With so much talk about Champions League football, it was nice of West Ham to treat us like top-four opposition.
Camped out in their own defensive third for most of the game, Wolves controlled and dictated the play, making the breakthrough right on cue before killing the game dead.
It was a professional hit; a cold-blooded Premier League away win from a team who know exactly what they want to do.
Our away record is now only bettered by Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea. Quite phenomenal. I still remember the 2003/04 season in which we didn’t get a single away win.
At home though, we’ve been average and sit 12th in that particular table. We have however, beaten Norwich, Watford and Villa who possess the three worst away records. The team with the fourth worst away record? Bournemouth.
Bournemouth
I didn’t watch their game against Palace but saw the highlights and the pundits were quick to pile in on their no-show.
That’s perhaps doing a bit of a disservice to a very tidy Palace performance and once they get ahead against anyone they’re a tough nut to crack.
But I think it’s true that the Cherries don’t have that potency in attack that was once a calling card. 29 goals from 30 games reinforce the point.
Their remaining fixtures look daunting and if I was a betting man, I don’t think I’d be backing them to get the neccessary points on the board.
That said, one win can change everything and players like Callum Wilson, Harry Wilson, David Brooks and Josh King have won their share of games at this level so it’s not done yet.
The away end
I swapped some messages with Peter from Cherry Chimes, a Bournemouth supporter blog. This is what he had to say ahead of the game.
For Bournemouth fans the Wolves game is probably the most difficult of the first three matches we have that are scheduled from the restart. I think it will be a goal packed game with chances at both ends, but Wolves are clear favourites. How Bournemouth do under the pressure of playing for their Premier League lives we will just have to see. They could fold easily or be revitalised.
Bournemouth will have a go, but this season they have been poor in possession and have been picked off. What I am certain of is that Bournemouth will have to score to get something from the game as they have been really dire at keeping clean sheets. We have more fire power now though with David Brooks and something to prove if we want to stay in the league, so don’t expect an easy game.
I think Wolves will have done fantastically if they can finish in the top six. While Spurs and Arsenal have had poor seasons and Man Utd could also be overtaken by Wolves, it is clear that Wolves are an up and coming force in English football. You have some great players and are going in the right direction. Sustaining that level of performance is Nuno’s next test. I hope he stays at Wolves for the fans because you deserve that and some major silverware.The football has been great at Wolves.
My prediction – I hate to say it but 2-1 to Wolves
Wolves
The only question is whether it’s 343 with Adama or 352 without. In most situations like this you’d say it’s madness to leave out the guy who won you the last game, but I trust Nuno’s judgement.
It makes perfect sense to start with the 352, keep things tight and see if the opposition will give anything up. Failing that, just repeat the West Ham prescription.
The alternative is to go all out from the beginning, which was an approach that served us well in the win at the Vitality stadium back in November.
Either route will still see a strong starting XI with options to call upon from the bench. A very pleasant situation to be in at this late stage in the season.
Predictions
Well done to PC Principal, JIMBOWOLF, Happy Wanderer, Prawny, Pauluswolf, vicsmith, Wolvo Dave, Border Wolf, Dallas Bob, St.Kitts Wolves, London Wolves Loyal, Graham From Horsham, Zarco and BARDWolf who all collected a maximum last time out for correctly forecasting the 2-0 win at West Ham.
View the full updated table here with Iceni Wolf maintaining a 4 point lead at the top.
As always if you’d like to join in, simply leave your prediction in the comment section below using the boxes provided.
That’s where you’ll also find my best guess for this one.
Up The Wolves!
Bournemouth aren’t scoring many and can’t keep the back door shut.
Wolves aren’t conceding many and are finding the net regularly.
There’s only one logical conclusion.
Brighton frustrated us but I don’t think Bournemouth have that resilience in their makeup. If they are to cause damage, it will be at the other end of the pitch.
Difficult to see any result other than three more points. I know I am getting carried away but Bournemouth then Villa should put some daylight between us and Man Utd.
Heady exciting times – my heart is beating faster as I write this!
Traore off the bench again to rip though jiminez to get the goals
Can only see one outcome 3-0 win to to Wolves to keep the pressure on the teams around us.
Would hope we can pick up where we left off on Saturday,
we still have Podence as back up who can operate on either flank of a front 3 in addition to Neto and Traore . maybe start off with him, Jota and Raul in 3-4-3 .and then bring on the dynamic duo at the hour mark … Happy Days
Another 2-0 win for me.
Your right, to see David Moyes play a five man defence at home just shows how far Wolves have come under Nuno. Adding Traore and Neto was just too much for a well organised Hammers defence.
