Back in October after Wolves deservedly won the first encounter between these sides, Steve Bruce stated there was a long winter ahead.
Despite being otherwise magnanimous in defeat, the implication of that comment was obvious.
Fast forward to March and whatever happens from here on out, nobody, including Bruce, can accuse our imports of wilting in the arctic weather.
In fact, despite Villa’s impressive rise from play-off hopefuls to genuine top two contenders, they come into his game further behind their opponents than they were after the 2-0 defeat at Molineux.
A big victory on Saturday though could still bring about a shift in momentum down the final stretch, so it promises to be a wonderful occasion inside a packed out Villa Park.
Aston Villa
Like Wolves, Villa lost 2-0 at Fulham and could only muster a 1-1 draw with Preston. But out of their last 11 matches, those are the only two they haven’t won. That’s 28 points from 33, which is incredible.
I’ve seen a few of their games and even though they blow hot and cold for me, they do possess tremendous resilience.
They should have lost against Sheffield United in that 7 game winning run but dug in and then won it with a moment of brilliance from Snodgrass. Twice they fell behind against Sheffield Wednesday last week but ran out 4-2 winners.
I don’t think they’re the most fluid or technically adept team, but they have strong characters and a number of match winners in the group.
It took Bruce a long time to get to grips with his squad and I did wonder if he’d ever get the balance right, but they’re now a very dangerous Championship side.
Wolves
The biggest question is probably who makes way for Ruben Neves? And for me it’s a complete coin toss as both Saiss and N’Diaye had stormers against Leeds.
But I think we saw at Fulham that better opposition may restrict their opportunities to get the ball through the lines and for that, there’s nobody better than Neves.
Given it’s a derby, I’d probably lean more towards N’Diaye for his sheer power, but if the plan is domination of the ball, Saiss would be the better bet. I’m glad it’s not my decision.
Despite Afobe getting on the scoresheet I’d stick with Bonatini up top. His link up play was a key component of the team performance at Elland Road and a repeat would do nicely. Benik will get his chance at some stage.
Predictions
If Wolves win this game, I would say promotion goes from ‘highly likely’ to ‘foregone conclusion’. Victory over Leeds has alleviated a good amount pressure in the event of defeat.
Villa on the other hand, depending on what Cardiff and Fulham do, will probably feel like they have to get the win.
What will be interesting is whether Bruce sets his team up to attack or contain in the early exchanges. That decision may ultimately decide how this pans out.
I think if Wolves are allowed to get a foothold as they did at Elland Road, they will win the game. But I’m expecting Villa to press higher and harder and ask a lot more questions of our back three.
However, with Neves back and the midweek performance lifting morale, I’m backing us to secure a seismic victory – 2-1.
Up The Wolves!
Mhttp://www.insidewalessport.co.uk/16725-2/ – Mr Warnock’s comments
Wow Neil has almost nice things to say about us. Shame I hate him and wish him to be sacked as Cardiff blow their top 2 position and fail in the play offs.
Feck off you whinging classless tosser
Tony Daley’s thoughts http://www.insidewalessport.co.uk/16725-2/https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2018/03/09/tony-daley-tips-villa-to-edge-derby-day-against-wolves/
Tony Daley thinks we’ll lose? Glad he p***ed off then in that case!
Here’s what I’d do if I were Steve Bruce:
– Outnumber us in midfield, press high and give Neves no space;
– Their fullbacks focus on tracking ours to cancel each other out;
– Focus attacks through Adomah on the left flank, see if he can out-run a tired Douglas and Danny to cause havok.
That all suggests that Coady could be a key man for us. Cooly covering Batth and energetically starting our counter attacks from the back. I’m counting on you Coads!
Spot on keeping Leo in the starting XI. He can hold the ball up and bring Jota into the game and this will be our best chance of scoring early on. On the other hand you’d fancy Afobe to out-run/out-wit John Terry, but that could be a good second half strategy.
Expect abysmal refereeing.
If they do press high it will give us space in behind them to counter. I’ll fancy Cav and Jota against the likes of Terry and Chester in a flat race.
Coady and Neves to pop a few 60-yard diagonals… delicious.
Two nervous teams desperate not to lose? An impatient Villa Park crowd baying for blood? It’s set up perfect for a 93rd minute Danny Batth header.
Very excited about the game after a top performance against dirty Leeds in the week. I think that we will win this and kill off Villas hopes of automatic promotion. UTW
https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/club/20180308-club-statement/
So that should end the sour grapes
Villa are at home and need to win so I expect them to go for it from the off .This will give us the counter attacking opportunities to exploit with Terry too slow to deal with Jota and Cavaleiro .A win would be fantastic but even a draw would be ok with me as they would still be 10 point behind with games running out .What a season though .Pity it has to end .
It is all set up to be a cracking match therefore is this going to be a damp squib. I don’t think it will turn out to be. Both teams are looking for something to take away from the game so maybe a point each? Once again l don’t think so. What will Villa take away from the game? That they are 2nd best on the day!
In Nuno we trust, we can push vanilla even further out of the picture so let’s go and play and show them what we are capable of.
Jota and Cavaleiro now due some goals, Bonatini to start and Benik to come on and turn terry’s legs to jelly.
Cannot wait woke up this morning and thought the game was on later today – how does it get you even at 65 ?.
Condolences to my brother beforehand as this is a Wolves super WIN
Wolves Aye We
Basher you have an idiot brother too, i can hardly bring myself to speak to him the days before the game he talked complete rot before the game at the Mol, and he tried before Leeds saying we’d be joint top come Saturday evening.
Just ignore him be diplomatic and when we get promoted that’s the time to point out their folly.
I too think if we play as we did Wednesday then Villa will be put to the sword, tight game again I’d bring Neves in for Saiss, and Bennett in for Batth as he’s a shirt tugger and a little too vigorous in the box and see him as a liability, a red card risk and a conceeder of penalties and free kicks. We don’t need that.
Bonatini to start because he links play tho neither he nor Jota are on top form, we saw glimpses Wednesday and both grew into the game. Afobe deffo to come on and give ol’ Jelly thug a runabout in the last 20mins to add the icing on the cake (nice tweet from Tim Spiers on that from Wednesday).
