I don’t know if Diego Costa will turn out to be a good signing for Wolves, but I’m looking forward to finding out.
This team has a lot of good technical quality but can be passive, ineffective and weak – three attributes you wouldn’t associate with the former Chelsea striker.
After the cruel loss of Kalajdzic, this is a much needed uplift for both the players and supporters heading into a difficult sequence of games.
We’ve taken zero points from four matches at Anfield since returning to the Premier League, so it doesn’t get much tougher than tomorrow.
Liverpool
Is now a good time to be playing the reds? Floundering (by their standards) in the league and smashed by Napoli in the week, there are growing question marks over Jurgen Klopp’s side.
The concern for us would be that they rebounded from their last morale-sapping defeat to stick nine past Bournemouth. They also have players returning from injury that could solve some of their recent issues.
Matip, Thiago, Jota and new midfield signing Arthur Melo could all step into the starting XI tomorrow and provide fresh purpose. I fully expect that to happen.
Selling Sadio Mane combined with a series of injuries has exposed them, but once they find a rhythm they will eventually migrate back towards the top two or three positions. There are too many good players there to struggle in the longer term.
Aside from bludgeoning Bournemouth, they’ve drawn with Palace and won by the skin of their teeth against Newcastle at Anfield so far but no defeats yet. They didn’t lose a single home league game last season either.
Wolves
The frustrating thing about watching Napoli take Liverpool apart was that I know Wolves won’t approach the game with the same aggression as the Italians. It’s not in their makeup.
Raul might well be available but I wonder if Bruno might go for the False 9 option and hope to see more of the ball than we’ve mustered in recent visits?
That would mean bringing either Guedes or Traore or Hwang into the team and moving Podence into the middle. We did OK at Spurs with something similar and it gave us a level of control.
Boubacar Traoré should be available and it will be handy to have another midfield option to call upon, although you’d expect him to be eased in over time.
Predictions
Well done to Rich, OrkneyWolf, Desert Wolf, StrangeLuck and Mutt1eigh for all correctly forecasting a 1-0 victory over Southampton last weekend.
Rich takes the outright lead at the top of the overall table at the end of Gameweek 6.
As always, if you’d like to join in with the Prediction League this season, 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!
We’ve been competitive in all the matches so far and I would hope, regardless of what Liverpool do, we can continue in the same way.
But I expect them to react tomorrow and bring in good players to make it very difficult. Given our recent record and the fact they basically never lose at Anfield, I can only see a defeat.
We’re still finding out about what this current Wolves team can do and I’m looking forward to the test.
Liverpool’s defence is not it’s usual imperious self at the moment. But I think it would be stretching hope too far to think we’ll score more than one. And, as it’s at Anfield, you’d bet on them to at least score. As our defence is looking pretty good at the moment, I’ll (optimistically) go for a draw.
If the game goes ahead – and it is a big if, I think it’s our best chance to get something from Anfield in a good while.
The biggest positive I took from the Southampton game was we we’re getting more bodies in the box.
It might be a bit soon for Costa but I still think we should go there, be positive and take the game to them.
Aggression will unsettle Liverpool and provides our best chance against a very good team. If we could get Costa and Traore on the pitch at some point it may help our cause.
Expecting a revved up Reds team from the off, Klopp knows an early goal will settle them. Whilst we are technical and lightweight in terms of midfield aggression, we can dominate that area if we play high up the pitch. We will need all the luck going and hopefully no dodgy reffing swayed by the baying Kop. It hasn’t done Bournemouth any harm but I don’t expect a mauling, going for an optimistic draw.
Us lose against the Reds? Not on your Nelly!
If Saturday’s matches go ahead , it is highly likely that Liverpool will bounce back following their abject performance at Napoli, just as Bournemouth did following their massive defeat. Much is made of their injuries , and little of ours, however
Liverpool have depth and talent in their squad.
Nevertheless, I feel that our last game against Saints could be the start of a stronger run for us. Bruno’s challenge is to field a team which can tactically be effective without an out and out striker.
