It’s amazing to think Wolves have won seven of their opening nine games, yet still sit outside the automatic promotion places.
That shows just how difficult it will be to get out of this division. The wins need to keep on coming because a points tally of 90+ looks like being the minimum requirement for a top two finish.
Bournemouth managed to get out with 83 points last year, which was unusually low. The year before Sheffield United missed out on second place to their city neighbours despite amassing 90 points. And the year before that, 92 points was only just enough for a second place finish for Southampton.
I’m already looking at Peterborough and Preston as teams that could conceivably ratchet up the pressure and who knows if Leyton Orient can carry on as they have been. It’s going to be a slog.
Colchester
After narrowly avoiding relegation to League Two last season, I would think Colchester are satisfied with their current midtable position.
Their start has been solid if not spectacular with five draws and two wins from their nine games to date. That says to me they’re going to be tough to beat.
The juggernaut that is Leyton Orient are the only team thus far to return from the Colchester Community Stadium with three points. Crawley and Carlisle have managed draws but Port Vale were edged out 1-0.
Former West Ham striker Freddie Sears is one to watch out for. If I’m not mistaken he’s scored against Wolves before and has three goals to his name already this season, as does fellow forward and former Walsall man Jabo Ibehre.
Wolves
Bravo to Wolves for rebuffing Nottingham Forest this week in their ongoing pursuit of Bakary Sako. As last week demonstrated he’s integral to our own promotion hopes and must be retained at all costs. I hope he’ll play tomorrow too, perhaps in a team of:
The above XI would also mean a debut to new signing James Henry. We seem to be doing a good job of getting established Championship players to drop down a division, which can only be a good thing.
I’ve heard good things from Millwall fans about the former Reading winger, but part of me hopes he’s crap just to hear my old man scream ‘bloody Henry’ again. I’ve missed that this season. ‘Bloody Davis’ doesn’t quite have the same ring to it.
Kenny continues to rotate the strikers, which I think is smart thinking. Doyle brings control and quality but as we know isn’t going to score the goals we need. Siggy is more of a direct threat but still far too erratic. Even Griffiths has been up and down after a strong start. The competition is good for them all.
The odds
Wolves are favourites to win and make it three victories on the bounce at odds of 17/20. Colchester are 10/3. Or if you fancy the draw, it’s available at 29/10.
Kevin Doyle is a reasonable 5/1 to get the first goal, or if you think Sako will once again pledge his allegiance with the opener, you can get 13/2. Jabo Ibehre is Colchester’s most likely first scorer at 15/2.
All odds available from SoccerBase here.
Predictions
64 wise pundits thought we’d beat Sheffield United last weekend. 11 of those also got the 2-0 scoreline to double up. It’s a single for everyone else.
I’ve been slack in updating the table the last few weeks, but hopefully it will be updated by the time you read this. Please drop me a message if you think you’re owed points. I know some people have been leaving predictions in other posts, some of which I likely haven’t seen.
I think this will be close game, but as we continue to strengthen the squad with astute signings, my confidence grows.
I believe we’ll win this one and win it well.
3-1
Up The Wolves.
Apparently Colchester are having serious injury problems so a 3-0 win isn’t too unrealistic I would have thought!
If Sako goes then there will be no difference between us and the rest of the League on our showing so far he has made the difference scored 1 made 1 against Sheffield Utd but also drifted in and out of the game made so sloppy passes but he’s still a class above anything in this League. At the beginning of the season I’d have said if he goes he goes it’s onl League One but having watched 5 games now I think we be mad to sell him lets face Forest with all due respect there’s a good chance we will be in the same League next season (championship that is) so surley the club or more to the point Jackett, Moxey and Morgan can sell it to Sako. If it was Premier club then fair play that would be totally understandable but if Sako does go who’s going to replace his goals this new lad Henry from what I understand he doesn’t score that many who’s going supply that defence splitting pass McDonald not on the evidence I’ve seen so far. I just think it will come down to money again Morgan, Moxey won’t be able to resist and we will have the usual ” we did everything in our power to make him stay ” statement. Without him we are just run of the mill may be apart from Griffiths will he be next if a championship club come knocking between now and the end of January would not surprise me.