Dead balls are a key opportunity for us with Barry’s delivery being so so good.
Fingers crossed for a stress free easy ride ala Leeds on Saturday.
Tough call team selection wise but I would go with the same starting 11 as Leeds. They all played brilliantly as a team and none of them deserve to lose their place. Nice thought to have Neves sat on the bench waiting to come on and dazzle the buggers. Looking forward to a good game but we need to get at them early to stop them controlling the game.
Oh to be in Aston, now that Spring is here.
I would give a lot to see this game live in the flesh but will have to settle for seeing it in the front room… maybe in the flesh or I might keep my lucky Wolves pants on.
It’s going to be a cracker and a defining moment in two teams’ seasons.
Actually it will be a defining moment for a lot more than two teams.
Cardiff, Fulham, Derby, ‘Boro, Brisstle, will all be looking anxiously at what happens tomorrow at Villa Park.
We’ve got the points – the pressure is really on all the aforementioned to catch us.
No pressure on us.
Whatever team Nuno decides on picking…
…I fancy another win.
Yet again I’m looking forward to a match thinking ‘this is the biggest game of the season’. But really, this absolutely is. Not just because it’s a derby. Not only because it’s 3rd against top. Not because a Wolves win will kill off any lingering hopes they may have of catching us.
No. It’s because it’s all of these, coming together in one cataclysmic battle of the giants. Full house. Live on the tele’. Everything is in place. I want to go into a trance until kick off.
As for who should play and who will win, I’ve no idea. It doesn’t matter. I just want the ref to blow the whistle so I can submerge myself in the very epitome of a fantastic football occasion.
Have a ball, those lucky enough to have a ticket. Cheer our lads on to victory. We’ll all be stood beside you in spirit.
Difficult game. As the home side many are expecting them to come at us but I’m not so sure. I’d fancy our front boys against their defenders with any balls we can get in behind. That’s why I might be tempted top start with Afobe. On the other hand perhaps Bruce will sit back and hope to nick one and then let us come at them. An intriguing contest. Haven’t a clue which way it will go.
Expect the following words from Mr Potato Head after the game ‘There is a long Spring ahead and we need to get back to building another run and see where that takes us. I am not sure how their foreign dandy’s will cope with an array of crocuses and trees suddenly becoming green. They will find that disturbing for sure ‘. Mr Xia will complian ‘ I remember me and Jeff Shi growing up in Beijing and we used to have a scrap at school. He always used to beat me then and then pour a bucket of water over my head’. So expect sour grapes all round from the poor suffering Vile fans, management and owners. A desperate Villa, looking over their shoulders at the Fulham express train will resort to doing silly things. Like John Terry pretending to be a top defender. Or Jack Grealish wearing some fucking socks that fit him. This will open tyhe floodgates as Ivan the Great gets on the scoresheet alongside Diogo and Barry Doglas who will unleash a delicious free kick that decives the hapless Villa keeper as it swerves that much, it goes around all four corners of the pitch before finding the top corner.Yes another 3-0 to WWFC. After the game a delighted Nuno said ‘ I take no notice of childish tweets about us.We don’t care. The Sex Pistols once said ‘and we don’t care’ and I applaud them for that. i liked Johnny Rottens tartan trousers and ripped shirt. He was great. The boys were great. I went to shake hands with Steve Bruce but I couldn’t find him. I think he was unfortunate in that his head looks like a potato and he may have been disguised amongst the canteen food. One game at a time. Next match Reading. I thank the fans’
Are you Nuno in disguise ?
Steady on Cheesey.
In these politically correct times you just can’t go around likening Football managers to potatoes.
Even as I type this there will be sacks full of King Edwards, Maris Pipers, Jewel Yams (or should it be YamYams) and Norland Reds taking to social media to castigate you.
Yes, I did say castigate.
I mean, what in earth (see what I did there?) have they done to deserve your ‘Potatoist’ comments?
You forgot ‘for mash get smash’…..
I guess you have had your chips.
I don’t know why I’m bothering writing this because for possibly the first time since I’ve been adding my two pen’orth to this blog, Thomas has pretty nailed it.
So, I suppose I’ll have to mention our good friend Colin, who I have for years believed is a closet Wolves fan and his comments on the titty-pricks of villa, derby and leeds must surely nail that for good! (And however much you argue the contrary, Johnny!)
So let’s all raise a glass to Cardiff City’s best manager since… and the first manager to say things as they are.
We can get back to giving him stick in a few weeks, at which point he’ll be back winding us up.
One thing Thomas didn’t mention was the inclusion of Danny for this and definitely the Cardiff encounter. We need thoae big lads in the team at these points to hammer our advantage home. I’m not axvocating Neanderthal tactics, but it’s just how it’s gonna be. Anx we need to pug these teams away.
Enjoy tomorrow. It’s gonna be great!
UTW
I don’t know why I’m bothering writing this because for possibly the first time since I’ve been adding my two pen’orth to this blog, Thomas has pretty nailed it.
So, I suppose I’ll have to mention our good friend Colin, who I have for years believed is a closet Wolves fan and his comments on the titty-pricks of villa, derby and leeds must surely nail that for good! (And however much you argue the contrary, Johnny!)
So let’s all raise a glass to Cardiff City’s best manager since… and the first manager to say things as they are.
We can get back to giving him stick in a few weeks, at which point he’ll be back winding us up.
One thing Thomas didn’t mention was the inclusion of Danny for this and definitely the Cardiff encounter. We need thoae big lads in the team at these points to hammer our advantage home. I’m not axvocating Neanderthal tactics, but it’s just how it’s gonna be. And we need to put these teams away.
Enjoy tomorrow. It’s gonna be great!
UTW
I sacrificed my prediction last week with a 1-1 draw. Somehow I was more scared of Leeds than Villa. So back to my positive self and predicting a win, a clean sheet and a $20 bet with my Villa loving neighbour. Let’s hope for a performance that will virtually guarantee us promotion. Cav and Jota to score.
If we play like we did at Leeds it doesn’t really matter who is in the starting team. The gereatric’s in the Vile team will not know what day it is let alone where they are.
