As painful as it was to learn Man City’s European ban was overturned, a top-four finish is still possible.
In fact, I think if we win our three remaining games we’ll probably do it.
That in itself is a big ask though given that we didn’t win any of the corresponding fixtures last season.
Burnley saw us off quite comfortably at Turf Moor with a goal in either half and were similarly tough opponents at Molineux earlier this season.
They could still finish high enough to qualify for the Europa League and Sean Dyche isn’t a manager to allow the drop in standards we saw from Everton on Sunday.
Burnley
If ever there was a performance that typified a team it was The Clarets draw at Anfield at the weekend.
They fell behind and saw their goal peppered by the champions, but thanks to tremendous resilience and an unreal performance from Nick Pope in goal they were able to stay in the game.
That allowed them to load the box from set-pieces, score a finely taken equaliser and very nearly win it late on with a shot that rattled the top of the bar.
This is a team that rarely goes away.
They took a shellacking from Man City immediately after the restart but since then have won three and drawn two, conceding only two goals in that sequence.
With Norwich and Brighton to come after this one, they’ll know there’s a good opportunity to finish strong and push right up the table.
They’ve had to contend with injuries to key personnel at both ends the pitch with Ashley Barnes and Ben Mee both ruled out, but in Jay Rodriguez and Chris Wood they possess proven goalscorers. Both have 11 this season.
The home end
Some thoughts lifted from the match preview on a popular Burnley forum.
I have a considerable regard for Wolves. We were both Champions of England in the same era and both spiralled down through all the divisions before working their way back to the top flight. NES is one of the most likeable managers in the PL. Nevertheless I will only be truly happy with a clean sheet and a win.
Wind the clock back to March 2019 and I was in a packed Turf Moor with my granddaughters for Sean’s 300th game in charge. The match had barely begun when we were on our feet cheering what we thought was Chris Wood’s tidy finish from Dwight McNeil’s quick free kick. Only when we got home did we realise Wood’s shot had rebounded off the post and been bundled into his own net by Wolves skipper Conor Coady. McNeil really announced his presence with the killer second goal driving at the Wolves defence and firing low into the corner of the net. Tom Heaton was our keeper and captain. Roll on 16 months and Wolves are our opponents again. They come in fine form after a decisive 3-0 victory over Everton and seeking European football. Their route to Europe may well be determined by the outcome of Manchester City’s appeal against their two year ban. We will find out the result of that appeal later this morning. What is not in doubt is that this will be another very tough test for the Clarets as we seek our highest ever Premier League points total. Nick Pope who is still chasing the Golden Gloves award will be hoping to continue the fine form from our game at Anfield that drew some stinting praise from Jurgen Klopp. James Tarkowski will presumably continue as stand in skipper and partner Kevin Long at the heart of our defence. COYC!
Wolves
Unusually for Nuno, he has a selection headache for this one. As always he can choose between two well rehearsed formations, but now has extra personnel options to contemplate.
Podence was such a live wire against Everton it would be tremendously harsh on him not to reward that performance with another start.
Neto also did well but injury may account for him and with Jota always likely to follow up a goal with another one it makes sense for him to return to the side.
With Traore to come off the bench if we’re struggling or Moutinho to help steady the ship in any scenario we’ve got great options whatever Nuno chooses to do.
What I would say is that after seeing how well the team was able to play with greater attacking ambition I’ll be disappointed if we don’t get after Burnley in similar fashion.
Predictions
Nobody predicted the 3-0 scoreline over Everton last time out but plenty of people registered points by correctly guessing a Wolves win.
Iceni Wolf and MILDENHALL WOLF still lead the overall table, but vicsmith is within touching distance as we head into the final three-game weeks.
As always, if you want to join in, simply leave your prediction in the comment section below using the boxes provided.
That’s where you’ll find my best guess.
Up The Wolves!
Burnley are going to push us hard, but if we’re serious about staying in the race for the top four, victory is a must.
They’re a unique proposition in the Premier League so how Nuno dissects their likely approach and deploys his team will be interesting.
We haven’t been able to unpick them in our last two meetings, but I’m confident we’ll get it done this time – just.
