Winning at Southampton felt like getting our head above the water. The question is – can we now start to swim?
It was similar post-Watford of course, only for Brentford to drag us back below the surface.
If we don’t want to be floating in and around the bottom three all season, we need to be putting together a sequence of results.
Not easy and I’m not sure we look like a side that can consistently do it.
But with Raul back on the scoresheet and the team lifted by the result last weekend, there should be plenty of good feeling as we look to finally get on the board at Molineux.
Newcastle
When you consider the so-called relegation crisis Newcastle were in last season, it was highly disappointing that they ended up finishing above us in the table.
They got the same points and had an identical goal difference (score 10 more, conceded 10 more), but nudged ahead courtesy of the ‘Goals For’ column.
I feel like their squad has all the components required to be a solid mid-table side, but they always seem to have injuries to key players and a knack for not getting the result.
Case in point, Watford last weekend. The chances they squandered in that game were remarkable and mean they come into this one still looking for a first league win.
No doubt had some of those chances fell to Calum Wilson, they’d already have that victory but their number 9 is sidelined with injury. That’s a big bonus as far as we’re concerned.
They do have the impressive Allain Saint-Maximin though and stopping him will be paramount to getting a win tomorrow.
The away end
I asked my mate Jake Jackman to share a few thoughts on his team ahead of the game and this is what he had to say.
Newcastle have had a weird start to the season. We are winless, but we are now worth tuning in for. There is a more attacking approach, even if there are big problems with our setup. I think in the Premier League, you need a coach that can fine tune a tactical set up and sadly Bruce is a bit of a dinosaur in that respect.
We have moved to a four man defence, which suits our midfield and attackers more. Last weekend, we created a lot of chances against Watford and really should have taken the three points. It was probably our best performance under Steve Bruce, so if we perform to a similar level this weekend, we’ll have a good chance of getting something.
I think it will be the battle of Adama Traore and Allan Saint-Maximin. Our player probably has the better end product, but Wolves have a much better defence. The thought of Traore running at Matt Ritchie is already giving me nightmares.
I’ve been impressed with Wolves outside of Brentford, but the problem is putting the ball in the back of the net. Jimenez scoring last weekend probably means he will have confidence, so that’s a big plus.
It feels like this game is always 1-1 so that’s a good prediction. There’s not a lot between us, but you have a better coach and a better defence. That said, we usually play okay against you and we are due a win at some point.
Wolves
I’m interested to see if Bruno is a coach that sticks with a winning team at all costs or is more flexible in his approach.
I’d be content enough with the same team, but would like to see Traore in for Hwang or Podence, just because I think we want that explosiveness to stretch a struggling Newcastle defence.
What I’m really hoping for though are signs that Raul’s first goal is going to give him that few extra per cent that has been missing from his game. His all-around play has been decent enough but we need that killer instinct to make the difference on a regular basis.
Last time out
It’s been 1-1 in this fixture on the last three occasions at Molineux and 5 of the last 6 games overall. We should have won it last season though after Raul gave us the lead in the second half. A late free-kick sneaked around a dodgy looking wall to ensure yet another draw.
Later in the season at St. James’ Park we got battered in the first half and fell behind early in the second, but salvaged a point thanks to Ruben Neves’ excellent header and could have won it at the death.
Predictions
Well done to MARNHULL WOLVES, vicsmith, Mutt1eigh, Liz, Prawny, Brompton Wolf and Dandy Wolf who all correctly predicted the 1-0 win at Southampton to secure a maximum.
AveburyWolf leads the way at the top of the overall table at the end of Gameweek 6.
As always, if you’d like to join in, it’s simple – just leave your prediction in the comment section below using the boxes provided. Then repeat for every preview article throughout the season, making sure you always use the same email address to make your prediction. Your email is what ties you to your overall score.
You can read my prediction for the game in the comment section below.
Up The Wolves!
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Good luck Thomas.
Feels like Deja Vu. We’d just won against Watford away. Our next game was a home match against a team we should be beating, surely ? Certainly if we had any ambitions of finishing in the top half.