Hope to be celebrating in the pub on Sat night taking the piss out of villa fans just like the Leeds fan in the week.
Onwards & Upwards
John Terry aged 37 Diogo Jota aged 21
Mind the gap
Mind the gap
Aston Villa
I think the main reason these boneheads are jealous of us is that they know, deep down, that even if they achieve promotion, it will be with a bunch of ex Prem old farts, who will struggle even more next season than they did the last time they played in the Prem.
They have bought and assembled teams to get out of this division, in the forlorn hope they can attract some of the fringe Prem players to join them next year, whilst we, on the other foot, have already attracted, and will continue to do so, players for a future in the Prem, at the top, no less.
The long hard winter has just about gone, and who is top of the shit heap, Brucie?
Why, it’s Wolverhampton Wanderers.
And who will still be top after tomorrow’s results, Brucie?
Why, Wolverhampton Wanderers.
We will be even more points ahead at the end of the season, so it matters not whether Fair Play bullshit comes a knocking, and we get ten points deducted, we will still be top.
And if that happens, Fosun will buy the Football League, the FA and any other entity trying to keep us down, sack everyone concerned, and we will still get in the Prem!!
So, all the little screaming Villa adolescents will have their heinies well and truly spanked tomorrow evening, and go crying home to 18 year old mummy that those big bad Wolves from down the road were rude to them, and that Uncle Brucie lied to them about how good they are.
The three B’s tomorrow
Bruce’s
Bubble
Bursts.
5-1 to me babbeez.
Is this the week the shit get relegated??
Fowb
Brilliant Clive……..made me laugh..!
Any idea if this game will be aired anywhere in the US, or how to watch it online?
Delighted to see Afobe get off the mark and it was an absolute peach; such a well taken goal. I think all three goals were very good in their different ways. Saiss peeling off, watching it pass millimetres away from Batth’s head and direct it in was quality. Boly following up for the important second ball and really putting us in command.
Point taken about Bonatini’s link up play, but he needs to find some cutting edge in the box. Good luck to Nuno making the decision on who to drop out of Saiss and N’diaye, but that’s what Fosun pay him the big bucks for (or is it Gestifute paying him?!) 😉
Here’s hoping we can really put one over on them this weekend. Knock it behind their defenders and watch Cav/Costa/Jota/Afobe/Bonatini go.
Villa Park will be nervous and rightly so after the way we played them at the Mol.
Assume Beuce will adopt the Warnock ‘Dark Arts’ approach and there will be yellow cards a plenty… I don’t see goals until they go down to 10..then we nick one and wish them luck in the playoffs…where they won’t get past Fulham
COYW
Jen de Wolf has maintained that the Villa at home match was the best game this season, me I liked Sheff Utd and now it’s the Leeds game this week, things have conspired over the course of the season to get us to this point. The holes in the Swiss Cheese are all lined up, the stars are in perfect alignment, we are ready, Nuno is ready and everything in the garden is looking rather rosy.
Taking my seat tomorrow at the Villa, I shall look down on all the away STH’s who are really P’d off with us mere STH’s, because “Wolves” made them accept the lower tier of the stand first, with some cock and bull story that Villa insisted they sell the tickets block by block, (complete bollox) because on-line you could pick wherever you wanted to sit.
Anyway that’s a side issue, we’re all stoked up for a bobby feckin dazzler tomorrow, as pointed out by others this is a big game, the heavens have been coming into alignment, the footy Dogs have even been waiting for this one and CEO’s have tried their best to upset the apple cart along the way, but to no avail.
Well it’s here, it’s now, a win tomorrow sends out a clearer message, as we then have Reading and Burton at home, we have the New rejuvenated, well rested, Doherty and Douglas (the proof was there for all to see Wednesday night) Neves is back, N’Diaye took motm, Boly was amazing apart from one slip and Cavelerio is on fire. If we can put the goalpost up about 2” then Jota will be top of the goal scoring charts, oh and did I mention, Neves is back. Thomas’s team is one I would pick for this game and Cardiff, shirt pulling, shoulder climbing, risk taking Batth is just the man for this game, but on top of all that we scored 3 on Wednesday and Neves is back. What’s not to like.
So, Villa have been on a run, (footy Dogs are saying, all runs have to end somewhere) Whelan is out injured and Neves is back.
With Neves back I feel we are going to edge this game, it will be a tight affair but as Neves is back it should be Wolves 4-0 Veela.
COMBambinos, after all, Neves is back.
You forgot to mention our superb midfielder will return.
Stu,
Your confidence and love of all things Wolves stands out, disagree on Batth, but will be first to admit I got it completely wrong if he does as well as he did at Leeds. As long as we win who really cares who plays or scores.
Not me as long as Villa fans leave early and we can hear the Wolves singing to the rafters as we take a huge step to the P from Leeds.
AmberWolf.
I am not and never have been a Danny Batth fan. But my sole reason for him for this game amd hopefully Cardiff is.
Horses for Courses.
Our Hero Nuno will pick his team, you, me and every other fan will accept his decision, it’s very rare he’s got it wrong this season.
What a fantastic time to be a Wolves fan, the World is squirming.
Stu
It’s a bone of contention for away season ticket holders that they are not given the choice of the better seats after all we pay £35 per season up front for the privilege. I have moaned at the ticket office before about getting the worst seats, and as you say, all you get is “we have to release them a block at a time” but at least we are guaranteed a seat even next season in the premier.
As it happens we prefer to be in the lower tier at Villa Park, closer to the pitch, and would have picked them anyhow,
Anyway in the words of Ronnie Corbett “I look up to you because I know my place” or words pretty close to that.
Might see you around the ground tomorrow, hope Jenwolfs better
We’ve got Mendes.
Super Jorge Mendes.
Your just too thick to understand.
Nuno is a fan.
He’s got a lovely tan.
We’ve got Super Jorge Mendes.
So excited for this match
Best Wolves game I have seen this season was when we outclassed Villa 2-0 at Molineux by playing some excellent football. Think this will be a closer affair at their place, love a win but will settle for a draw. COYW.