A tough game for us, and we must take our chances and be clinical, — right Adama? But if we play to our potential, and do not get any bad breaks, we can win this. And start playing in the first half. VAR is always a concern though. Crystal Palaces goal was disallowed when the ball hit next to the scorer’s neck, but LIverpool’s goal against us stood, when the ball hit somewhat lower on his hand. Go figure!
Three crunch games where we have to perform. Burnley reflect their manager, stubborn, direct and hard working so no easy pickings. Hopefully we can match them and a moment of magic will get the points. Other results may or may not fall in our favour, we have to look after our own business.
My calculation is if we win our last 3 games and Man Utd and Leicester Lose Draw and Win then we are in the CL.
Come on me babbies. You can do your part.
It had to be one of the best first halves we have played and i think Podence was the difference got the ball and just attacked Evertons goal. Another performance like that and 3-o scoreline once again.
Not an easy game, but what is? In our last game, we saw a resemblance of how dangerous we can be and I see tomorrow being of the same ilk.
A few matches ago I said that our final game against Chelski was going to be pivotal and hopefully it will prove so.
Get ready for a nail biting finish to this extended season.
Podence has to start tomorrow, cant see him scoring with his head at 5’5”; that said, never say never.
Back to Traore for the final 30 minutes – Jota to start.
To me this is the pivotal game .
Yes it would be unbelievable to make the CL but I remain of the view that a Europa position in the Group stages would be still fantastic .
If we win this game then that becomes a likely scenario .
Pleased to see Podence at last .We now have some wonderful options .
We need the first goal especially against a team as resilient as Burnley .
I think we have ‘clicked’ for the final run in. Renewed vigour and optimism for me and the team.
It took me many years to finally realise that it made no difference what result I wanted, what I did on the way to the game or which lucky articles of clothing I wore… so I can confidently predict (cuz it won’t affect anything at all) another thumping win!
A bit uncomfortable with all this talk of winning our last three games and qualifying for the Champions League. We need to secure 6th first.
The intensity, movement and creativity was a joy to watch v a compliant Everton side. Starting on the front foot is imperative v Burnley as the last thing we need is to be dragged into a scrappy, physical affair like Sheff U where we were eventually overwhelmed.
I’d stick with Neves and Donk in MF but I hope Ruben isn’t crowded out as I’d be amazed if Burnley allow us as much time on the ball as Everton did.
I very much doubt it but I hope Neto is fit and we can go again with the same front 3. The interchange and dropping deep between the lines is exactly what was needed after little creativity v Sheff U and Arsenal.
Tough fixture. It ought to be harder to score against this resilient side than it was against Everton. There have been many highlights this season, loads of positives and regardless of what happens in the next three games I will not be complaining.
But the one negative that I think will cost us a Champions League place is that we haven’t been quite as clinical as a top side needs to be. Yes, we got 3 against the Toffees but it should have been 5 and Nuno’s show of frustration when Traore hit the bar late on, shows that he knows it too.
Hopefully the boys will turn the fact that this is a must win game for a top 6 finish into the impetus they need to batter Pope and do the business. But for the purposes of a cold hearted prediction I fear that this may be a match dominated by defensive performances.
Why is it that the three teams in the Prem starting with a B are the three teams who play anti football?
Must be that South Coast air, except Burnleh, playing havoc with their sinuses or something.
Anyrode, we owe Burnleh a thumping.
They play hoofball, slinging the ball high enough to gather snow, as a percentage game, without style, grace or finesse.
Bit like my ex.
Or one of them.
And Shawn Dick is a complete tosser, from the same dinosaurish mould as McCarthorse and that bald wanker Holloway.
We are on a mission, will not be denied, and will win easily 5-1.
Your ex played hoof ball Clive !!
I was on about the snow part, she was frigid!!!
Got a feeling this is going to be a bit like the Sheff Utd game – very physical, lots of 2nd balls to be fought for, little space to work in. But we almost sneaked a point in that one so there’s no reason we can’t get one here – which is important otherwise Burnley will be looking at a possible 5th/6th place finish and we will be staring down the barrel of a gun in terms of qualifying for Europe. Hope Nuno gets his selection spot on but I’ve no idea what it might be.
I have been impressed with both Sheffield Utd and Burnley.
They are both strong, well organised sides which press high.
They have small budgets and neither can compete financially with most teams in The Premier. But they acquit themselves well.So, tonight’s game in my view , will be very challenging.