Then along came the disappointing result and even worse performance against Brentford. The chance to build some momentum was lost and suddenly the understandable lack of points after a tough start to the campaign took on a different light.
Huge relief then that our trip to Southampton, although far from a thrilling and cohesive display, resulted in 3 points. And perhaps more importantly, Raul’s superbly taken goal.
Now we have Newcastle , a misfiring team, who we really should be beating at home.
Newcastle have had a worse start than us. Winning this game would really transform what had, at least until Sunday, seemed like a really poor start to the season with 3 points from 5 games. And a slippery slope performance wise. A respectable 9 points from 7 games would represent a definite upturn.
I think the minimum we should hope for is a win. Before the international break, even another ugly one would do. But I think we can hope for an improved and more confident performance. We have the players to deliver, but only if they have the belief. Perhaps start Traore ?
Wouldn’t it be a boost to see a couple of goals go in for us – another for Raul would be the icing on the cake.
Wins breed confidence, so let’s hope that this time we follow up a win with another 3 points, and not a Deja Vu moment a la Brentford.
UTW !
Had we not got the win at Southampton, this would have felt like a serious pressure game.
Even so, we don’t want to be their first scalp of the season and losing the first four home league games of the season would be a disaster.
I’d take a score draw to keep some momentum going and break the sequence. The smart money is on 1-1 if recent history is anything to go by, but both sides are playing with greater adventure these days, so maybe it will be a barnstormer?
As I said before last weekend’s game, I think Bruno has to find the right combination with his team and despite winning at St. Mary’s I’m not sure it’s quite there.
Putting my money where my mouth is, I’d be interested to see a combination like this:
Sa, Semedo, Boly, Coady, Saiss, Ait-Nouri, Dendoncker, Neves, Podence, Traore, Jimenez
I have a long-standing theory you should have three aggressive headers of the ball in your team, so that’s why Boly, Saiss and Donk all make it. It means you feel good about set-pieces in both boxes. With more aerial power you can then afford to have lightweights like Ait-Nouri and Podence who bring other qualities and improve our goal threat. If you’re chasing the game, Hwang on for one of the centre-halves (probably Coady). If you need more of a foothold, Moutinho for Podence.
Agree about the aggressive headers of the ball. I think personally that is our BIGGEST downfall. With the teams height average probably at the lowest in the league we need to battle in the middle for first and second balls, Sick of watching our players try to nudge the opponent in the air and hope the ball drops just for it to be headed on to put us in danger.
Like it- bit harsh on Kidman but we must find a place for Willy. No easy games and happy with a point. A win at home for the fans would be welcome, though, not had much to cheer so far…
Look forward to Nicole’s long locks flowing in the wind as she speeds down the left wing.
Very good. but shouldn’t it be as she CRUISES down the left wing?
Ooh! Dearie me!
Agreed Woodend. Sorry no time to do a proper reply mate.
We just have to score at Molineux especially after Raul’s goal last week, but prolific we are not
Podence can only be a impact player. He started last week and was never in the game. Trincao should start this one, for me.
I think we out class Newcastle, but I have said that about a few teams and regretted it.
Hopefully Raul is now up and raring to go, given the chances. I noticed you and your friend mentioned about how many chances Newcastle make. Well, I think there is only Liverpool and City above us in Chances created… So it will be down to who has the composure – and I don’t see it being us, however this is football and we could be building some momentum.
I will be leaving at 7am tomorrow to make it to the Mol, I haven’t seen a goal yet for Wolves, Hopefully tomorrow changes that. Last time I watched us play Newcastle I was in the Steve Bull stand when Andy Carrol was Subbed on at 1 – 1 to the chants of **** – and then went and won the Game.
I am hopeful for tomorrow but not confident – But I don’t think confidence matters as long as we grind out the 3 points. We should hopefully high press these lot because they cant handle pressure on the ball. Saint maxim makes things out of nothing, But Adama used to do that also.
Excited nerves is probably the best description for how I feel about tomorrow.
.
4-0!! What you on? I’ll have some please. Newcastle are pretty variable and we need a home result. The team we have are pretty good but rusty as a unit and underperforming to date. I’m pretty confident that we will do this … but then I bet £400 on Hillary Clinton being president in 2016. Duh!
