We can dissect the season next week. Now we just need to take care of business.
Eighth place won’t get us into Europe but I still want to lock it down and finish our home campaign on a high note.
We currently sit 14th based exclusively on results at Molineux. 7 wins isn’t atrocious but the 9 defeats have made for a lot of unpleasant viewing.
It’s time to come together, put everything else aside for 90 minutes and force the team over the line.
Norwich
There was probably one small moment when it looked like Norwich might have a chance of staying up not long after Dean Smith took over, but it soon came and went.
Now the only objective is to avoid finishing bottom of the table, but even that is fanciful on current form. The Canaries have lost their last 5 games, conceding 15 and scoring just 2 (with no goals in their last 4 matches).
Teemu Pukki has got to double figures, which is an admirable achievement in a relegation season for a side that has only managed 22 in total – the lowest in the league. Even Wolves have mustered 36.
The 78 they’ve now conceded after the 3-0 whipping by Leicester means they have the worst defensive record too. That’s a good achievement considering what Leeds have been up to this season.
Still, one victory might be enough to get them 19th and with a trip to Spurs for their final game, they’ll probably see this as the last opportunity to do something. They have already won at Molineux this season.
Wolves
The more attack-minded approach we incorrectly deployed in midweek should be the formula to get after Norwich on Sunday.
Chiquinho did a lot of good things against City but I felt for him slogging it out at wingback. I’d enjoy seeing him further forward and that front three would give me hope of scoring some goals.
Jonny didn’t look like he enjoyed being part of the back three against City, but then again, who would in that situation? The attacking positions he takes up from wingback give us a much needed added dimension so I hope he’s back where he belongs on Sunday.
I’d bring Toti in at the back because, why not? None of our defenders have showered themselves in glory of late and he barely put a foot wrong when he came into the team earlier in the season.
Last time out
Norwich put us out of the FA Cup in February in a game that really exposed our shortcomings as an attacking force. We wanted a cup run so it was doubly disappointing to see us blank again.
They also had the better of things at Carrow Road back in November, with only wasteful finishing and Jose Sa denying them the three points.
Predictions
MILDENHALL WOLF thought we’d lose 5-0 against Man City so he was about the closest to getting it right.
Brompton Wolf is now well clear at the top of the overall table at the end of Gameweek 36.
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!
Play like against Man City and we will get the points
Play like Man City and we definitely will.
Let’s start to smell the coffee.
Bruno is not useless but almost.
He is never going to win anything.
He is nowhere near the special one and until Wolves invest you can dream as much as you like and spend your net income on season tickets but you are never going to see him or the team win anything. Dream on. Nuno (is a great man) and had a dream but ‘they’ thought! better…..
Those were the days my friend !
Neves against Derby was as good as you will ever see unless they invest in a decent manager and players
oh god he is back!
????
So do you think I’m wrong ?
When we win top 4
When we win FA cup
When we win league cup ?
‘When we win top 4’. Please explain that in English.
This is a must win in my eyes I’m going, not because of that but they owe the fans for Newcastle, Burnley and most of all Brighton.
I agree with Thomas’s team let attack them we’ve nothing to lose neither have they so it could be a entertaining game.
Just a point regarding recruitment someone mentioned Everton and how they have spent millions and look where they are.
Yes they have but they have brought shit players, they have a clueless board and a even clueless Director of Football sound familiar……the only difference is Jeff and Sellears have spent next to nothing and I wouldn’t trust them to buy a loaf of bread. Our recruitment on the whole has been shocking and then there’s the Adama balls up.
Yes Everton have wasted millions but it’s not just about money if you look at City and the people behind the money they are top draw. As Everton have shown you can have money but if the person spending it hasn’t got a clue….( Jeff and Great Scott) then it’s going down the drain.
Running a football club isn’t just about getting the best manager and players you need the best owner best scouts best Managing Director best Chariman and best Director of football you can find sadly we have none of the above
It’s ‘top drawer’. Back to skool.
Do you really think Jeff and Scott are making the decisions all by themselves?
Norwich have nothing to play for 4-0 to the Wolves.