With regard to Podence, no big defenders like small, muscular players in the penalty area. He could have a big part to play in these final games and then against his former club Olympiacos.
On a completely separate issue, I watched Chelsea v Norwich last night. The score flattered Norwich. They certainly put in a lot of effort but when they had possession they were hopeless. I have rarely seen a team in The Premier place so many misdirected passes.
Wolves are now , under Foden, in a different class and can compete favourably in so many ways; Management and coaching , fitness and medical , superb facilities
and at present, European football.
What’s not to like if you are a potential transfer candidate!
Another tough one, Burnley in the same mould as Sheffield but without the flair. Attritional battle until the 96th minute and not a game I would like us to chase. We must forget the comfortable win over Everton this one will be trench war fare. Can’t forgive Dyche’s team for the disgraceful time wasting last year which defrauded the game and fans but we did at least gain an equaliser thanks to their negativity. Podence to start, don’t forget folks he is as tall as Maradona if not in his league yet! Narrow win and Willy to show why he is one of the best last ditch defenders in the PL.
Games to go:-
( No home or away advantage now.)
Chelsea :- Norwich, Liverpool, Wolves.
Leicester :- Sheff Utd, Spurs, Man Utd.
Man Utd :- Palace, West Ham, Leicester.
Sheff Utd :- Leicester, Everton,Southampton.
So we need to win our games and let this up to now crazy restart take it’s own course.
Burnley 2
Wolves 0
It’s worked so far.
come on my Bambinos.
I was so pleased with Podence’s man of the match performance against Everton. Whether that is enough to secure a starting role against Burnley is a decision for Nuno. I certainly hope so.
The Everton match was a breath of fresh air after the two preceding games and I’m hoping for the same again…..fingers firmly crossed. Burnley will be a tough nut to crack and it may just come down to who wants it more.
Seven games to go then
My theory is that the plan was to peak around quarter finals but then a few teams above us in the league started panicking like lance corporal jack jones and I’m guessing nuno and his gang said something like
“ weell of course weeee could alsooo maybee win Europa as planned buuut maybee finish top three also in the leeeeague
Why not
So it has to be a win for me
Come on you wolves
Burnley will be difficult to beat not least because Dean Sean Dyche is their manager. They’re tough physically and mentally, a mirror of their coach. Everyone of them know their role, whether roughing up defenders or frustrating forwards (putting it politely) so every Wolves player will need to be strong in every way.
If we are and produce our best game the possibility of the ECL next season should be all the spur that is needed.
Put in Podence.
Have a look at how he terrorized Burnley’s defense last year in Europa League match Burnley-Olympiakos 1-1.
We struggle against hoofball I’m afraid, but this is another must win game
Podence to start together with Jota to weave some magic.
2-0 win.
Nuno has just said, “Neto to have a test tomorrow prior to the game, it was a very strong cramp and nothing else that forced him off against Everton.
There is a Dog after all.
Does anyone know how to log back into the setting on this blog to change your e-mail address and avatar?
I go to “gravatar.com” to change my avatar mate. As for an email change I suggest you advise Thomas
I did mate, not the response I expected.
Going for a narrow win.
same starting line up as Sunday and I think we have a chance
COYW
Thought the movement of the front three against Everton was very good so if Neto is fit i would go with those 3 if not Jota comes in. In midfield i would be very surprised if Moutinho missed two games but Dendoncker deserves to keep his spot and his height against Burnley will be useful. Also Neves seemed to thrive being the main man.
Burnley are playing well at the moment and will be difficult to beat.
Unlike some, I quite like Mr Dyche and admire what he’s been able to do with Burnley.
However, I am in complete agreement with Woodend Wolf about their ridiculous time wasting at Molineux last season.
And Nick Pope in particular who was warned several times, and a referee with balls would have sent him off for his blatant running down of the clock.
Our equaliser in ADDED TIME was a wonderful touch of Karma.
For that reason I insist on a win.
One early goal and then keep-ball for 85 minutes would do fine, but let’s carry on what we were doing against Everton and go for the jugular.
Same team to start with Adama and Pedro, if fit, to come on when Burnley are knackered.
Whilst I agree with the early goal, we don’t play the keep ball game so I see more goals!
I too like Mr Dyche. And whilst he pissed me off big style with his time wasting I rate Pope as one of the best keepers around.