International women’s day today … it was supposed to be yesterday but they took too long to get ready
Feckin classic Matt.
What a brave lad you are, If she that should be obeyed is reading this, I should call at the chippy on your way home boy.
🙂
Big, big game. Villa are no longer the shite they were when we beat the last time.
Hoping that we can continue where we left of on Wednesday. Expect Villa to pressure us and we can then take advantage of our pace and hit them on the break.
Only change I can see Neves for Roman being the only change from Wednesday though Bennett may come back in for Danny. Danny had a good game Wednesday so he may stay in.
Villa are a different proposition than Leeds (no shit Sherlock!). With their current excellent form I think we will come off second best. I hope I am wrong as I often am when predicting scores!
I hope we beat Villa because they are cheats trying to get us in the mire with the F.A and the football league.
We deserve to be where we are because of all the hard work the players and Nuno and his staff in fact everyone at the club has put in.
All the fuss about Mendez, its Nuno and his staff who have turned the players into a winning team not Mendez.
If there any justice in this world Villa will go the same way as Leeds did they shall be taught a lesson in humidity and acceptance that they were beaten by a better team moulded by by Nuno NOT Mendez
If we turn up tomorrow we win simple if we play anything like we did v Leeds we will win especially if we put away some of them chances we had
I really hope we do beat them not just caus of who and where they are, it’s because if we do win I think our confidence will be sky high and then go on to beat the points record and stick a gigantic middle finger up two the championship players managers supporters owners cmon wolves!!!
Honestly I’d settle for a point tomorrow. If we win it, fantastic, and that would be practically job done for us. But even with a point, it keeps the gap the same and we’ll win most other games to get over the line. Important thing is to keep cool, no red cards and no injuries.
So come on Wolves. Win or draw. Let’s bring it home!
Go Wolves!
Think Nuno should keep Danni in for tomorrow will be a great game.
Wolves Aye We
Bonatini to score….
Stu. I have just been to the Spar shop in Gornal to get some salt and vinegar Disco’s and guess who was in there? Only Ruben Neves. He said tell Stu Wolf I am back for the Villa game. Small world ay it.
My mum used to chew bread for his ducks, only natural he remembers me fondly. We’ve been invited to his daughters 7 Month Birthday bash tomorrow, got to arrive late as Reuben is playing for Wolves tomorrow.
Remember, you heard it here first.
The performance against Leeds was great and a sheer joy to watch. But, to my eyes, there was a big difference which we may not see repeated tomoz.
Leeds didn’t do what most teams have done against us recently. They didn’t tightly mark our wing backs. This gave us an out ball whenever we were under pressure at the back and let us use the Doc and Bazza as a platform for our superb counter attacks.
I can’t see Brucie making the same mistake.
Away in Center Parcs in Woburn (10 miles from home) for the weekend so we can pay over the odds for food, drink and everything else rather than being in the comfort of our own home. Don’t ask! Still there is a massive sports bar so will be watching the game in there regardless of what Mrs BW, daughter, son in law or grandchildren say! (Don’t tell them I said that though, ok?)
Wolves to win. Hope that fat, balding Villa chairman who joined the sad and pathetic bandwagon and moaned about us gets his inane comments rammed down his throat. Hope that greaseball Grealish gets sent off for being a slimy, diving nasty piece of work. Hope also that John Terry gets sent off for, well just for being John Terry.
OODCL
Glad to here your having a great weekend Bedders, noted your predictiond, cheers.
Has been s villa 1 top of the molimountain 3
And everybody is ordered to run around and over celebrate cos it’s law
No contest
The end
Logically – In my view it’s imperative Villa win if they want to hang onto Cardiff’s shirt tails (as Cardiff seem sure to rip a very poor Birmingham side apart at 3pm) and look to try and catch us.
Talk about stating the bleeding obvious Bloggers.
They are sure to come at us from the off which will suit us and our counter attacking style to a T.
Big Willy and Co will be like a brick wall and with Neves and Coady spraying the ball out wide with suitable aplomb Wolves will create havoc at the other end. Especially with pace which Terry and Co – slower on the turn than your average oil tanker – will be run dizzy.
Consequently another victory for me –
We best Villa handsomely at Molineux in front of a frantic and wonderful atmosphere and I go for the same score
Wolves to win 2-0.
Them old football gods have been speaking to me and have chastised me as a sinner for ever supporting the evil , infadels .. Wolves fc
24 hours until we get our rightful and just comeuppance against, let’s face it , the best football team in the world ‘ Aston Royal God like Villa ‘ who Jesus Christ himself followed
Yep .. tomorrow the cheats from Wolverhampton are going to get well beaten by a team that would never field player in their team who has ever played champions league football
And I doubt Wolves would get a goal there , but if they did , let’s just hope that those people in the dug out don’t get jumping up and down with , how did mr Bruce almighty put it ? .. ‘ with their syphilyis
Can’t see anything but us cheats getting punished
Filthy cheating Portuhampton 0
Heavens eleven. 4
It’s official.
The World’s gone mad!
Championship clubs are now complaining because apparently we don’t pay our players ENOUGH money! They should be on a lot more for their ability.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5483115/Wolves-accused-not-paying-star-players-market-value.html
If we paid them a lot more they would be whining about FFP or whatever it is.
I think we ought to put it to the vote. Let all Championship owners get together to decide how much we pay our players.
You couldn’t make it up.
Hard to predict this one, the Vile in good form and us working hard to get back on form, got to be a 1-1 draw
Think I might know why mr Bruce almighty doesn’t like jumping up and down to celebrate a goal ,
His heads too heavy , like the old elephant man I think .
Possibly?
We’ll need to be at our best and have things go our way, and more important, take the chances when we create them. I’m pleased to see bloggers generally appreciating Bonatini’s contribution. Yes, bring Benik on second half to get the third goal again.