A good chance to get a win and then we can approach the last game as a free hit!
I agree, bring in Toti in the back three and sort out the rest. If we are leading after 60 minutes I would bring on Cundle and give him an opportunity, after all neither Neves or Moutinho are likely to be with us next year.
If there ever is a game to play attacking football, this is it!
With the Old Gold shirts glinting in the spring sunshine and the crowd lifted from its recent gloom by the welcome lift in vitamin D, our team sends us off on our summer hols with a smorgasbord of champagne football. Bruno gives us a little taster of the shape of things to come with 4-at-the-back , 3- up-front and 90 minutes with our swashes well and truly buckled.
COME ON BRUNO.
COYW
This season is all about context. Had wolves stumbled along all season and managed to scrape 8th in the last few weeks, we’d have all being saying it was a solid return to our previous league form and that but for a bit of luck we could have been in Europe. As it is the good run was around Xmas and now we’re left with a massive sense of anti climax after at least half a season dreaming of Europe.
Man City showed just how far off the top top sides we are. But in fairness we’re not the first side or the last they will do that too. Norwich is probably a better bell weather for us. If we can get a comfortable win and actually play some good football that will at least get rid of some of the sour taste of the City game.
But that said I’m happy to admit I have been surprised by this wolves side. I thought Lage would struggle to replicate Nuno, the signings did not impress etc. But in all likelihood we will get the best of the rest badge again, just positive enough to give us all a bit of hope that with the right investment European nights could be on the cards again!
After all it’s the hope that kills you.
Spot on with the team selection above. As for prediction – well we know how unpredictable we can be against lower placed teams. This is probably our last chance to shine this season – so let’s finish with a flourish ! (Sounds like a great slogan eh ?).
With Neto coming slowly back into form, Chiquinho shining in attack and hopefully Raul wanting to prove he is still good enough to stay at Wolves, I am going for a 3-0 win.
One point from the last 15 is rubbish form and has opened the door for Leicester or Brighton to grab eighth.
Beat Norwich and that should be enough although our gd has taken a hit lately so you never know!
It’s a shame that one of the best wolves teams ever never quite managed to get a trophy over the last few years.
The Europa would have been great and got us into the champions league, and I’m still convinced that we would have done citeh in the fa cup final ( even with Kevin de groiner) as we gave them problems when under nuno.
Still, time to move on and all that , hopefully a big win for the home fans tomorrow.
I’m going for a cloiv
Come on you wolves
It’s a must win, to end the season on some sort of positive note (if beating the whipping boys can be considered a positive). Overall, it’s been a good season but it’s not been pretty at home for the most part. Lack of goals and not a lot to get excited about. Is it any wonder the fans are frustrated given how the season has tailed off?
Brighton and/or Leicester may yet overhaul us too. If you ask me, 9th or 10th would be more representative of the season overall. We’re capable of being really good, but also capable of being anonymous. Something to be addressed over the summer if we’re to avoid going backwards.
Lose, or even draw, this and things will likely turn ugly in the stands. Not the way any of us want to sign off so let’s hope we put them to the sword, like everyone else has been lately.
The players after watching numerous times the kevin de bruyne show will all want to be him on Saturday .
kevin de jimenez, kevin de neto, kevin de neves, kevin de moutinho and kevin de chiquino will all score hatricks and mighty wolves will win 15-0
mesmerising footy at its very best .!
no I’m not pissed!
Yes, well something like this… agreed
Good to see you both tonight mate. Sorry to have had to leave early. Hope to catch up again soon.
Early ive usually got me pyjamas on by 9 . Great to meet the people behind the names i thought i could drink but you lot are in a different league to Sonia and me !!!!
must be my age .
Those samosas looked nice ..
I was on water lol
Scoreee. PLEASE.
After been given a master class by MC, we now need to get back to basics and produce a professional and well drilled whipping of NC.
We are capable of doing it on our day and what better timing than the last home game of the season.
I need some of what you’re taking Spikeyboy! I fear the lads will be mentally and physically exhausted after Wednesday night and Bruno will need all his coaching skills to lift the team – Dean Smith will tell his lads to go for our jugular from the first minute. Forecasting a narrow win but won’t be surprised if they catch us cold and we have a battle on our hands.