How this one goes depends on how we come out of the blocks. Burnley will be quite happy to play it tight and try to nick one. If however we can get an early goal they’ll need to be more expansive and we should be able to pick them off.
Podence May be a bit lightweight to start this one. I suspect Nuno might go two up front (Jota and Raul) in anticipation of a midfield battle for control. That gives us options for later in the game and protects the Golden Shoulder from too much abuse.
So I’m going 2-0 if we get off to a flyer. If not it could be very, very tight.
Years ago went to Burnley opening game of the season away and we won 1.0 a Bully header took over 3,000 that was when away fans were on the side of pitch and it was terracing .
The game sticks out for me because of how much Burnley fans were dissing Blackburn even had a great big poster of there team and ripped it to bits ” no never no more shal we the sit Rovers no never no more ” they were singing all game.
That was of course when Jack Walker was spending millions on Rovers on Shearer and Sutton.
As for the game Burnley are a real old fashioned stubborn side no thrills but work hard and play to there strengths this will be a hard game but hopefully we are back on song.
” no never no more “
This is crunch time methinks, a win and still a good chance of Champions League next season, anything else and we can probably kiss it goodbye.
If everyone is fit would start with same as sunday and see how it goes. I was really impressed with Podence, he could turn out to be a bargin.
With all due respect to Burnley and their manager we should have the beating of teams at their level and although I expect a hard game can only see one outcome if both teams play to their respective levels. A Wolves win but not by many.
As far as the final PL table goes for this season I offer the following
3rd Man Utd 66 points
4th Wolves 64 pts
5th Chelsea 63 pts
6th Leicester 62 pts.
Cant see Chelsea getting anything other than beating Norwich.
Leicester 3 draws
Man Utd 2 wins and a draw.
Love this team and the manager, but need to get into context that our last game was against a very poor Everton team.
Burnley are a completely different proposition. A draw would be a great result and with a win at home to Palace would provide a great points total of 59.
Despite our fantastic record in London I am not expecting anything at Chelsea. So, rather than focusing on Champions League, I am more concerned that a very good Sheff Utd could overhaul us and snatch 6th.
Even if that does happen, this will still have been a brilliant season and any results in the Europa League a bonus.
In Nuno we trust.
And lest I forget,
A Very Happy Black Country Day to all my fellow bloggers!
Podence looks perfect for this run in. Burnley will Foul him and I expect that the yellow cards will mount up. Then bring in Traore.
Neves is due a free kick in the back of the net and that should do it nicely… better still if we play 10 men for second half.
Seem to
Remember crushing them at Molineux 1-0 but over 30 shots
I’m agreed with Tipton’s final prediction… taking out Chelsea on the final day would ice a very nice cake of a season
Then
Onto Olympiakos and Germany
You couldn’t make this stuff up
UTW
Burnley have been a bit of an Achilles Heel for us. Likewise, relegation positioned teams in general, but we’ve overcome that psychological barrier. I don’t think Burnley are at the same level as Shefffield U and we should finally be able to put them in their place.
Podence must be given a start again although Neto might be on the bench to be used sparingly. Nuno’s reaction when Traore managed to miss an open goal against Everton was pure Jose Mourinho, and no bad thing either. It’s time for a real shift from Traore.
2-1 Wolves.
Should start Podence
Recent history seems to be a touchy subject for many bloggers, but over the years I think of Burnley as being good entertaining opponents who have divided the spoils with us fairly evenly. Turf Moor was a regular destination in the 1960s as we combined the match with a weekend with friends. My favourite game was in April 1963 at Molineux when we won 7-2 in a game when it was reported that both sides had 15 shots on goal. I had to check the date for that and found that in the same season we beat Man City 8-1 and – are you there Clive? – the Baggies 7-0, both at Molineux.
All of which doesn’t give many clues for tomorrow, but I’m hoping that Sunday was the start of a timely resurgence which will see us through the rest of the season as the boys get back to their – very good – best. So here goes for a decent win.