Just one more point if Forest were told point blank we are not doing bussiness in the summer why have they come back, 1 reason Wolves left the door open in that come back with a better offer and we will look at it again you can take him on loan then buy him in January for the right price, that’s closer to the truth otherwise why have Forest come back in for him doesn’t NO mean NO not in Wolves eyes I believe.
I see you have Doyle up front in your team, Ive made my feelings about Doyle the midfielder/winger come part time striker clear if he does play I hope he’s been practicing shooting and Jackett has told him he’s supposed to run into the box not amble in from the wing or the middle of the park. Me I give Cassidy a start proven at this level if Jacketts hoping I’ll forget about like him seems to have well he’s wrong it bordering on criminal that he hasn’t been given a proper go so far this season. Doyle will amble round the pitch all day with the urgency of a sloth with his usual nice neat lay BACKS we need someone who knows we’re the goal is not the corner flags. CASSIDY GRIFFITHS Kenny you know you want too.
Colchester 0 Wolves 4….
Just to re-iterate well done to Jez for keeping Forest away, Sako is going to be vital for us this season.
We seem to concede the odd goal away from home but I reckon we’ll pull through.
Colchester 1-2 Wolves
I was born in Colchester. I have no allegience though as it was back in 1957!!!
Colchester 1 Wolves 2
No clean sheet tomorrow, but we should edge it.
UTW/FOWB
A full strength Colchester would be a tough battle, but a seriously weakened team should make life a bit easier. Colchester 0 – 2 Wolves.
Griffiths hat trick 0 – 3 wolves win
Thomas, one minute its a tough place to go and only the 0’s have left with 3 points, and then your predicting an easy Wolves win. Take off those damned coloured sun glasses and remember you support Wolves not some team with real cash to burn and an Oligarch as club owner.
Right back to reality, Sako is sick real or otherwise and I suspect he wont play, there goes a lot of our threat and creativity in one fail swoop (please tell Forest to do one, and not come back unless the bid is above 5 with 6 zeros and not until the window opens in January, you missed your chance in August you knew the price so get lost).
I hope we give Henry a starting birth lets see what he has to offer, maybe with Sako out Goldbourne will play on the wing and we can return to the slightly better defence we had when Stearman was in the middle.
I don’t see us losing as Colchester don’t score many, and I think Doyle and Griffiths will get at least one, but we’re still riding our luck, and we need that gentle reminder that as well as we have done todate we have been very lucky and we’re not head and shoulders above the rest and must work hard for our opportunities and points.
Colchester 1-1 Wolves I only hope I am wrong, and the optimistic’s are right.
Fair cop mate. Such indecision is probably why I’m languishing in midtable in the Prediction League 🙂
I suppose in essence what I’m saying is: Colchester are a tough team to beat (statistically speaking) but Wolves should have too much for them.
As you say, I do think we’ve been fortunate with some results to date, but I think there’s a risk of people overplaying the ‘we’re scraping by’ card.
Football is about attack and defence. Last season everyone was having a go at our inability to defend, but I think our back four and goalkeeper have been mightily impressive thus far and they deserve credit for digging out results.
I don’t like the idea of Golbourne on the wing. It immediately puts us on the back foot because he’s not threatening his full-back. Although, if Sako is out, there’s probably little other option. I also agree Stearman is unlucky to be out of the side.
Hi Thomas. Did i get my point for the SU game? Thought i already had 7 and i think i have had 8 out of 9 results right if not the scores.
I agree with you, Colchester will be no push over they will up there game who ever plays for them because it’s Wolves and they’ll want to turn us over I would not be surprised or too disappoint with a draw but I’m going for a close 2.1 to Wolves.
Is the Sako to Notts Forest business really over?
He has missed training through ‘illness’.
I should think his head is all over the place.
There is a good article on the E&S website by Tim Spiers that echoes my feelings entirely.