The closer this game gets the more and more confident I feel. It was a great response against Leeds on Wednesday and it means we go into Saturdays game will all the pressure on our opponents. The wonder kid from Porto is back from suspension so comes straight back and I would although its very hard on him leave out N’Diaye as I think the Neves / Saiss combo works better. Only other selection issue is the central striker. Afobe finally got off the mark so the logically choice would be to give him a start but I expect Villa to sit deep and leave no space in behind so for that reason I would go with Leo so he can come deep and link up play. If the came is not going our way I suppose their is worse options than Costa, Afobe & N’Diaye to try and change the game. Despite my confidence I am also a bit weary of the fact that we have not lost against them in 3 championship game so for that reason I am going for a draw,
Can’t quite believe some of the comments this week, especially the Leeds owner and Steve Bruce. My cousin is a diehard Leeds fan and we have had some fabulous Wolves/Leeds weekends over the past few years but even he said on Wednesday night that he wished Leeds played like Wolves. No hard feelings, we were just too good for them. As for Bruce commenting on Nuno and his staffs touchline celebrations, it is called PASSION. It is like being in the away end at Forest, your team scores, you jump up in celebration, your wife gives you that “sit down you twat” look but you just can’t help yourself because this IS our love. Win tomorrow and we are dipping our big toe in the Premier League paddling pool. I love my football club and when we finish up as champions, I hope Fulham go up as runners up because unlike some of the jealous tossers trying to keep up they let their football do the talking. Onwards and upwards because this IS the year.
The one good thing about options is that we’ve got loads of them … good ones too.
Neves will definitely start … he’s not a £20 million player to warm a bench…. so whichever midfielder drops out ..they’ll still be a good substitute option.
I’m going for a resounding win and expect Grealish to get sent off for being a tw@t.
The question is are Villa coming to play football or to line up with their list of complaints against us and moan “it’s not fair” at the ref?!
Seems to be stick the knives in Wolves week. So we just need to win & stick 2 fingers up to the lot of them!
COYW
Villa will have to come out and try to win the game which will play into our hands. We will hit them on the break and give them a good hiding. 4-1 wolves
On holiday and missing the Leeds and Villa matches. I think I forecast a 2-1 win at Leeds but delighted to see an even better result. Is Bonatini turning into Kevin Doyle? All clever link up play, no goals. Maybe I’m being harsh. But he is a centre forward when all is said and done. Pleasantly surprised that Danny Boy was unexpectedly recalled against Leeds. He might have made made a difference at Fulham, so full credit to Nuno for the surprise pick.
Villa game is mega. They need a win, big time. They want auto promotion. They will be frightened of the thought of Fulham in the playoffs. They will come at us. We will bide our time and when the time is right, unleash the pack. 3-1 to Wolves.
Apparently Mendes is playing tomorrow as neves is renting his villa out in barbados and can’t be arsed to come back.
As he hasn’t kicked a ball for a while .. In fact in his life.. Nuno is playing him in goal as it’s reckoned he won’t have anything to do .
Nuno has put himself on the bench in case he has to substitute George if he gets a phone call from the ” it’s not fair police ” to attend a hearing about supplying players to football clubs and making a living out of it.
Villas big fat chairman has moaned about this saying ” why can’t I rent Georges villa in barbados as the that’s the only quality villa I will ever get to see ” .
Steve Bruce was asked to reply to his chairman but was locked in the dressing room with his players trying to get them to turn up and Not be suddenly injured.
The leeds owner Reggie rrugrat has already said the whole league has been fixed by gestifute and there is no point in playing any more games as it’s a foregone conclusion that wolves will beat villa and win the league, in fact the only reason wolves have lost any games is to make it look more believable.
Its reported he is being taken to a home for the bitterly jealous and twisted where he will undergo therapy to try and make him realise he is a useless business man with no idea how to run a football club .
So the conclusion is WOLVES WILL BEAT VILLA .. WOLVES WILL WIN THE LEAGUE …the jealous bastards who can’t run their own football clubs properly and have been shown up and found out for being a bunch of fat freeloaders will be looking for a new job.
Yes mate .. spot on !
A great reflection on the squad strength that after a fabulous win at Leeds, I would make 3 changes to further improve the starting line-up (Neves for Saiss, Bennett for Batth, Afobe for Leo)
My main concern is a card happy ref coupled with a provocative sniper like Grealish could lead to a red card for us.
Twix. The cricket is on live on telly in Old Still wolves. Trying to locate a Wolves shirt in crowd. Surreal really. Will be on that ground in 20 days time!
Hiya Cheesey….just got back from a good old NZ trouncing and all the Kiwis with looong faces.
I couldn’t get you a prog as they didn’t do any …
But a fantastic day..full of sunshine and barmy army wit from a bloke called Gary….who drank for England.
Sky interviewed a bloke in a Union Jack suit right next to where I was sat …
You will not be disappointed coming to the Hagley Oval mate …. lovely venue…
I reckon it could be a right old ding-ding this one…and that’s just between the two benches.
This and the Cardiff match to seal promotion. It will be tough,but we can do it.
2-0 For me,shut the fuckers up once and for all.
We can do it I.can’t wait .UTW.
I have to ask everyone to stop all this talk about the right price of our players & how much we should be paying it’s just adding credence to the Fekin morons that are spouting it out.
Morons fek off & stop masterbating!
As it’s clear to all that to pay the biggest lummox ex-centrehalf £75k a week they have seen them coming.
As for tomorrow, Brucie will be wearing tene-men cus he won’t be able to stop the shite running from his orifice as he remembers The Mol & just how shit they were.
So in simple terms, a Wolves Win
Afobe to score 2 Neves a pearler off the bar and I’ll give them a consolation goal ..
If we can genuinely outplay this lot then we could be on our way as champions..
Cardiff and Flum becoming obvious
additions to Vile as co contenders for 2nd.
I see this as Bruce V Nuno tactically ..
I really really hope we don’t get kicked off the park Jota Costa Neves being at risk
DB a fair tactic Stu Wolf he could mix it big time in a local Derby but you’ll have to catch his hoof ball in the crowd and then suffer watching the penalty he gives away by shirt pulling..
I’m his greatest fan..
Wish I was there
Cheeky feckers who doth call us cheats and twisters. Live by the sword and die by it too. Or at least be condemned to ride the outer circular round the championship for the foreseeable.
Call me crazy but I’m going for a Clive.
They will be renamed Aston VIlla after this.