The Cherries looked poor against Palace and you get the feeling Eddie Howe may have run his course. There’s bound to be a banana skin in Wolves run in, but I don’t see it being Bournemouth. Another 2-0 will do me fine!
No banana skins for me we are simply too professional and our lessons have been learnt the hard way.
Changing tactics two thirds through a game is a simple tactic that works when you have substitutes of the caliber that we have
it must knock the stuffing out of the opposition to realise they have tried everything to contain us then adama takes the field .
I expect us to start the game as at west ham but i can see us getting a first half goal this time around then second half adama may get the entire half to work his magic giving us a very comfortable win.
Bournemouth didn’t look like a side refreshed and raring to go against Palace, nor a side relieved that the season wasn’t abandoned and therefore eager to take advantage of the reprieve.
We, on the other hand, looked up for it from the off and showed no signs of having lost any energy, fitness or belief over lockdown.
An empty Molineux is a bit of an unknown to consider but as our home record hasn’t been all it should perhaps even this may play into our hands.
A comfortable win.
Like I said on Twitter, I feel we would have beaten West Ham playing 343 or 352, as they were that disinterested in having the ball. That’s not to say Nuno’s tactics weren’t spot on though, because they were!
I always think we look better for starting on the front foot, as we’re so good at controlling games when we taking the initiative and/or the lead. West Ham being a prime example. We struggle to get a foothold in matches when we sit back and try to feel our way into it.
Similar to West Ham, Bournemouth are flaky and at the back and there should be gaps to exploit. Being back at the Mol, I’d go 343 and let Neves/Moutinho probe from the off for those searching passes into space for Jota and Traore on the flanks.
2-0 Wolves.
We still owe Cheating Mouth a right good seeing-to. I’d like to wipe the smile off Howe’s smarmy innocent choir boy look. Karma.
I figure Nuno will hold Traore in reserve as super-sub unless it’s clear that we need to go up a gear in the match. Traditionally we struggle at home against lower position teams, and if they park the bus even Traore might not be able to hack his way through. The Hammers were like headless chickens against Traore and forgot to even stop the bus let alone park it.
On first half form alone we would be propping up the table so it is important that Nuno gets us off to a flyer, or at least a dominant showing as he did against the Hammers. Once Bournemouth have to chase the game we can pick the sods off. 3-0.
For those who like a bet on games – very profitable for Wolves fans in recent years – it’s worth a saver on Wolves to come from behind and win – always good odds.
Hopefully today we’ll even score first and win the first half, but win we will, and by more than 2 goals.
I’d probably take a draw and no injuries over three points and losing a couple of our pack.
BournemouthS ability in the dark arts of the beautiful game would please Voldemort
Unfortunately for them , we have professor nuno dumbledore and I fancy his little wizards to keep them spellbound
( ok I got a bit carried away) but us to win an ugly game and please no injuries
Utw
Same line up, same result but Jota to get both goals-he’s not far from his best and the bench competition should push him back to top form.
Nice to see that all the comments so far show that not only we will win, but we will keep a clean sheet. I think our boys are certainly capable of 3 goals, but I am going to be generous to B’Mouth and tip them for a consolation goal. I just wish were allocated earlier times for their games. Starting at 2 am (Oz time) is not conducive to a good night’s sleep.
An excellent opportunity to keep up the momentum, which Wolves cannot waste.
3 more points please Wanderers!
I think playing 3 4 3 and having a real go at Bournemouth will play into their hands. I’d love to see Adama start but can’t help but think we’ll be better of repeating what happened at West Ham. Let’s keep it tight control the tempo of the game and pick them off. 2 nil wolves
Going back and forth on whether Bournemouth will score of not. Let’s go with – No!
Onward and upward!
Go Wolves!
We are better, so:
Nuno isn’t likely to write out a new team sheet but given how motivated Neto must be right now I’d give him a start over Jota and then have Diogo and Adama ready for the last 35 minutes.
I suspect a goal will be conceded…but it won’t be enough for the seaside town
UTW
Hi all!
After an exhaustive and mentally draining search for a Premier League Team to follow, I am happy to say that I have chosen the Wolves.
I live in the US and was never really into soccer until a couple seasons back when I purchased season tickets for my hometown club (DC United – MLS) when Wayne Rooney signed. I was immediately hooked but never watched any non-MLS leagues until Corona Virus lockdown started in the States. I started being amazed by how far superior Bundesliga was to MLS and then started watching Premier League highlights on Youtube, WOW. I have never been more impressed by how skilled these players are and the MLS seems like a JV squad compared these teams. I was amazed at how good the play was and how passionate the fan bases were and I really wanted to find a team to support.