Like your team Thomas but maybe Willy B gets a look in.
There’s a lot of negativity surrounding the Donk for some reason. I though he did well last week and against Spurs but for some reason he still seems to get slagged off. Same for Traore, Semedo and Silva. They’re all Wolves players.
I’d defo bring Traore back in – he’d start for me every week.
It will be interesting to see what tactics we adopt tomozzer. Maybe go back to a high press and try to stop them getting the ball to St Max to allow him to run from deep. Most of their good stuff goes through him.
Awful news about Mosquera who I had great hopes for.
Yep, I’m going to be optimistic for once, (surely the kiss of death), and agree with you Steppenwolfe….
I like your team Thomas but I’d prefer to see Trincao in in place of Podence.
At some point we’re going to score more than one and with the chances we’re capable of producing, against an average defence and keeper, this could be the week.
I can’t see our pedestrian defence keeping the likes of Saint-Maximin out all match so this leads me to my prediction.
Of course This is Wolves and this is Newcastle so who knows?
Great result last week and boy, didn’t we need it. Watching it in this idyllic shanty resort of Arillas in Corfu at the Coconut bar along with 2 other tourists wearing their Wolves shirts was special; before it has just been me.
Now onto tomorrow. We now need to press on and string a couple of decent results together and l am really hopeful that that may occur against the Magpies.
I’ll plum for another 3 points to put us in a reasonable position leading into the next International break.
Looking forward to this ,(mainly because I have got a ticket )
Hopefully we get at least a point , in terms of line up Boly needs to be back in defence if only to get a 95th minute equaliser ….Those were the days my friend
Defo bring Traore back and Neves to play along side the Donk also bring in Boly for saiss and put Kilman where he should be on the left keep whang are on the left drop Podence gives the ball away far to much imo keep ST Max quite and the win is ours.
Iv enjoyed watching Newcastle this season, the Newcastle Leeds game was a gung ho end to end encounter and as a neutral the most enjoyable so far, the highlights of the Watford game suggested they have stayed with that attacking style but didn’t take their chances. It has 1-1 written all over it with 4 of the 5 last meetings ending with that score and Newcastle’s last 2 games ending 1-1 but that’s far too dull to wish for, so i’m going for a 3-2 thriller with us triumphant.
It’ll all come down to how we cope with Saint Maximin.
Ait Nouri in for Marcal is a no brainer imo and Traore in for Podence as he was guilty of giving the ball away far too often at Southampton with sloppy passes. Lets hope Traore and Jimi can click again.
If this game was a moan off between disgruntled fans i think Newcastle would just shade it……
I would start as we were against Southampton and bring on traore after 50-60 mins against a weary defence should produce results
Unusually, this game has all the ingredients it needs to cook up a cracker. But in the end, it could well come down to how the two defences cope with Traore and Saint Minimum. Both game winners on their day, it will be a fascinating battle.
I have a ticket for this so will be staying dry in the Combemere pre-match if anyone’s around.
– Maximin has been the better goalscorer so far, but Traore tops the Premier league list over players creating most goal shooting opportunities. With Raul back on the scoring sheet again, I think Newcastle is going down.
Just going for it, would love a clean sheet however….
This could be a pivotal game for Wolves
– can they build on the Southampton victory and make progress up the table.
Newcastle will be dangerous, on an awful run and manager under pressure. Just the situation Wolves are accustomed to helping out the opposition!!!
Forever positive, I’m going for a Wolves win.
I think it’s only right to mention the incredibly unlucky Yerson Mosquera.
We’ve had more than our fair share of injured players over the last 15 months.
For this young man however, you can’t help but feel a lot of sympathy.
He’s at the start of his career and had already shown a lot of promise in a position we have few options in. He picks up an injury, takes time to recover, then within minutes of his first start picks up another one. He must’ve have felt utterly crushed.
He’s going to be out for the rest of this year, but let’s wish him a full and ‘speedy as possible’ recovery, along with our other casualties.
Could be one of our stars of the future.