Who are they to call us fiddler’s anyway. Their most famous fan is a shit fiddler himself.
Step forth Nigel your on.
Nice little appertizer of Liverpool v Man U, followed by entre of six nations rugby to keep me well awake after midnight and ready for the main course of large scotch for villa park,
All being well , I’ll still have room for a brucey dessert trolley of sour grapes and humble pie
( ps. I actually think this will be a draw but can’t bring myself to predict it)
2 1 it is then , hopefully a screamer from our underpaid , over achieving midfield meistro Neves
Utw
As against Leeds I’m going again for ‘Class will tell’. Yes local derbies can be unpredictable, yes they’re on a good run (which will come to an end at some point, why not in this game), yes there’s a lot of noise out there from jealous also-rans … but so what? Against Leeds I said that nine times out of ten wolves would win. AV are better than Leeds, so make that 7 or 8 times out of ten wolves would win … that’s still quite a margin in favour of wolves.
I’m going for AV to have their stutter, Wolves to continue where they left off at Elland Road, BA to score at least another one and Jota to hit the target. Only concern is Penalty/Red Card for DB who, while an imposing presence, makes me very nervous at times.
Heart wants us to put one over them especially after this weeks pathetic attempt at mind games. But head says a draw all but guarantees they can’t catch us and that’s what this is all about. Doesn’t matter how we do it as long as we’re playing in the premier league.come August next year.
Hard to predict this one, the Vile in good form and us working hard to get back on form, got to be a 1-1 draw
Agreed Kiwi.
I’m worried about the ref as well – the one who failed to send off Chester and missed Grealish’s stamp in last season’s game at Villa Park.
Hopefully Nuno starts with Leo and uses Afobe to stretch ’em after an hour.
Cav to score.
COMBs!
Oops , forgot my score
09.30 here in Goa and a full day planned in the Sun, culminating in a stop at the local that will be showing the game live at 23.00
Very close this but we should edge it.
Not being smug but I can’t see Wolves losing this. The pressure is at the hosts, they’re the ones that need the three points at any rate. Many bloggers have already predicted 1-1, which I would take in a heartbeat before the ball is kicked.
My prediction, however, is 2-0 Wolves (Jota, Cav)
P.S. Really pleased for Benik breaking his duck vs Leeds, even though that did cost me at the bookies – had my money on 2-0 win.
As I never ever get score predictions right I’m going 2-0 Villa
I go to Cheltenham in Thursday with 7 Villa fans. Nothing would please me more than to approach them at our meeting point smoking a big fat cigar and wishing them a good morning.
Got a feeling Cav will run riot today.
And after all we’ve got Mendes, Georgy Mendes I just don’t think you understand. His players are mint, you’re moaning cus you’re skint. We’ve got Georgy Mendes.
Will be awake again early to watch the game live – can’t wait.
Neves and Bennett back in.
Regular transmission was resumed against Leeds and I see us going on a run now.
Hope I am wrong and we have another performance like we did against Dirty Leeds, whoever scores 1st will probably win (or draw)
Same again Lads COYW
What would be brilliant would be to hear all the Wolves fans singing ” Jordy Mendez barmey army ” continuously that will piss the Vinilla pussys off..!
15 mill for kyodja , 12 mill for hogan , 12 mill for McCormack! It’s not for me to say but it does make you wonder how villa can pay that kind of money and 60 k a week for terry etc , good luck to them mind , I mean you would expect them to be running away with the league wouldn’t you!
Oh , oh hold on a minute!!!
Given their expenditure, are they not in breach of FFP rules?
Rumour Control…….
One change,
Neves for Saiss.
Onwards and Upwards boys and girls.
Onwards and Upwards.
You have a fair point there www.
Truth is they are or will be teetering on the brink if they dont go back up .
But they do have parachute money coming in which helps them to pay way over the odds for mediocre players and has beens.
This moaning is all because they haven’t recruited correctly and we have. They, like everyone else, had the same opportunities to approach neves, boli, jota, cavaliero, bonatini etc. but truth is their scouting network and contacts had probably never heard of them as most of us hadn’t.
We now have an incredible coaching system in place with a head coach who is on a different tactical planet to steve bruce and has magnificently got these players working at a different level to all other teams in this league.
We now have owners with superb international vision who know exactly what they have to do to make this club into what they want and have not been afraid to pay the money and get the best people on board to do it.
We have done the job properly.
Others haven’t and are looking embarrassed.
We have found a way out of this league and a way to sustain us when in the premier .
They didn’t have the nous or intelligence to put the effort in that we did.
They still live in the land of throwing millions of other peoples money at something and thinking it will buy them success.
Lack of vision , thought, effort, and a general lethargic attitude to the whole structure has left them behind us and they are smarting.
AS NUNO HAS SAID ABOUT THESE SQUALID JEALOUS FOOLS ” WHAT DO I THINK ABOUT THEM…I DONT CARE.. I MAKE MY TEAM GREAT.. I DONT CARE ABOUT THEM “
Wolves 2 Villa nil Wolves 2 Villa nil
Fosun are TOO BIG (a multi national company) to get trapped by FFP rules!
They did not get where they are today……
They got there by hiring the BEST to achieve the highest result. (Zenga & lambert not withstanding). They will have abided by FA and EFL rules and have the BEST lawyers to prove it should any whinging loser wish to take it further.
Sue the ass off any club suggesting otherwise and buy a player with the proceeds just to piss them off even more.
Tough games ahead but we’ve got CLASS.
Unlike Cardiff, Leeds, Aston villa, et al
He’s here……..
He’s there………
He’s every bleedin where.
Jorge Mendes.
Jorge Mendes.
Fook me, he’s everywhere.:-)
Back from Italy but not yet had the pleasure of watching the Leeds game; over there I had to make do with Wolves commentary and Spurs v Juventus on the telly on mute.
I would take a draw, as it would maintain the status quo with Villa. I’d rather we just showed our neighbours a clean pair of heels and make an emphatic statement to all these other whingers.
So pleased to have the maestro Ruben back and Afobe on the scoreboard, but I do expect Bonatini to start.