To be honest the first thing that caught my eye was the Wolves logo, I thought it was by far the best. I then looked up highlights and your story of being promoted a couple years ago and how great the coach seems to be. It was an easy decision after that and I sat down and watched the game this weekend and could not be happier with my decision.
I read a ton of old blogs to get up to speed on the team and what is going on and I am all in!
So excited to keep following the blog and team. Sorry for the long post but happy to be here!
Kevin – Washington, DC
Welcome Kev you have chosen well my friend.
Wolves win
A very wise choice Kevin. You’ll not be disappointed. Professor Nuno will see to that.
Welcome aboard Kevin.
A wise choice my friend, this has to be by far the best blog on the Circuit. You can say what you like, it’s your views, you can make your post long or snappy, it’s your choice. You have a good following over there around the US so once again, welcome.
Welcome aboard Kev you made a great choice, just a word of advice we don,t use the “S” word too often on here Football is the game.
Nice to have you along Kev, welcome.
Yes you’ve picked the best team to follow, best fans, best blog and undoubtedly we have the best logo.
When things get back to normal get over here for a match, the atmosphere is unbelievable.
A big welcome, Kevin. You’ve certainly picked the top team to follow with the best and most loyal, intelligent and vocal fans. Thankfully, you’re a little way from Houston.
An interesting fact from this league season is that on NO OCCASION has the full time result been worse than at half time. Take a step back to consider what that means folks.
We won’t be behind tomorrow but we will be winning at full time.
Welcome, Kevin
Pay no mind to those jealous comments from the lesser mortals on this site, they all wanna be me!!
Easy win tomorrow.
5 – 1
I’ve ordered my special matchday programme and I’m interested to see the artwork around the stadium.
I can’t see anything other than a comfortable win.
Can’t see anything but a wolves win .. this a time when clubs in trouble can fight their corner though
Wolves too strong at the moment
Welcome to Kevin from Washington DC above. You will find Wolves fans are amongst the most passionate in the country. You will also find we are all very tribal and hold grudges for decades. Some of the folks on this blog still hold grudges against Leeds Utd which is something going back to 1972. More recently in the 1990’s Wolves were always on the wrong end of refereeing decisions against Bolton Wanderers. And many on here. Me included definitely hold a grudge against them. Our next opponent is Bournemouth and even more recently there were some unsavoury moments on the pitch against them .Again a grudge or two is held here. Many refer to Bournemouth as ‘Cheatmouth’ because their players have a certain way of falling over pretending to be injured and getting our player sent off. But that is all in the past. We are now a team on the up. Bournemouth on the way down. So it can only be a 2-0 win to the mighty Wolves . So enjoy the ride Kev on the Wolves rollercoaster.
I am a big Buffalo Bills fan in American Football so I am very familiar with holding long grudges against teams, sounds like I will fit right in!
Spent a superb Sunday in Buffalo many years ago watching the Bills when Kelly was QB. Fabulous afternoons entertainment. Game against the Colts.
Got to positive after the weekend result. Again Bournemouth are in desperate need of the points but we are also closing in on champions league football my friends . Basically our need is greater and we will prevail !
COYW
Humm…, Bournemouth normally turn up and play ugly at the M. While I like to see them get a major stonking I feel cautious. As the write up says we are a mid-table team at home so could be an upset here (by which I mean a draw) …however with AT and Neto in such form I feel confident that we will get the points. It would be wonderful to get 9 big ones from the first three games of this mini-season. Then we can start to dream…
This ought to be a regulation 3 pointer given the difference between our 2 sides. Nothing in football, is set in stone, as we have found out many times previously. That said, we really should show ourselves to be too good for them.
Another 3 points to further cement our quest for Champions League football next season.
Time was when this would have been a potential banana skin for us. Who knows? The pessimist in me worries that it still might be, but nevertheless, on reflection, given that Bournemouth are in a bad spell and we look to have benefited enormously from the Pandemic break, I reckon we should get the 3 points here.
Still erring on the side of caution though, so I’ll say it’s Wolves to win by the odd goal in 3.
Pete, I’m worried about Mr Smug and his team of cheats. Hopefully VAR will help us against their dark arts, but I suspect that they won’t just roll over with the first goal so important.
A tougher game than many on here think for me, so it won’t be easy.
Would love to see the smirk wiped off EH’s smug face.
COMBs!
Welcome to the pack Kevin.. Good choice!!
Let’s start Traore and get at them from the off
I think it’s too f…….. hot for that Matt so I reckon that Nuno will opt for the usual solid start and then pick them off in the last 30 minutes.
Well said, Ped. You just have to factor in the very hot weather and the need to conserve energy.