COYW
I don’t know what will happen. Going with my heart
Burnley is the sort of place where they have a Sunday lunch of boiled whippet stew with dumplings. But only once the whippet is past 19 years old and has a gammy leg. The gammy leg is preserved in lard and fed to Braithwaite the other whippet. With a crust and a pint of East Lancashire Olde Bolloks Ale . Braithwaite simply laps it up. The seemingly idyllic Sunday afternoon is plunged in to despair when Uncle Seth returns from the boozer having drunk 17 pints of The Devils Arse 12% mild and orders everyone out of the house because Burnley lost 3-1. And the torture will return for Seth and Braithwaite tomorrow night after another 3-1 mauling. A furious Seth heard shouting ‘ eh by gum I were lookin fwerd to booookin Ryan t Air trip t see Burnleh plair at t Olymiacos next t season. I were gonna tairk t Braithwairt and buy him a Greek bone’ . Oh well. Maybe next season. Burnley 1 WWFC 3.
We’ll capitalise on Wednesday’s win with an impressive display of class to win by at least two clear goals. Podence may be on the short side, but is tough, as are Jota and Neto.
Por’tuguese Men Of War to cause havoc Burnley won’t know what’s hit them.
Wonder what brilliant pundit’s will be on m.o.d live.
The usual hard slog against Burnley coming up who have never been a team to play open entertaining football.
Burnley 1 – 1 Wolves
Right. After tonight’s 1-0 win for Chelsea. If they DON’T beat Liverpool next the most points they can be on by the time we play them is 64 with a GD of a max +15. Assuming (and it is a big ask) we win against Burnley/Palace by at least 1 goal each we go into Chelsea on 61 points and a GD of +13. Thus a 2 goal victory for us would be enough to overhaul them. A 1 win would mean both sides on 64 both on GD +14. Chelsea above us on goals scored. IF we can beat Burnley/Palace by 3 clear goals then any sort of win at Chelsea would mean we finish above them. Phew. Over to Nuno and the boys. Burnley is simply a must win if we want to finish above Chelsea although a draw keeps us in with a shout of topping Man u and Leicester…….
The pub lanlord will be as horse as red rum by the end of this one and boly will have a big head ache from all the long balls hoofed at him.
They almost undid the scousers with set pieces so lesson to be learnt from that .
All in all we are a much better side. If we play to our strengths and not get fooled into silly fouls around our box we will prevail .
Wont be a high scoring game but we should be able to control it if we are disciplined.
As Stu reported above, Neto’s ‘injury’ was just cramp so, for me, he and Danny start. Despite Everton’s deficiencies, they looked red hot together and to be able to bring on Diogo and Adama second half is luxury indeed. Burnley are tough customers but they have to catch ’em first and those four are slippery eels around the box.
Like Dr Nuno, I’m not thinking about anything past this match as if we lose this, CL is out and even Europa could be in doubt.
100% determination. 100% focus. 100% effort. We’ll need all of these to emerge triumphant from this.
Since resumption we have had 4 wins against poor teams, and 2 losses against decent (not world-beating) teams. Burnley are decent.
We can – and should – do better against this level, but a win may be just out of reach.
Agree with much of what’s been said already. Burnley are a decent side, strong in both boxes and with something to play for. But they’re not on the level of Sheff Utd, and we should be able to beat them if we play with ‘our idea of football’, as Nuno would say.
Speaking of the Blades, securing 6th has to be the priority given their prowess, and a win tomorrow will set us up nicely to achieve that. Of course the real prize is the Champions League, having the old ‘lasagne’ theme tune ringing out round the Mol would bring a tear to my eye.
So, how do we get there? Leicester didn’t look very clever against the Cherries, and still have to play the Blades, Spurs, and Man Poo. I can’t see them getting more than 4 points from that run, and will gladly listen to any offers for my soul from Satan in exchange for a draw between them and Man Poo on the last day. The plastic mancs should dispatch Palace, but if West Ham lose to Watford the pressure will be on, and the proper cockneys might take a couple of points off their faux northern opponents. I still don’t think we’ll catch them in all honesty, but leapfrogging the Foxes and the Russians is not beyond the limits of possibility, given the teams they have to face.
Or we could finish anywhere, win the Europa, and kick whoever finishes 4th out of the Champions League. That would be my favourite outcome, especially if it cost Man Poo their £25m deal with Adidas! (check this article on the beeb for more info on the permutations https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53385467)
Anyway, tomorrow I’d go with 3-4-3, Neves and Donk in the middle, Pod and Diogo on the wings, and plenty of options on the bench with Neto, Moutinho and the wonderfully dubbed ‘Golden Shoulder’.