Anyone knows if this game can be seen in the US, and how? 🙂
As much as Danny is a bit of a hero to some he looks our weakest link tonight and has already got himself booked I would sub him for Bennett second half .
And Snodgrass is heading for a sending off as well leading elbow every time
What a fucking disaster , how the can that bunch of twats stick 4 past us, slitting wrists now
I guess we have been to cocky. Now we must be humble indeed. Keep playing our football take each game as it comes, carry on and finish the job, starting on Tuesday.
W t f was that? Have we forgotten how to put the ball into the box? Or do something outrageous like, oh I dunno, shoot maybe?
Very didappointing…and,
Ladies and gentlemen I think you have just seen the final performance (sic) of Danny Bahtt in Wolves colours.
I’ve gotta go sit drinking with my mate now…a villa fan.
I might be home early.
Good on the Wolves fans. Excellent support.
Well the only positive is that Danny Batth will never wear a wolves shirt in a competitive game again. Completely and utterly out of his depth. A loyal servant he may have been but he is simply not good enough at any thing above bottom half of championship football.
I said to my wife before KO we will lose because DB is in the starting 11. USELESS.
Absolutely terrible second half, hands up Wolves, that was a thrashing.
I put my hands up and admit I was 100% wrong, Danny Batth was a nightmare.
The only positive to take from it is, what a cracking chip in by Big Wily, had Ruddy beat hands down.
Real question is: why the fek did Nuno play him? Is Bennett hurt?
Still think we’ll be champions. Don’t worry.
GW!
Two players who should NEVER wear the Wolves shirt ever again.
Danny Batth – accident waiting to happen, the weakest link, slow, doesn’t mark, can’t pass out from the back, can’t do anything. Third division standard.
Leo Bonatini – what is the point of him? A striker who not only doesn’t score but never even threatens to score. No wonder he was playing in Saudi Arabia.
Never mind. Still top by three points and seven clear of the Vile in third. Ten games to go of which seven at least should be three points each so that would mean 97 points and Champions.
OODCL
We need to all calm down a bit I know it’s not easy after that disaster.
Nuno must now give up on Danny Barth he just isn’t up to it .
Everyone else in the team are 2 levels above his standard .
Leo is getting some stick and it’s obvious he isn’t a goal scorer but he does offer something in our system .
The only hope we had tonight after going so far behind was to change Leo for afobe and Nuno got it wrong taking off cav and jota .
Still top of the league and 6 points from the next 2 games is an absolute necessity nothing else will do.
Heave to smash reading and Burton to bits and get our mojo back
As much as I hate to admit it, Villa were the better team but the scoreline flattered them. Two clear cut penalty shouts didn’t go Wolves’ way.
So (did I see that some people are annoyed by sentence starts like this?) we kick on again. Pity I can’t be there for the Reading game.
Never mind we got what we deserved. Fuck all.
The first half was pretty even and I thought we would go and clinch it. Oh dear! What a clown I am.
Villa far sharper than Wolves in the second 45 and most certainly more up for it. Add on our dreadful distribution with over hit long balls and awful short passes especially in the second half and there you have it! A fuck up. A nightmare. A kick next doors cat over the fence moment. A boot in the plexus. A deep hurt inside where it pains most. A thrashing. Danny Batth was completely found out but collectively we were not at the races in the second 45. Fatso knows how to get teams promoted as does Warnock and it shows as the pressure builds.
However it has to be said how the hell the officials missed those two clear penalties I simply do not know. That would have changed the complexion completely.
Even the Sky commentator was mystified.
We move onto Tuesday and maybe that bloody irritating ditty “Mind the gap” crap and nonsense will now be consigned to the Molineux dustbin.
We simply have to beat Reading and Burton before Boro away where we have an appalling playing record and this will be far from easy as they chase down a play off place.
We are still masters of our own destiny but I beg you Wolves – please don’t balls it up because we will never have a better opportunity.
See you Tuesday
BOG
DB was awful. But Nuno should take some of the blame for his selections. And his subs.
When we went 2-1 down he should’ve put on Afobe and Costa on and gone for it, because the vile wasn’t that good but we allowed them to come on to us. Saying that the Ref gave us fuck all. Nuno must have a good look at what he needs to do to get us over the line, bring back Bennett, play Afobe from the start. And bring back Vinagre.6 home games to go and we must win them all.Or else it’s gonna be a scramble to the finish line.And we don’t want that do we.UTW.
We surely can’t calm down …the red light’s not just on but fuvking winking at us…The Wolves way even with Nuno..
I could of smashed the TVs screen when I saw for the multiple time DB floundering on the floor looking dazed at the chance he gave them for the goal.And then again.
Please get free transfer to Walsall.
Two penalties for us which didn’t materialise didn’t help.
Here we go into the run in …
Completely pissed off
I have a theory … Wolves are trying to play down the fair play accusations by pretending they are not that much better than the rest of the pack, and still get promoted but without such an overwhelming margin.
We’ll be champs, but just … fair play 🙂
Nothing you can do. Happened. Move on.
Shit happens , could have gone either way after half time ,?it went villas way , we have two winnable games now while Cardiff have two tough away games, let’s see where we are this time next week, I think we will be in an even stronger position than we are now
Keep the faith
Utw
You can’t win anything worth winning without pushing hard in the final stretch. Villa, Fulham, Cardiff you started running hard too early.
Now we go, 6 points next week, take a breather then push to the line with every sinew.
Got to bed around 1 am. Too many beers to care…. until this morning
Just lazing around the pool trying to forget.
“Waiter – another Kingfisher please”
See you soon guys.