Since it is nine months since Costa played in a game , as far as we know, he will not be fit and certainly match fit. He will have had no pre season, as far as we know. It is reported that he has been active in the gym , which is of course good, but this will be no substitute for games and a pre season.
He will surely need careful managing by fitness coaches before he is ready to
appear on the bench. And then , in my view, he might manage second half appearances
as an impact player. So , it might be unrealistic to expect to see him in action
for a few weeks. To precipitate his selection could result in injury.
Raul should not be written off yet. He is the nearest we have to a fit striker and with the high quality of those around him, there will be opportunities for him to score or assist.
Not sure if it is a good time to play Liverpool or not. They are not at their confident best that is for sure. We shouldn’t be sitting back, but we have a decent defense, so if we can frustrate them, you never know.
It’s always a tall order at Anfield though, and I am not brave enough to predict anything other than a defeat.
This is what I dread as well.
Liverpool are of course at their most dangerous when wounded and should therefore be expected to come out fighting. But I sense an unusual lack of resilience in this Liverpool side.
Van Dyke shows that he is human and can make mistakes and this in turn has made them subject to self doubt. So maybe if we can get at them early and get behind their high line Wolves can get some thing out of this game.
To that end maybe, if his head is in the right place, playing Traore up front and central might work.
I think this could be a good time to play them watched the Napoli game Liverpool were terrible there defence was all over the place 2-1 to the Wolves.
Not going to be playing anyway. This decision should have been made last evening. Hotel in Liverpool booked Friday night with a 12.00 deadline for cancellation. Would have left at 10.00.
A point would do , hope we take the game to them
The games will be cx’d this weekend; however, just to post my prediction, l feel we would be able to bring a point home for the 1st time since being back in the top division.
Matches cancelled.
Liverpool might well have got away with one.
Still, it will give Costa a chance to get fit… and angry.
So does the announcement of the canceled weekend games mean the next round is definitely on or will they have another meeting to decide that?
stu wolf just sent this
So Costa is taking Sturridges old number? Or, did someone use that number since Sturridge left?
Excuse me is this the queue ?
Yep
What’s the holdup?
Still filling out my prediction league for the rest of the season, why?
Oh, I believe there’s someone waiting for me, predictions for what ?
The wolves games
Oh , I’ve been to wolves a couple of times,
Well why didn’t you say , please , go ahead, I’ll se you in there, I’m Clive by the way,
Thanks, wolves will stuff Liverpool, and You can call me Lizzy
Utw
Nice one!
Awesome. Absolutely brilliant. Made my eyes water too.
yep .. brilliant
Lump in throat time again
I predict Wolves will be unbeaten this weekend ????
Morning all.
Just in case it gets missed, I’m reposting an extract from my contribution to the ‘Clive’ blog earlier this week.
“In response to an earlier query – London Loyal/ Brompton – Wolves have said they no longer offererd the bricks around the stadium.
However, they do have a book of remembrance in the main reception at Molineux which supporters can add loved ones to. More information can be found in the link below.
https://www.wolves.co.uk/fan-services/book-of-remembrance/“
Read another funny quote from Mr Costa . He said “If my mom was on the pitch. I’d take her out too”. This is gonna be very interesting……
I won’t leave a score prediction as the match has been postponed. But I did stick a few quid on a Wolves win at very generous odds before I heard about the delay, so you know my feelings. It’s not beyond Liverpool to lose at Anfield, or lose to us at Anfield. We had a great cup win under Fosun with Lambert in charge, Mad Mick also secured a famous win there in December 2010 when I was Down Under watching cricket.
Apart from the obvious good reason of respect for the Queen’s passing, I’m also pleased about the postponement. This will give our new boys more time to get to know each other. And as for our newest new boy, non other than the notorious big bad school bully, Master Costa, this will allow him time to get back to his baddest behaviour. Seeing as we just want him to lurk with menace in the opposing penalty area, his fitness might not be that big a hurdle. I’m assuming he hasn’t been smoking behind the bicycle sheds though.