UTW
That’s an interesting article, Sleach, but it must have been written by a Chelsea fan because thinking that there’s any chance of them overcoming Bayern and going on to win the Champions league is cloud cuckoo land stuff. So, if we win the Europa that will mean five English clubs in next season’s Champions league if we don’t finish in the top four.
Tonight will probably need a grinding it out performance. So
OH! Also, can’t believe no-one’s mentioned the Sherpa Van Trophy yet.
Right, that’s sorted now. As you were.
Expect to see the same effort shown against Everton. Onward and upward.
Go Wolves!
As Nuno often says ‘tough game, touch opponents’
They will try and stop us playing football, so we must be up for it and go for it. Nothing to fear, focus on us and not fret what the others do. We have the skill and the tenacity to win this.
Tough game to predict. Burnley is not everyone’s cup of tea, but they have been grinding out some good results. We desperately need a win but for some unfathomable reason I keep thinking this will end up as a draw. Won’t be much help to us.
A win. Nothing more, nothing less.
Podence deserves a start after recent performance, do not think NES will start him on the left instead of Jota. Do not think he has the courage to start Podence at CAM either. I expect Traore to sit and enter the match around the 65-70th min. Podence to start on the right with Jota flanking on the other wing. Dendoncker and Neves in the middle with Joao off the bench for the first time in ages.
Expect a late game Adama and Joao substitution with the possibility of Neto late around 82+ (who will play despite late game injury).
2-0 win off a set piece header and a counter attack finish.
As much as I love Moutinho, his fighting spirit and his overall contribution to the club, he has to stay out of the starting line-up as it happened in the match against Everton.
Since January Moutinho’s play has changed: he is still a defensive stalwart but he doesn’t contribute as much in offense; he’s always looking to pass the ball laterally or backwards instead of trying to create opportunities with passing the ball forward as Neves does so brilliantly. Also he’s lost his mojo with providing assists from set pieces.
With Burnley’s hoofball to defend, he has to come in as a substitute to help hold the ball in the end part of the game.
I would start Diogo, Raul & Podence, keep Neto & Traore back to bring on & exhaust Burnley after 60 minutes or so.
I don’t expect an easy game but we’ve everything to fight for.
COYW
Spot on Border – hopefully!
COMBs!
I also still think lady luck may pay us a visit during the last 3 games up and down the country. I still think we are in a fortune deficit following some ‘harsh’ VAR decisions (which dont seem to apply elsewhere on occasion) . There may be a few twists and turns yet!.
For me, Daniel Podence is a penalty just waiting to happen. And, as much as I detest VAR and everything it does to my beloved game, it could make the likelihood of Danny boy earning us a barely warranted pen’ even higher.
Another ‘could go anyway’ game, so same recipe as last game and hope for the same result. Heart says Wolves, head says draw, so…
Can’t make my mind up again, so same recipe as last game. Love a win, take a draw, so…
If your prediction is correct, you cannot have double points coz you made two entries.
Jeez, thats nearly as bad as Chalkie the Cheat, in Bromptoland!!
Honest mistake, it even came up and said ‘duplicate post.’ But you can’t change or delete anymore. Now if I had entered 3 times with a different result each time you would have a case. ( First time I have ever given your post a like..!)
Not confident at all, Burnley are a decent side.
So are we Adrian, Have faith!
I’m confident.
Burnley are a decent-ish side. They are what Everton used to be. Route 1 football and not scared to battle.
I Just think the way we posses the ball now and can either break a team down or run straight past them makes us a massive threat. I think Burnley should be more concerned about this one to be honest.
If Nuno can man-manage this I think we will run rings round this Burnley side. If we hold possession and Saiss don’t be giving freekicks away outside our box, we will be fine as they have no other option.
30minutes left at work, then Home to get my Wolves shirt on and show my face in the local after strumming Everton on Sunday, One per of living up here! (oh and my brother is a Everton fan, SUNDAY WAS GLORIOUS)
I know a couple of people from Burnley and they are both complete arseholes .. I reckon they’re all like it
So you would base your opinion on Burnley based on two arseholes out of a population of 75,000 people?
