bloke took us up and kept us there – but should have been put out of his misery months ago. We should be left with fond memories of McCarthy but we wont now.
Ouch
What a total shambles.
Players not fit to wear the shirt.
Disgraceful performance
Has McCarthy been sacked yet, cos I tell you something someone is taking the piss out of the fans big time..
Club in crisis…
CrazyPete-you were lucky not to witness the DROSS. Never in the game even at 1-1
Complete shambles.
FRO MMMOXEYMORGAN and the coaches. New broom needed.
Anybody else notice that our season saving loan signings are both injured after a couple of matches.
I wonder why they counldn’t get a game at their parent clubs…. ? !!
Morgan take note, the fans are Gone now….
No Spin is gonna get em back this time.
This afternoon was humiliating.. I for one never want to feel like that again at a football match,
If we were playing a top 6 club then maybe just maybe, I might understand it…
But against that lot from down the road…
Sir Jack would never have stood for this from a manager, and neither should Morgan..