I like the team selection Thomas and agree with your comments. I would though actually love to see Cundle given a start instead of Moutinho. Trincao, who I am far from a fan of, could probably do something against their defence at some point as well. Really hope to see a free flowing, entertaining game. Keep it simple, cut out the defensive errors and attack, attack, attack, please!
I am in Wolverhampton and Telford over this weekend so am hoping that the whole visit ends positively. Surely we are due to give some team a clobbering.
Looking forward to the meal tomorrow, but not so much my discussion with the club prior to that!
As Brompton Wolf is well clear at the top of the Prediction League, I’d better have a pint of what he’s having. So, 4-2 it is barman.
I am a tea drinker mate. We will be in Roccos tomorrow at 6pm if you are around .
What discussion, Brompto?
They won’t let you pitch your tent in the Billy Quiet?
You forgot your boots, but they still want you to play?
Don’t care what the score is on Sunday, Bruno should play the stiffs from the off, and gradually sub first teamers during the second half, so some of them can give the crowd a final farewell wave.
This is the most important summer since Fosun took over.
By now they should have a good idea of what being a Wolves fan means, and act accordingly.
A good leader, in any business, should know his employees limitations, and when to get rid.
Footie is no different, from the top down.
Mr. Fosun Owner, please do the right thing, put up or shut up and move on.
Thank you.
And Norwich?
See you, again, in two years time, as you yo yo up and down.
My season ticket Clive. I am 65 on 14 Aug and I am out of the country until 24th so my first game of the season will be when I am 65. The club have said that they calculate ages from 1 Aug therefore I have to buy an adult ticket. I understand their policy, but I am not attending any game next season until I am 65, but they won’t budge !!
What is the price difference you are disputing?
Cost is irrelevant mate, it’s the principle.
Rules is Rules, ya tight-fisted ole sod.
And to think I was going to buy you a pint tomorrow!
Ah OK, I take it back then.
Please………
I don’t think Bruno will take any chances with this game cos if he loses this I think he’ll definately get sacked and I think he’ll feel the same way. I still think we’ll have too much for Norwich though and will run out 3 nil victors. I’d rather see Silva upfront with Neto and Chiquinho rather than Jiminez. Be nice to see Cundle come in early in the second half.
Hopefully finish at last home game on a high
Could be the last home game for Neves, Boly, Raul… hopefully we put on a show! I can proudly say that no one has tipped every game and got as few points as me. No one is even in my league… there are people above me on the table who tipped 13 less games. So stop reading and move along…
You may be Aussie, Aussie, but the prediction league doesn’t work upside down.
I hope not !
Aussie mate .. it’s the taking part…
Don’t blame yourself.. blame the team… they win when they shouldn’t.. they lose when they should win… what chance does anyone have … logic goes out of the fenètre …
You’re a Wolves blogger and a worldwide one too .. brilliant …
Your countryman Mosman wolf paid a Molineux visit a few years ago … I’m sure he was mesmerised by the occasion..
great that you participate mate …
Was a great night and can’t wait to do it again.
Let us know your next trip over Mosman .,,
I was in Brisbane Ashes 2014 walking down towards the Gabba in Wolves shirt. A bloke was walking his dog towards me and it turned out he was a Wolves fan long time exiled in Oz. It’s not you is it !!! ?
.
The team may find it difficult to raise their game for this one, but should win nevertheless……..but I am looking forward to the Liverpool game, when they’ll know they have to shape up to impress either present or future club.