Based on that arguement what would Watford make of Wolverhampton folk based on the arseholes that attacked one of their fans after the Mol game?
Lets face it they are not all shadow dwellers like that lot up at Sandwell.
Come on Brentford lets put the willies up their supporters!!!!
Will leave my score prediction until after the match so I get maximum points.
Wow Nuno ! That’s an attacking line up. No excuses, we’re going to score more than we concede.
“The future is there, but let us prepare for the present.”
Brilliant.
VAR can just f**k off.
I second that!!!!!!
What a kick in the fucking bollox.
yet again robbed !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a complete bloody travesty!
That is the WORST penalty decision I have EVER seen!
VAR is a COMPLETE BLOODY JOKE if that’s the way it works.
We was robbed. Ridiculous decision by Dean- should have been dangerous play. Doc puts his arm up to defend his face. So thank you Dean and VAR for ending our Champions League hopes.
Gutted Nuno team selection……baffling why change a winning team disjointed looked like we were going to get away with it cannot understand starting 11 Pedonce didn’t know wether he should of been playing in the middle or on the wing.
To many changes……what was Neto, Pedonce and Adama doing I don’t know and I don’t think they did.
Balls up so frustrated that was a calamity waiting to happen I could see it coming took off our at takers thinking we had won the game big mistake Nuno and it’s not the first time reminded me of Watford at Wembley .
Absolutely and completely avoidable trying to defend a 1.0 lead and that’s what happens penalty or not.
Surprised by your reaction mate. I thought Nuno selected a strong side and that we played well.
Just gutted about the refs decision at the end.
Brompton if you look at the game the turning point was when Jota and Raul were taken off. After that we had no outlet up front which invited Burnley on to us which in turn led to penalty.
Best form of defence is attack, we had to soak up 20 minutes of pressure from Burnley.
Now you can disagree fair enough but the ball just kept on coming back into our box .
If that was disjointed, I’d really love to see us when we play well.
That was a good performance that deserved three points.
You can’t legislate for a referee like Mike Dean.
that bas##rd ref was waiting for any chance to give them a goal scoring chance and without doubt that was dangerous play by woods i am so bloody pissed off with this total bias to make sure the not favoured clubs dont get into the european places its becoming mind blowingly obvious but what the hell can be done ……..nothing
i am going upstairs to pull my hair out !!!!
I see someone has not like my blog already……..what a surprise ,
Get a life…..!
Yet another Mike Dean glory hunting, headline bake cock up decision…
Twice at Cardiff … now this…
VAR referees and pitch referees are just corrupt…..
How on this planet does that not constitute dangerous play and furthermore… the rule is meant to be … ‘hand to ball’…..
It’s so clear and obvious that it’s a foul for Wolves…..
Well Mr Dean should be know as Mr Bean….incompetent and useless….
Remember Cardiff. Does that man have an agenda?
But it’s over now, we support our team regardless. Two to play, six points to go for.
Hoping other results go our way now.
You can go on about the penalty decision all you like and yeah I don’t think it was.
But to try and defend a1.0 lead by taking your attackers off which if left on would of releved the preasure on the defence is madness.
When Jota and Raul were taken of there was no outlet for us which just invited more and more pressure from Burnly.
You can blame the ref all you like but that was a bad decision by Nuno and not the first time.
There are bloggers on here who will not or cannot admit he makes mistakes well he does and he did tonight changing the team and those lsubs there were 15 minutes plus added time left when he took Jota and Raul off.
It’s easier for some to blame the ref, but those subs make the difference gave Burnley the upper hand.
Sorry folkes you can dislike my blogs all you like I could’nt give a ………!
Carry on kidding yourselves.
Nuno is KING Mike Dean a Wanker
I have to say you do have a valid point .History does point to nuno trying to protect leads and it not working out on several occasions .
Our biggest asset is our attacking prowess and taking off your most potent attacking players to protect a fragile lead hands the impetus to the opposition as happened tonight.
Lets face it burnley didnt start playing till we changed tactics and tried to see the game out we really needed a second goal and with hindsight should never have backed off.
That said that bloody ref would have done anything to get them an equaliser
Spike boy….a least someone else can see and is not blinkered.
We had 20 minutes or more to defend that’s a long time to defend a 1.0 lead.