I’m still chuffed that we’ve signed a world famous player of Costa’s calibre and physical presence. For too long we’ve been skillful but lightweight. Costa will change our mindset.
Thing is we are just too nice. Get Costa up there poking Harry fucking McGuires eye out. That is what we need. Or kicking Phil Foden up the fucking arse next Saturday. Biggest nutter since Muscat . And i fuckin love it. !! FWAW. FOWB. 5-1.
There are lots of comments on the social media like ‘she did so much for me’. Er like what ? Any practical examples? She paid your gas bill ? Booked your old mom in to a care home? Cleaned the shit up after an unfortunate bowel experience? What exactly did the Queen do to help ?
I generally enjoy your posts Cheesie but I think that was uncalled for
I’m with Cheesey!
Of course it’s sad when someone dies. A few people have lost a Mom, a few more a Gran, but that’s as far as it goes in my life.
Prince William is about to inherit the Duchy of Cornwall; an estate worth over £1billion with an annual income of at least £21million and he still gets tax payers’ money via the ‘civil list’.
We’ll never know how much King Charles III will get because they are allowed to keep their wills secret, unlike the rest of us. I wonder why? Could it possibly be that if it was public knowledge how much the Monarch is worth we’d expect them to pay us?
This in a country with food banks where many won’t be able to heat their homes this winter.
Talk about benefit scroungers? The Royal Family are top of THAT list.
I’ll miss Clive a damn sight more than the Queen; he made me laugh.
How very sad that you choose a football blog to post something like that. It speaks volumes about you but says very little else.
What did the Romans ever do for us?
The Queen was admired and loved by millions worldwide. Just look at the tributes that have come in from all over the planet. (Even France for God’s sake!).
She was the one constant in a Britain that has been through so many changes over the 70 years she was monarch.
She was genuine, honest and open.
She was treated with respect and affection by World leaders and became the friend of many.
She was the ultimate diplomat. Just one example being her role in the Irish Peace process of 2012. She cut across all the political crap and MADE it happen. There are many other examples… if you can be bothered to find out about them.
Everybody who met her felt an affinity with her. She made them happy. And now she is dead, there are millions who are sad.
She worked her bits off to further the interests and influence of the country that she had promised to serve until her death.
And she carried on working up until she died.
96 years old for God’s sake.
I don’t know the situation with your mother but mine died recently at the age of 97 and for at least the last seven years of her existence she couldn’t have worked to save her life.
And another thing.
The Queen was probably the ‘inspiration’ if that’s the word, together with the clever Svengali like influence of a certain Malcolm McLaren, which propelled a band of VERY limited talent from obscurity to World renown.
Apart from that, the Romans did nothing.
Bang on mate.
My old Boss, my Commander in Chief who I swore allegiance to on the 26th April 1973 and who I served for 34 years.
A woman who led by example. A woman who worked tirelessly. A woman who I honoured and a woman who I will miss immensely.
RIP Your Majesty, your job is done.
Well said.
Well said Cheesy 🙂
I think it was significant that both Clive and the Queen passed away within days of each other.
In all my years I never remember the Queen and Clive being in the same room together at the same time OR attending the same Wolves match together.
Is there a Balmoral in Texas?
Finally Clive is very similar sounding to Lillibut.
Clive would have loved this thread.
Interesting theory mate.
But Clive never really suited a tiara.
Well I liked her . I thought she was a very virtuous lady . She had honour
And integrity.
Me and my youngest son went to the Palace on Friday and laid flowers with pride .
I like that Matt. I admire how you and your Son took the time to pay your respects.
and i admire and thank you for your long service to Queen and country .
Her majesty’Would have been very proud of you
Good for you Matt.
DOOG, the Queen had non-existent actual political power of course and had to give royal assent to any bill that passed through both houses of parliament. That said, she somehow managed to have great influence on politics in her 70 year reign, despite her hands being effectively tied behind her back politically.