I’ve heard Wolvo council have a dedicated car park put aside for the Norwich supporters tractors. It even has fake cows and sheep in it to make them feel at home. Along with a barn and lots of hay. A scarecrow called Eric and 150 dung beetles. They have trained the car park attendants to speak like farmers and use the standard greeting “oooh arrrrr oooooh arrrrrr that be a lovely tractor – do Delia Smith dryve waaan ” ? It is all very splendid indeed. I’ve heard Norwich council are putting on a similar welcome next season when Sandwell Town visit. The car park will adorned with a huge bog full of shite to make them feel welcome . I’m afraid the tractors will be having a rather forlorn journey home Sunday afternoon after WWFC take out the frustrations of the Citeh thrashing with a last hoorah for the season by smashing home a ‘Clive’ to make the goal difference back up again. So WWFC 5 Naaarwich 1. After the game Jeff Shi said ” i’ve been on the blower to Guo GUANGCHANG and he has said he is gonna put a load of dosh in our bank for players. He also wants to buy a nice tractor. He was impressed”. Dean Smith said ” I’m a bit fed up but Delia Smith has made me pie and chips for tea. So it’s great. “
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm tractors!!!!!!!!!!
Q. is dean married to Delia ?
Q. is dean Delias brother ?
Q. is Delia deans mom ?
Q. am i talking complete bollocks ?
I think Mark E Smith, late legendary vocalist from The Fall is their dad. Probably…
I knew Smudge,
I’ve spoken to the cooking voodoo gods and they’ve confirmed my prediction…
I asked Delia ..
‘How many minutes to cook a boiled egg’ ? and…
‘How many minutes did it take for you to realise that Jez Moxey was a useless appointment and an utter Wa@@er’ ?
Before she had time to answer I told her that it would form the basis of my prediction..: (foive for Cloive)
I thought we were ok on Wednesday… at 1-3 and another blatant penalty not given we could have given Citeeh a bit more of a game :
Looking forward to a few sherbets with some great bloggers on Saturday pre match .. even though it’s a Sunday kick off., I feel after some Alka Seltzer later in the day I should be good for Sunday….
If any one is about pre or post match Norwich just put summat on here and i wil pop round for a veritable few jars. As long as it ay that real ale pub under the station. Im a fuckin lager lout.
We struggle against poor teams, as evidenced by our recent non performance at Burnley, the home game with Burnley, the away game at Norwich and, of course, our home FA cup defeat to Sunday’s opponents when they ‘rested’ more first team regulars than we did.
The smart money is on another struggle, therefore.
4-0 v Watford ?
Good point but possibly Watford are the exception that proves the rule. As things stand, we’ve yet to register a win against Leeds, Burnley or Norwich . How many other teams can say that?
Can we beat Norwich? Yes, of course we can but just not this time.
The European dream has been packed away for another year.
The fleeting glimpse out of the corner of my eye; what seemed an unlikely return to the continent; I turned to look but it was gone.
After Wednesday’s game I’ll admit to feeling comfortably numb.
I suppose we should have seen it coming. Manchester City are a great team. The manager, love him or otherwise, wouldn’t have needed to deliver much of a Pep talk for his players to feel motivated to mesmerise us with magic. A perfect storm of a response to their Champions League loss and their determination to nail the league title. Wolves the rickety old house, in need of major renovations, standing in the path of a category 5 hurricane.
There’s often a special feeling about the last home game of season. Seemingly it will be a final curtain call for a number of our senior stars. Please get us on our feet again and help erase the pain of recent results and performances. It would be a fitting way to allow the Molineux faithful to say thank you. After all, taken as a whole, it’s not been a bad season. And without a doubt, it’s been a brilliant 6 years or so. It just feels like we hit the wall in the last 2 months.
Easier to speculate who may be moving on than who is coming in. At the risk of repetition, Neves, Jimenez, Saiss, Marcal, Boly, Moutinho, Ruddy, Traore. Some if not most of them could be gone before the month is out. Such is the size of the task of rebuilding.
So please give us something to cheer on Sunday; a win against Norwich to put a bit of polish on the campaign and allow us to show our appreciation for services rendered and memories made.
This season won’t necessarily be something to tell our children about when they’re grown, but get this Summer’s transfer business done well, and next season – well, maybe we can get that winning feeling once again.
UTW
Agree – feels like the bit of an end of an era – big changes to come in the Summer. Hope Fosun are up for it. It feels like Bruno is very much seeing this upcoming window as the one for creating a team in his vision – and very sadly, this may mean using money from a Neves sale, although I would much prefer if we could find a way to build the team round him instead. Great football teams are as much about shared identity and cohesion, as they are footballing technical skills, so the club will need to be careful to get the balance right with the recruitment. A bit of a high-wire act for Bruno next season – hope he is able to do it.