UTW
After the horrendous insults I had to endure about the last post, it will be nice to have the spotlight away from me, for a while anyway!
We have to win this, coz I’m sick of 1-1.
The last game I was able to attend was on Jan 7th last year, against this shower, yes, 1-1.
No brainer to drop Marcal, bring in big Wily and have some pace and sense at the back.
Still think Coady is a liability for speed, but wot do I know?
Wor I do know is someone is due a right royal pasting, and tomorrow’s turkey like opponents are ripe for the plucking.
Never mind our common practise of ending losing streaks, they are gonna end our Molineux goal drought, big time!
Fingers and toes crossed for a home win. These are always close affairs, so going for a narrow win.
Bruce’ last game game as he is sacked on Sunday. For sure.
Donks
Raul
Semedo
Neves
I’m afraid I’m going to be the odd wolf out here. Sincerely hope I’m wrong…
Not so Dandy I’m afraid.
1-1 feels like the obvious selection. I’m going to go out on a limb though – 0-0 …
This is always 1-1 isn’t it? Interestingly, both teams have scored every time they have met in the Premier league and this is the most played Premier league fixture not to witness a clean sheet. Things won’t change.
We can do this.
Nice to see so many ideas about possible formations. It means we have decent choices at last! I fWolves play with the same fluency as they did in their previous game (except Brentford game), we should get 3 points. Nice to Raul scoring of course, but let’s not expect miracles from him and score every time he touches the ball. I too like to see Big Willy in the team. Gives the corner takers a good aiming point 🙂
DRAW ALL DAY LONG
My Geordie father in law used to call 1-1 ‘one’s each’ and that result would be no surprise here of course
But sod it
Let’s start Traore Raul and Hwang and tear into them from the off
My Newcastle mates won’t take a whisky bottle bet so I’ll need to buy my own to celebrate a good start to the weekend
Apart from the blip against Brentford (they are no mugs, ask Liverpool) we have played well. Ironically we have played better in matches than we did against Southampton, and lost. Thankfully we won’t have Callum Wilson to worry about, but Saint Maximum might cause us a lot more than minimal damage! We haven’t conceded many goals so I’m tempted to go for 2-0. I’m hedging my bets with BetVictor. A few quid on a home win, and ditto with both teams to score. I win more if we win and concede. I think we’ve settled in with Bruno reasonably well. I feel we can tread water around midtable until January, unless injures derail us. Maybe a free agent will come in. But January must bring 2 or 3 players in, to push us up the table. I’m quite impressed with Bruno. I think he’s good enough for the PL and has a nice hint of the Cavalier about him compared to Nuno’s boring Roundhead.
Oops, the score….
A couple of personal battles will determine this one ….
Semedo v St Maximus and
Traore v Richie plus anyone else doubling up.
Have to confess that I think the Gladiator will get the better of Semedo but by how much … I just don’t know.
I can’t see Traore ripping another orifice with Richie so .. in summary I haven’t got a clue which way this will go…
They’re a dogged outfit at times and we haven’t scored at home yet in the league (I think) so will go for a 0 – 0 mind numbing draw.
Had a cheeky little bet on us v Southampton @3-1 and fancy us to win this one too .
Don’t think the odds will be worth risking though, so for the prediction league only,
I can only see one possible result here
Come on you wolves
I can’t go for a 1-1 result despite the history. This is another team which on its day are great to watch but don’t score enough. Where’ve I seen that before.
I would really prefer to play two up front with Hwang and Jimenez sharing the spearheading of the forward line. I like the look of Hwang and if the luck goes with him we might start scoring a few more. Traore, Neves and Dendonker to start for me; Kilman on the left and a start for Boly on the right. If he struggles bring on Saiss. Of course I don’t expect to see that sort of line up but I can wish…
Without any confidence at all I will go for a 3-1 win in the hopes that our shooting boots arrive at the stadium for once.
We surely have to get off the mark at home. They are yet to win. Something’s got to give. Newcastle do look a more dangerous side this season, so it won’t be easy by any stretch. It’s usually 1-1 but we desperately need a home win so I’ll back us to get that winner in a tight game.