Well the best team won (and I hate saying that)
Ruddy – should have saved the 4th, not an inspiping display again – 4
Batth – If we played him for his height in their penalty box, he never got near a ball, defensivley Adomah had him beat all night. Being wise after the event Bennett should have played – 2
Coady – Played ok – 6
Boly – This man is my favourite with Neves had OK game – 5
Docherty – Did tremendous work OK – 6
Neves – Brilliant as always – 7
Ndiaye – hard work put himself about – 6
Douglas – Ok – 6
Cavaleiro – needs to control the ball when ball pinged at him lost count of the number of time it shot 4 yards away, not enough of the twinkle toes and as with all the forwards seems to have forgotten to SHOOT – 5
Bonatini – well he is a goalscorer as his record shows (just not at the moment, looks tired) lingk up play ok as above must SHOOT – 4.5
Jota – Looks jaded, as with all the front 3 earlier in the season they would have taken men on beaten them and SHOT – 5
Saiss – 4.5 nothing to change game
Afobe – 4.5 nothing to change game
Costa – 4 Nothing to change game (needs to learn how to stand up)
Take it as one game, forget it and move on to the one’s we really now need to win.COYW
Forgot to add congrats ? to London wolves loyal ? who predicted 0 – 4 and sevlow 1 – 3
A few weeks ago I said I was worried where the goals wI’ll come from as we were drying up in fronto of goal.
I was mocked for saying it but I stand by that comment .
Apart from Leeds. ..I can’t think of how few goals we have scored in the last two months but I know it’s very few.
I can’t think how devestated I’d be if we slipped into the play off spot..don’t think it will happen but I remember also being 12 points ahead only a short time ago…..
Trying to remain confident……..
Mrs goggins
Pissed off………poor decision off the pitch ie Nuno his starting 11 and his subs were bizarre. Batth and Boni totally ineffective and it had to be said a liability.
Villa were up for it they had passion commitment energy……..we, we had Batth and Boni……..I’m laying all the blame at there door but they were the stand out ones Batth for the third goal didn’t even make a challenge he just ran along side the Villa player and let him cross the ball…….we’re was the fight the passion……Nuno…?
Should read ” I’m NOT laying all the blame at there door”
IT IS NOT THE RESULT OF ONE GAME THAT MATTERS TO US. IT IS THE RESULT OF ALL OUR GAMES THAT MATTERS TO US.
THEY MAY HAVE WON ONE BATTLE BUT THEY HAVE NOT WON THE WAR.
SOMETIMES WE MAY LOSE BUT WE WILL WIN MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE AND WE WILL WIN THE WAR.
10 TO GO. KEEP THE FAITH
Keep calm. If we can scrape 15 more points together vile will need another 23 to get above us. Or 8 wins out of 10. If we get another 21 they will have to win all ten. So 5 or 6 more wins for me and we will be fine.
There’s an old joke about the Wolves fan standing on top of the Holte End Stand about to commit suicide by jumping to his death. His mate below is trying to dissuade him. “I know results have been bad recently” he says, but why here? Why aren’t you doing this at The Molineux?” Comes the reply “…..Have you seen the queue???”
There must have been plenty of us looking for similar counselling last night after that nightmare second half capitulation against our near, dear rivals and, for those of us with longer memories, fears that the ghosts of 2001/2 are about to come back to haunt us. But, hang on a minute – this is not the side of Muscat, Butler and Blake. Neves, Jota, Costa, Cavaleiro and Douglas are amongst the best we’ve seen in decades in a Wolves shirt whilst other stalwarts such as Docherty and Coady are unrecognisable from the players coached under any other regime. 10 more games and surely we can scrape wins against seven teams in the bottom eight?? We can even afford draws with Derby & Boro and, perish the thought, defeat in Cardiff. 96 points means Villa would need to win 9 of their 10 to overhaul us. It’s not going to happen. Keep the faith …..but have that Samaritans’ number handy just in case.
HWHB,
agreed that this isn’t the 2001/2002 team, management or set-up….
If it’s like any season it’ll be the 2002/2003 one whereby WE get Promoted and the Shite get relegated – history does have a tendency of repeating itself!
i would never challenge Nuno on his team choices, after all hes the one that has put up top in Oct 17 and maintained that throughout
do we have a few problems? even a “blind mon on a gallopin oss” can see that, but I will continue to back on “in NUNO I certainly trust!”
Also, if anyone does need the samaritans number don’t mention “The Shite” when you’re on the phone, as they are refusing to speak to anymore Shite Fans as even the samaritans cannot help them
Take solace – say Fekin We 8 Albion
Like your optimism. We can’t chuck it away from here surely?
But I’d say Villa & Fulham look irresistible at the moment & on current form will maybe win all of their remaining games.
Therefore Wolves need to win 8 out of the ten remaining games. Hope we’re going to do it, but they will have to exorcise the 2nd half capitulation at Villa.
Hope we can do it asap, to allow some leeway & celebration time. How we do it is down to Nuno & the players, but it’s going to be very interesting to see what team he starts with on Tuesday night.
It is harder to take cause if the incompetent referee. It’s easier to admit to being soundly beaten by the better team on the night when you don’t feel robbed!!!! We didn’t play well 2nd half after controlling the first half but regardless of that at 3-1 we were not given 2 stonewall penalties. The 2nd being a 6ft bloke jumping with his arm in the air!!! It’s not acceptable to miss those in big games. Would we have scored the penalty? Would we have gone on to equalise? Who knows but with 20 mins to play and 3-2 I would have backed us all day to get a point. I feel robbed of the chance to find out. The 2nd penalty decision was the point where the players gave up. The 4th goal was a consequence. Gutted but 6 points over next 2 will put the pressure back on them. If they drop any points then that win becomes meaningless.
Now I know how Joan of Arc felt.
Now I know how Joan of Arc felt.
I have no idea why Bennett was dropped except to use the squad to give some a rest with games coming thick and fast. He was very reliable for months. I assumed Bennett would be back against Villa, but a lot on here thought Batth did well against Leeds so…..
I thought we played some lovely stuff, but we seem to want to go through the defence rather than round it. They were certainly up for it, but we seemed to be giving them plenty too. Douglas had Snodgrass elbow in his head a few times, and Grealish, what a Colin he is !
I was sorry to see Cavaleiro come off, and Jota.
And then again, the two penalties – all in all the scoreline did not reflect our performance and we should soon be back to winning ways, and waiting for the others to have the odd bad day.
Five of Cardiff next 7 are away including villa Sheffield United, Brentford and Derby. Don’t forget four of our last five have been away including PNE Fulham Vile. Three of our next four at home reading Burton and Hull. We can’t fuck it up. Can we?