I was going to go for a draw but, as some of these players will be saying goodbye to Molineux, sure they will want to go out on a high. UTW
I’m sure you’re right Silverwolf.
A bit gutted no one spotted the Pink Floyd lyrics.
I’ll try Robert Plant next time.
UTW
Pink Floyd lyrics noted mate.
I’ve often thought about including Floyd song titles in the blog but could never quite make:-
“Several Species of Small Furry Animals Gathered Together in a Cave and Grooving with a Pict”
fit into a match preview.
I’m sure you’re right Silverwolf.
A bit gutted no one spotted the Pink Floyd lyrics.
I’ll try Robert Plant next time.
UTW
Why ever not ?
It would make perfect sense.
Have a great weekend.
I don’t know why getting to 50 points is not very good . Blimey we have had some bad results lately but we have also been to Old Trafford. Spurs. Chelsea. Got results . Why is it shite now when 6/7 years ago it was a ‘dream’. Answers on a post card.
I don’t think that is generally the point, Cheese. For me, the disappointment is the performance down turn in the last few weeks that has reduced a season of promise to one of no real progress.
Fair enough chap. I think you could possibly argue that 45 points to 50 is progress. Accept it is down on the Nuno years but I think you need to give Bruno a bit of slack. Can’t see him hanging around if Fosun won’t back him. Either sacked or walks.
Agree with the team selection – hope Bruno does too.
Really good to meet you tonight. Shame I had to leave early. Hope to catch up again next season.
Good to meet you all. Thanks for making me welcome.
Thanks for coming tonight Franski..,,
Lovely to meet and say hello to you..
I believe you drank the lager in Braga., top lady ..
We need a win. If for no other reason than to prevent Paddy from topping himself.
Paddy should count his blessings! If he supported Sandwell Town Tesco’s he would top himself twice a week!
If, if if my auntie had a pair of Bollocks she’d be my uncle. We could all look at other team and say they are worse off than us also you could say there are teams doing better than us.
It’s about where you want to be not where you could be or where you have been.
And yeah I do remember Chorely F.A cup defeat and plumiting down the leagues……..it’s gone it’s history.
Why is not where you have been ? It is entirely right to measure progress from A to B.
Your right we were Champions of England three times that’s what we should be aiming for not be content with just being back in the top league.
We have won trophies before so why not aim to win trophies again…..but that requires investment from the owner……and that’s looks as far away as China from Bushbury Hill.
I do so hope they put on a show and we score enough ro get parity with West Ham
Looking forward to Rocco’s tonite
Looks like rain for tomorrow but some slick football will provide the sunshine
UTW
Come on lads! let’s have canary on toast for Sunday dinner.
As we all know – so close and yet so far, the end of season has been pretty nigh disastrous and Liverpool yet to come.
Norwich have nothing to play for and should be easy meat even for our lack of goal scoring prowess.
Here’s to another year, looks like a re-haul in the summer.
Entirely agree with your team selection Thomas.
We need to attack and leave us poor home supporters with a positive memory of what has been a pretty ordinary set of games at Molineux.
To say that most have been rather less than entertaining wouldn’t be over-egging the cake.
Considering the cost of our season tickets and weekend trips to Wolverhampton, I think we deserve better.
But then again, what else would I do if I had those weekends free?
See you later at Rocco’s chaps!
Hope the weather is not too hot at Wembley. It will melt all the plastic fans in the ground! Especially in the Liverpool end.
Going to finish our home season with a bang!
Neto, Raul and Neves on the scoresheet with a late consolation goal for Pukki.
Let’s hope we can get a few goals and finish the home on a better note
. Couldn’t believe Toti Gomes didn’t start and we didn’t deign to mark De Bruyne. Needed chiquino much more forward; strange setup and tactics for me.