Not sure that we will keep a clean sheet but still fancy us for the win.
Need to win this one and get on a roll.
I would be starting Boly for Saiss, Kilman has done nothing wrong.
Traore to start with Raul and Hwang, Podence + Trincao on the bench.
And Ait Nourri for Marcal. I don’t want to see Marcal again, awful against Southampton and a penalty against Brentford
My thoughts almost exactly for the team! Although I would also bring in Neves and rest Moutino. Wholesale changes from a winning team I know, but I believe it is warrented!
I hope we don’t put the same side out as we did at Southampton, cos it was rubbish . Dendonker and mourtino were chasing shadows all afternoon .. podence couldn’t make a pass to see his life and gave the ball away far to often as did Marcial . I think thar ait nouri is injured though. I also think that hoever deserves a start … semado is getting better but we ve not done well since he’s been in the side . I will go for win but its usually a draw this one
Ait Nouri is fit and firing Matt. He plays in my book.
I agree if he’s fit. We need Ruben back in the side too . What was he thinking??
We won without him?
Sat in the Lych Gate mate, saved you a seat.
After only just finding out that I lived next door but one to Clive over 50 years ago, anything that occurs at Molineux tomorrow can only be an improvement!
Only joking mate.
We need to lose by less than two goals for that to happen.
Having said that, I am pretty positive that we will end up triumphant.
I would start Traore, Boly instead of Saiss, ANYBODY instead of Marcal and Hwang over Podence.
And hopefully we will be treated to another tale of woe and bad luck from Steve Bruce:-
“Wuh were really unlooky. Wuh really were. Wuh never took wuh chances. Wuh should have had six penal’ies.” etc etc.
Looking forward to the game and a decent meal out with a few mates afterwards.
Yes, I DO have a few mates.
Will be watching this through potato streams as I am currently in Scotland.
Expecting a win.
Flight back from France been changed, so now missing this one and the pint I owe Wolf in the Combermere too, sorry Wolf. Cert next time I promise.
Could be a good open game with 2 (trying too) attack minded teams. Lot depends on the Mol, if it gets jittery that may flow onto the park.
Think we will turn the corner for this one.
Rather miffed with a certain airline too
Careful Marnhull, I may hold you to that. Hope you get to watch the game notwithstanding.
For me, a back three of Boly – Coady – Kilman is a must , it has natural balance and will cope defensively but will also pose an attacking threat. Neves and Traore need to start, we are at home and the onus is on Wolves to break Newcastle down . We will need a killer pass or bit of magic from either of them.
If you were Steve Bruce , you would park the bus because your job is hanging by a thread and hope that Willock and St. Max give you a lucky break.
I’ve been predicting 1-1 for weeks and haven’t got it right yet. I want us to win as much as anyone but we haven’t clicked yet.
I’d like to see both Raul and Hwang in the starting line up. I think Podence plays better on the wing, rather than inside as he was last week. Traore must start, and Boly – not Marcal.
I dont really know what it is about our games with newcastle but i always feel really negative about them.
There is something about the geordies that just turns me off.
Probably because every time we meet its a crap game and nearly always a draw oh and their accent drives me nuts.
Cant see this this being any different im afraid .
Jesus i must sound really depressed …think i will get really pissed before the game and hope that perks me up.
I like Newcastle any city that can fill there stadium week in week out with 50,000 supporters and they have to watch season after season of relegation threaten football deserves recognition. I have more admoration for there fans than Liverppool, Utd, City and Chelsea put together………that is genuine commitment.
I think one of two thing will happen Saturday we will either beat Newcastle and push on or we will lose and be back to square one……..I think it will be the former.
Bit concerned Mr Lawrece has us down to win…………WHY Lawro……WHY you do this…!
Big Dave scores the winner for Bala Town in the 90th minute after being 1-0 down. Bala now move into 2nd overtaking tonight hosts Flint!!! Yeh!
So pleased to see Raul score last week and hopefully this gives him and everybody else a massive boost. Not a great performance last week but got the much needed win partly thanks to Jose Sa who I thought was very good. Onto Newcastle and although they appear to be struggling everytime I have watched them they do have a threat. All but one of our recent games in the Prem have been 1-1 and I would not be surprised to see a similar scoreline tomorrow
Hoping we can edge it. We need a home win!