I can’t see any home advantage without the fans in attendance but I can’t see that affecting the result. After the master class at West Ham, our heroes must be brimful of confidence and Bournemouth are bound to be a bit edgy given their precarious league position.
So I foresee a hard fought first half at the end of which we take the lead. Thereafter we pile on the pressure and they crumple in the face of our ruthless efficiency.
In Australia the Football (Aussie Rules) season is back and in the 2 rounds played since resumption, there has been a slew of surprise results. Unbackable favourites have had “off” days and lost. Empty stadiums and unusual preparations may be contributing factors to the funky results.
So, while expecting and hoping for a continuation of our fabulous season and beautiful football, I am taking nothing for granted. (Also I need to find an excuse to play catch up on the Prediction League table)
This should be a frightfully one sided encounter with our devilish forwards far too good for those rather ordinary southerners.
I see no reason as to why we should expect a dissimilar result to that of the previous encounter. So I’m therefore persevering with my prediction from the weekend prior.
Here’s hoping no one takes exception to the tone of my post.
Love & kisses
Prawny. Xxx
That’s a very well reasoned analysis and your prediction is likely to be spot on, old chap.
Enjoy the match !
With how the lads played in the last 30 minutes, I look to see Nuno changing back to the 343 formation bringing Adama back into the lineup. We could however see Nuno keep the same formation as he did against the Hammers and look for super subs in the second half.
I expect to see Jimenez and Traore up top with either Jota or Neto on the left.
I would really like to see Podence and MGW get more than 10 minutes each.
I predict a 3-0 win with goals off a Bournemouth mistake in their own a half, a set piece and even a Penalty.
MGW won’t get more than 15 minutes because that will mean the rest of the squad receiving calls from the track and trace team!!
Spot on, Hind. He only got a couple of minutes. Nuno can’t take any social distancing risks, unlike MGW.
I hope we start with 3-4-3 with Adama, because if he is really that good, (and he is) he may not be happy with being the “Super Sub” and I don’t blame him! If he is good enough to start then start him! We don’t want to upset him and and have him thinking about Liverpool! We can rest him in a couple games but not now. Tough game initially but comfortable win in the end!
He’d get much less starting time in scouse land, St Kitts, so I shouldn’t worry too much.
Quite often we have struggled to breakdown teams that find a bus and park it. However super smooth Eddie has built the myth that he is a top manager by playing “football the right way” and his us don’t have the nous to adapt.
If I am coming across as carrying a grudge it’s because I am. I haven’t forgotten B’mouth cheating their way out of the Championship while all the time Smooth Eddie smirked at the cameras.
Onwards and upwards – 5th place a real possibility and if Chelsea slip up……
I’m sticking with shit predictions with the reverse psychology.
Wolves to lose this one and Man U to romp away.
Wolves 0
Boringmouff 1
Previously on this blog:-
“Dover for the continent and Bournemouth for the incontinent”.
I liked that so much I just had to repeat it, unsure who owns the trade mark.
EH will park the bus, particularly on top of Adama, see his comments here:-
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/18536842.howe-admits-wolves-star-traore-almost-complete-winger/
A close match with Bournemouth having NO SHOTS at the wolves goal and Wolves wining by the odd goal to nil, possibly a penalty given for a foul on Adama.
I was that man.
Should be a comfortable win even with that little voice in my head “Mind the trap door” Same starting lineup for me then tweak as required. Wolves 2-1
I foolishly predicted a draw at West Ham. Keep forgetting that Mick McCarthy left years ago!
Nice one, Adrian. His pearls of wisdom have started to feature on Sky ‘s Championship matches.
Morning all (just about).
After Saturday’s aberration, there’s no sitting on the fence for me this time around. Wolves should have too much firepower for the visitors.
Cheatmouth are one of my pet hates, I remember well that horrible day when they dived and cheated their way out of the championship, aided and abetted by that class 1 wanker Stewart Atwell (should not be allowed to ref in kids football let alone the PL.
We really do owe these lowlife’s a good kicking.
Think I will go with Clive in hope. I have given up on the prediction league for this season.
Loved that video by the Arsenal fan. I found one he’d done after we beat them 3- 1, he didn’t mention the match, just that he’d bet against his own team who’been as bad as he’d expected. The saving grace was that the bet had paid for the night out where he had obviously been drowning his sorrows – well, if not too wisely. I wonder if EH likes a bet?
The WHU match seemed to be a good indicator of the way our skill is the dominant factor in matches. In other times their guy would have put his one on one away, AT’s cross would have been two inches over Raul’s head and PN’s shot would have ended in row z. We now seem to be dominant in spite of luck/chance not because of it. I can’t think of a better base from which to move onwards and, of course, upwards.