4-0 to Wolves if we select a decent side…
I would like to point out, in defense of Bruno, that if Raul was scoring as he was before his injury. We would easily be in a European position and challenging for the Champions League.
Up to Jeff to decide if Raul’s lack of scoring is due to his injury or the change in coach/style of play.
Maybe we just need a new striker.
He wouldn’t even need to reach the heights of before he got injured, our defence was so good up till Jan that just a handful of goals would have changed our fortune.
If we are any good at all, we must win this comfortably.
But we don’t often do comfortable…
No we don’t Ash and I fear that even your prediction might be a touch optimistic.
Therefore I’m opting for a draw bore……
A nice reversal of fortunes
KA/TNs
Surely, surely we can grab a few goals against Norwich.
This should not be a problem BUT we are Wolves. Anything can happen
On the train to the game (no wonder people drive; booked train cancelled, on one an hour earlier than planned with Palarse fans for company).
Hoping for a Clive but reining on those hopes (they kill you know).
Many thanks for the invite to the slug and roccos we both had a great time .
you lot wanted us to stay longer but we had to get back to make sure spike hadnt ripped the passageway to shreds not to watch eurovision !
What a great bunch you are we will come over next time you have a “meeting” game or no game it doesnt matter.
To all who blog … next time you should come to the “meeting” great great laugh.
thanks all love from sonia and dave and spike.
Great to see you and the lovely Sonia last night.
And I hope you got back in time to watch the end of the Eurovision Song Contest. (Spike ripping the passageway to shreds my backside!).
Perhaps next year we can get back to the good old days of The Bloggers’ Ballbashes, when we had the likes of Big Phil Parkes, Steve Daley and Willie Carr as guest speakers.
But yesterday was a hoot and I just hope this afternoon lives up to it.
Great to meet you both last night Sonia and Dave….
I’m sure we all enjoyed a superb evening along with the other bloggers who pitched up…
If enjoyment is directly proportional to the size of the hangover… then, yes I had a great night…
Looking forward to the next time… at least I won’t be staring at you both wondering if you were Spikeyboy… in the Slug and lettuce…
Think we will be seeing a few players for the last time, at home today. Give them the send off they deserve.
Please Wolves – just keep Neves.
We were not thrashed on Wed. Just that City we’re at their very best and De Bruyne was on fire.
“Should” win today.
I would happily play the team Thomas suggested.
Also spotted this morning that Fabrizio Romano is saying that Jules Lopetegui is expected to leave Sevilla at the end of the season. Wasn’t he the manager that Fosun originally wanted to get in? I can’t remember if it was or not!
Anyway home win please lads.
Yes he was border, Morgan procrastinated long enough for Spain to offer him the international job , apparently he was ready to join us up until that point, good coach mind you.
Utw
Thanks I wasn’t sure, be interesting to see what happens with him. Like you say, good coach & nice style of play!
Any chance of a soft penalty or VAR going for us today ? Doubt it. The Spurs penalty v Arsenal on Thursday? How often do you see innocuos pushing and shoving at a corner? Yet that gets a penalty? Drives me mad. Just no consistency what so ever. I’m convinced someone has to actually saw Neto’s leg off in the penalty area for us to get anything.
Great night at Rocco last night with friends old and new. Thanks to all who came.
Looking forward to today’s game. It’s got to be a win and a fitting finale for some of our players.
If you want to see big six corruption look at the Spurs penalty v Burnley just. I do believe a similar event occured Wednesday when the ball hit a Citeh hand. VAR ? Absolutely nowhere.
Apparently not a sell out today. Looks like the fair weather brigade have fucked off already. A few bad results. At least i might be able to get a ticket for an away game again.
Couldn’t agree with you more mate.
Five for Clive on the cards, banishing the images from the reverse Clive suffered Wednesday Eve.
Cheers Thomas for the header.
But I’m sticking with the ‘Rasta’, which, like the ‘Clive’, has failed to register 3 points this season.
I’ve been in – breeding canaries for a few years now, my latest ‘Smitty’, a proper Frankenstien, weighs 3 kilo’s and whistles ‘God save the Queen’ as it shits out tractor parts.
1 lv & COYW.