Come on you Stokies!!
Always nice to see the shit lose!!
It’s so good to know that 5000 miles away . It matters . Fucking Houston wolves aye we !
We have to start showing our true class at sometime, why not now, after having a training session at the Mol to find out where the goal posts are situated.
Wolves 3 – 0 Raul Hat Trick
I went to school with a load of Geordies who came down to work the Staffordshire pits. And I’m old enough to remember Malcolm McDonald single jandedly seeming to beat us a time or two.
But not this time Brucey ???
And they would have probably worked with my dad
Hopefully we’ll get a win at the Mol tomorrow, having said that Newcastle are roughly on par with us at the moment in playing decent football but not getting their just rewards.
Last time out at Southampton we were a tad lucky to come away with all of the points and a clean sheet, having said that Raul ‘s goal was a class act and worthy of the winner.
So on that basis and all things going our way I think we will just shade it and grab all three points.?????
Still not convinced. On another day Southampton could have had 2 or 3.
St Maximan up against semedo scares the life out of me. I think this one will be tight and probably come down to which teams attack actually manages to work for once. On that I’d give Newcastle the edge (at least they’ve managed to score a few this season)
Time for a home win
KA/TNs
Newcastle seem to have a knack of throwing away points – hope they continue to be generous and that we find a way to take advantage.
Boly for Saiss Ait Nouri for Marcal
Agree with Basher above & Traore to start for me please.
Bound to be a draw but going for a win.
COYW
Surely it’s time for this fixture to come off the draw trail and provide a win. The same could be said for both home wins and goals. I am going for goals for both teams and a win for us. It would be nice for Raul to get on the score sheet with at least two.
COYW
Hoping Raul’s goal and the win will give the players confidence to go out and play like the first three games. Adams needs to play but only if he plays as he did at the start of the season. Although I like Saiss, Boly should play if fit. Kilman playing too well to drop. Would also play Neves. Hoping to see a win at the molineux again. Maximin will be the problem.
Bolly instead of Saiss and we might have a chance.
Still not convinced by this manager.
Agree with Franski above, probably going to be a draw but as ever going with an optimistic win.
I think our confidence from Soton will take us through. A fully firing Raul brings an extra dimension. I’m enjoying Hwangs input too.
I think we will see goals galore in this one, but for both sides.
2-2 at half time and ..
Love all the team suggestions above, and the differing opinions about various players.
The solution, and to keep everyone happy, is to put 20 players on the pitch!
Brucie would never notice!
Lucky me. Walking to breakfast whilst still here in Arillas Corfu and the bar is showing the game at 5pm (3pm UK time). Might even catch up with the the Wolves supporters from last week if they haven’t returned to the UK yet.
A real bonus as l thought I’d have to listen to MB and watch comments on the Wolves app.
Great game from Jose last week. Hope he can keep ’em out again. He still has a way to go to be my number one.
Dan
Wolves win.
Would love a clean sheet, but don’t think we are string enough defensively – yet.
A goal fest in the rain.
Howay tha lads.
Always good to see the bunch o gents (and Sir Five Bellies) they call the ‘Toon army’ in the shed, brandishing stottie cakes and bottles of Canny Toon Broon. Lived in Jesmond Dene for a year and visited St James’s to watch Kevin Keagan play for them. Days.
Enough already. Bar St Maximan think we’ll edge a competitive game.
1 lv & COYW.
Why are we always so quick to kick the ball out when the opposition have a player injured? But when we have someone=e down, like Neves a few weeks ago, or Sa today, the opposition play on and score?
Hwang with his right foot
Hwang with his left foot
Great start to his wolves career
Nice bit of business, well done Geoff
Come on you wolves
Yes credit to Jeff and Fosun for an astute piece of business in signing Hwang. Couple more in January please Jeff.
Hwang on a minute, I’ve forgotten Diogo whats-his-name already!
Two very good goals by Hwang, and two VERY good assists by Raul.
Do I detect a striking partnership developing?