A prime example that you mentioned was the Irish peace process, and the Queen’s visit to the Irish republic. To actually speak in Gaelic at a state reception in Dublin can only have been the Queen’s own idea, and that single act of reconciliation took everyone by surprise.
I am working in Thailand at the moment. The hotel staff are all wearing black armbands and the first words at check in was their condolences. Matt if I was in the UK I too would done the same. I volunteer for a charity working in prisons, had the honour of meeting both the Queen and Prince Philip. I can only speak as I find, better the monarchy than the alternative in my opinion.
Also flags across Bangkok at half mast.
Safe travels mate
Better the monarchy than a president who may have been selected on merit or lifetime achievements?
A president can be just as good of a figurehead as a “royal”
Firstly, an endorsement joining all those above in RIP HRH, who whatever your feelings on the monarchy, did nothing but her absolute best for our country throughout her life.
And back to football what an absolute master stroke signing Diego Costa – definitely a win / win. If nothing else this guy will bring some much needed aggression, character and nous to a group with undoubted talent but lacking a little in “get up and at ’em” on the field.
Welcome Diego – ger into ’em, and score a few goals as a bonus. Everything to gain, little to lose.
Well said sir! This signing could be a master stroke forced on us by Sasa’s extremely unfortunate start to his Wolves career. Let’s hope he makes a full recovery, visions of that very talented forward (Polish?) from several years ago who I think scored two on his debut and was never the same again after a horrendous challenge which wrecked his knee.
We like this!
https://twitter.com/Wolves/status/1569279694742212608
We might, but I think Diego looks decidedly nervous! Bit like when you’re a kid playing in the park and a big dog twice your size comes bounding up on you. Then the dog’s owner says, don’t show fear it can sense it… Of course, you shit yourself.
Hopefully when we play. the opposition manager will say to his defenders, don’t show fear, he can sense it…
On 14th September 1891 John Heath of Wolverhampton Wanderers scored the first penalty kick in the football league.
We are still waiting for confirmation from the VAR team at Stockley.
Just in.
Penalty overturned by Mike Reilly at Stockley Park on the grounds that the Liverpool player was unsighted by the referee and slipped over when making his tackle,
No intent, no penalty. “Big 6” rules ok.
I’ll still go for my normal 2-1, even though I could see Costa poking a cpl in.
Clive in a tiara? What a thought…….
Marvellous scenes from the Corrugated Shack at Sandwell. A completely rubbish Blues side tore them apart. Brucey Baby doing a fucking fantastic job ! FOWB !!
And our very own Dion Sanderson played his full part. Doing his duty as a true Wolf.
It might all go tits up…
He might turn out to be a busted flush…
But I’ve just watched the video on YouTube of Diego Costa arriving at Wolves and meeting the pack.
And taking into account his reputation, the fear of God he puts into defenders, and seeing the charisma and confidence he exudes, has left me with a silly grin on my face and VERY warm glow in my Steve Bull autographed boxers.
What a signing!
Steve Bull autographed boxers? What happened to Derek’s? Have they worn out?
Will I see you both on Saturday?
They’re in the wash mate.
And yes, we’re clear of covid so we’ll see you on Saturday.
Look forward to it.
We are being ‘invited’ to sing “God Save The King” on Saturday………. I would rather cut my toe nails. F**k the parasites. They are worth billions. I am very angry my taxes are subsiding them. NOT MY KING ……
This is a football blog. Keep your drink fuelled rants that have nothing to do with football to yourself please.
Yeah well it is a football related issue. So there you go.
Well, it’s quite simple… DON’T SING!!!!!
And, cut your toenails.
Ok Doog. I will stand and say nuthin !
Well i can see that went down well. But. Wolves ay we !!!all i was commenting on was being invited to sing God Save The King by the Premier League. Why should I if don’t have any affinity for the Monarchy? I suppose I will stand there and just keep my gob shut.
Be careful. They may arrest you for not singing.
Be extra careful. They may arrest you when they hear you singing.
I’ll never bow to anyone. Apart from Steve Bull after the 89th minute winner at Sandwell 1989.
He was a King.