I had 3-0 down for WH and ended up one short. I’m looking to get it right this time with the same prediction. Stay well everyone, keep safe. Oh, and welcome Kevin, good to have you with us.
COYW
Really annoyed me last night to hear the Sky commentators saying how important it was that Spurs won as they were only 1 point behind Utd, fighting them for CL place, big club etc etc. Last time I looked we were between them & we’ve been fighting all the way. When will these idiots accept Wolves for what we are? A talented club going places? Useless load of tossers!
Moan over so Wolves to win. I don’t mind if Traore starts or comes on later, whichever he’ll make an impact. It must dishearten the opposition when they’re flagging to see him appear raring to go. I love the guy!
COYW
Agree entirely BW. They are like kids with their first record player and only one record- probably Whole Lotta Woman by Marvin Rainwater – or something equally outdated. It would be great to get into CL for the sake of the players, the club, the manager and of course us. But think of the pleasure of watching the so-called experts squirming as they look for the excuses that aren’t there. The excuses re the teams they praise now – excuses for football teams.
As you say ‘Moan over’ – anyway my lunch is ready.
COYW
Don’t sit on the fence so much Border. You are so right. If McManamanamanaman, or whatever that scouse git is called, co commentates tonight you can bet your bottom dollar that he’ll be moaning about the way we play because he simply doesn’t understand. That’s because he’s simple. He has of course been a successful manager (not) just like that Gary Neville on Sky.
Fortunately it was Jermaine Jenus.
They have a dreadful recent record so its got to be 3-4-3 tonight. I’d start Neto on the right (or even Podence) with RJ and Jota up top, bringing Adama on if/when necessary. No time for complacency – got to get the job done properly tonight. Has anyone seen Leicester’s run in ? Looks very tough, especially given they couldn’t see off Brighton yesterday. Maybe 4th place is up for grabs ?
My thinking entirely Wolfman. They’ll be panicking very shortly.
Surrounded by Cherries fans down here they are scared to death of to nights game and most realise the championship beckons think this will be harder than Vile on Saturday but we will win.
Agree with loads in here, yes picked up on the usual about spurs only being 1 point behind Man Ure but although it rankles our day will come. I reckon pundits aside, the managers dread playing us.
As for Boringmouth I detest this team more than Cardiff and that takes some doing. If they guaranteed me only 1 more win this season I would take tonight I will have my own little party when these lot depart and I want them to go all the way through the leagues and out.
It will be a harder game then some perhaps think as these t***s always get the rub of the green in what is usually a combination of poor refs and unscrupulous methods by these cheats and their smarmy rosy cheeked little scamp.
A question for the regulars at the Mol, does Nuno have his own chant, we need to up the love level (if that’s possible) for the best Wolves manager in my time. There is obviously lots of talk in the media about our players being sought after. I don’t want any of our star assets to go but for me Nuno is by far the most important of all.
Enjoy boys and girls the Erdinger is chilling in the fridge as I type……
Erdinger, Norsk? Wheat variety? It’s bleeding hot here so I’m going for a cold Belgian, Duvel will certainly do,although I’d usually have an IPA or APA such as Citra, Green Devil or Proper Job. Nuno certainly does have his chants, by the way.
Hello Sea Pigeon, Yes just the regular Erdinger Weisbier (a meal in a bottle) I do like the Erdinger Dunkel but am completely out.
I’ve been sat here waiting for kick off working on a little ditty for him to the tune of Dexy’s Geno….please stop me if there is already something out there similar :).
Only managed to get across for one game so far this season the bore draw with Brighton just before the break. I had taken along with me a recent convert who hails from South America way, so probably the worst game to go to this season. To my surprise no complaints just full of compliments about the whole match day experience. Can’t wait to revisit with goals.
Love your choice of Ales, I always enjoy the German/Belgian beers full of taste and you know when you’ve had a session on those, all the best
Predictive text spelling Norms
Cheers, Norsk. Time for a celebratory Ale now!
Great result saturday every team in the Premier League Shivers at the sound and sight of Wolves ………long Maya it continue….!
2 – 0 and we’ll conceded with 5 mins to go…..
Eddie Who?
That will do for me. I rest my case 3 yellows in about 10 mins, dirty cheating talentless Championship bound and hopefully conference side, goodnight all.
Totally missed this post. Never mind.
Welcome Kevin T. Hope the first half didn’t put you off supporting the Wolves.
We’re better in the second 45.
We are. Wham tick. Bmouth tick. Bring on Villa. We used to lose these games not long ago.