What kidding ourselves that we are in the highest position in this league for 40 years l will be happy with that any day as has already been said Nuno is King.
I’m glad your happy……!
Not happy at the decision that robbed us tonight Paul but overall chuffed to bits when Raul is the highest scorer in this league since John Richards aka King John and that was 75-76 season the year l left school and people come up to you and comment on what a great club Wolves is and great to see it back and going places.
All the best mate keep safe.
I would call Traore and Neto attacking outlets.
One minute Nuno is criticised for not making substitutions and using the squad and then criticised for making too many.
We could have defended better in added time, but otherwise that was a quality performance against very strong opponents.
Nuno is king Dean and Friend are absolute jokes.
Is Neto a striker…….is Traore a striker…….I think you will find they are both wingers. Is Dendonker a striker….!
How many shots or headers on goal did we have when Jota Raul when off.
On the basis that an attacking outlet is someone who can receive the ball in forward positions take the ball into opposition half and occupy defenders. I would say that Neto and Traore are attacking outlets.
Burnley had nothing to lose in the last ten minutes. They were always going to throw the kitchen sink at us no matter how many forwards we had on the pitch.
We just needed strong defending and a competent referee. Unfortunately only of those two requirements was addressed.
I think you may be missing the point that there really was no need to change the side as we were in the lead and managing very comfortably there were no injuries no one was struggling no one looked knackered .
Yes we have more games in close succession but even so we have a history of making changes and things going the wrong way so as has been said now on many sites leave well alone
Rubbish. Wolves were the better side tonight. That is clear to anybody. Like Sheff Utd last week. They were not very good either. Sorry but the premier league is small margins. Had we the rub of the green in both (Neves hit the bar. Ridiculous penalty). We would have been 3 points better off. Anyone slagging us off needs their head checking.
You make your own luck. Changing the team, taking off the front two with 20 minutes plus to go with a 1.0 lead was asking for trouble.
We were the better side your right………so why change it if it wasn’t t broken…?
Rubbish in your view not mine.
Just for the record, Jota was substituted in the 78th minute and Jiminez the 84th minute.
98 minutes played.
And without casting nasturtiums at any of my fellow bloggers, this blog is about opinions, which as we all know, are as varied as arseholes, which we all have.
It is not about slagging off anyone who dares to disagree with you.
That resort is best left to the beloved politicians, of all persuasions, on both sides of the pond!
Match comments to follow when I have calmed down, and got a few IPAs down!
look its obvious you take off your major attacking players to protect a one nil lead and the other side has nothing to lose so they throw the sink at you sometimes they get lucky.
Burnley threw caution to the wind because we changed our tactics it was obvious we were seeing out the game so they went for it shit or bust and if neto or traore had nipped away and got one then it would have backfired on them but it didnt .
we changed our tactics they changed theirs .
The point is we were in control we didnt need to change
A team that’s losing with minutes to go has nothing to lose anyway, no matter how many attackers are on the pitch. Burnley would have thrown kitchen sinks around whatever we had done.
Too many people with Ph.D in Hindsight. Nuno has to make decisions in real time, anyone who has played the game, coached or managed understands the rationale behind making changes , always for the right reasons, not always successfully.
Of course those who sit on the sidelines never miss sitters, never drop a cross and always get the substitutions spot on.
I knew as soon as he subbed Jota and Raul we were going to have to soak up pressure from Burnley next time I’ll blog in real time hopefully there won’t be a next time.
Was Raul injured was Jota were Burnley taking hold of the game NO.
I understand Nuno has to make the decisions in real time but for what reason tonight…….only he knows I don’t doubt for one minute he thought it was the right decision……. But in my view there was no need we were cruising .
What’s more concerning is it not the first time he done this and it’s gone tits up.
You have to learn from your mistakes.
Yeah well. It is a sure sign of how much we all love the Wolves. It hurts us all. I have just about calmed down now. We will all re group and come back tomorrow morning. And we will all still be WWFC. So with that in mind stay safe all and try and have a good night.
I really need to buy that cat to kick!
I agree with Paul although with my wing mirrors on that we would have been better seeing the game out with Jota and Raul on the pitch. A one goal lead is just too precarious to defend. I liked the starting lineup though and I’ll bet that’s not the team Dyche had been working on containing all week.
We do need to score more goals though or these situations will continue to haunt us.