I hope that Kenny Jackett holds firm, but my head says that Forest are going to ‘make Moxey an offer he can’t refuse’.
Que sera!
But in any case I’m predicting 3-1 to Wolves again.
Jumped the gun there a bit!
I’ve just read the club statement.
I don’t think I’ve ever considered saying this before, but credit where it’s due.
“Bravo Jez Moxey!”
Moxey said, “Our position has been firm but consistent – we don’t want to lose Bakary Sako. Everyone involved in these discussions is fully aware of what our requirements were to, reluctantly, allow Bakary to leave. However, we took the decision to cease all discussions with Nottingham Forest not because they didn’t meet our valuation but because the terms surrounding the offer were unrealistic.”
Translation:
We think we can screw even more money out of a potential buyer in January when Sako has scored more goals.
If greasel doesn’t want to lose Sako he should not have even opened negotiations, let alone cease them. He contradicts himself in one sentence, we don’t want to lose him, but our requirements are……….
Fletcher, Jarvis and Kightly were not going to be sold….until the right offer came in.
No, Doog, this time I have to disagree with you.
The words leopard and spot changing come to mind.
That fat, lying, grease impregnated turd only has one interest in his slick willy head, and that is what benefits him.
The only time I will even think of a scant bit of praise for him is when the exit door finally smacks him on the arse on his final waddle out of The Mol.
Now, to a more pleasant topic!
My prediction for this weekend.
We cannot keep scraping wins by the odd goal, or a final minute Sako Stonker, it must change eventually, so I am going for a massive blow out victory,
Colchester 1 Wolves 5
I know what you’re saying Clive and I agree with most of it.
However, I think that Sako’s head has probably been turned and that he will want away in January anyway. Then it will become a fait accompli and Forest will probably come back in with a higher offer now they know that the pie eater won’t be rolled over and screwed (what a horrible thought).
He might even attract a Premiership club if he keeps scoring goals like the one last Saturday.
What I congratulate Moxey on is not taking the usual ‘Jez way out’ by collecting a wedge now, saving 25k a week and being sure of a bigger payment in January.
I sincerely hope that Kenny had a big hand in persuading him but, for whatever reason, Moxey has finally put the good of the club on the football field above the good of the club’s bank balance.
And I salute that.
All bloody good points.
Glad we made the statement, but Moxey is like a bad politician or weatherman, he always get all the right words in place to justify whatever he wants to do later.
I think KJ has been honest about it when he says anyone is for sale at the right price. Sako will go in Jan if someone comes up with the dosh. it will be justified whatever our position by saying it was good business and will alow us to strengthen the team.
Such is modern football. As i said the other day the teams are as bad as the players when it comes to contracts and loyalty, I guess they have to be.
2-1 to us by the way. I still dont think we have clicked yet.
I agree with you Clive.
My feeling is that the footballing aspect of Wolves, is secondary to its economy, as far as Moxey and Morgan are concerned.
My brother, a Forest supporter, told me yesterday that the local paper said the deal had fallen through till January.
Who knows?
Nevertheless, we are playing Colchester, and if we are a ‘big’ club, then we should be beating these teams 4-0!
Clive I’m glad someone else can see behind this smoke screen this is classic Moxey Morgarna tactics.well spotted
Henry seems to have a knack of scoring on his debuts. 1-0 to wolves. Henry with the goal..
Over the last 10 seasons 92 points would get a top two finish 9 times out of 10 and top of the league 5 times out of 10 so if we keep up our current points per game ratio I have no doubts that we will go up automatically. When the season gets in full swing and injuries and suspensions start to hit then hopefully the fact that we have a large squad should stand us in good stead over our rivals. My tip at the start of the season was Preston and I see after a slow start they are creeping up behind us.
Unfortunately I can’t see Sako playing tomorrow and according to the E&S he hasn’t even travelled down to Colchester with the squad. So perhaps Forde or Ismail will play on the left or even Golbourne with Ricketts restored to left back and Stearman centre half? Price must keep his place ahead of Davis and any two from Griffiths, Doyle & Siggy to start up top. Looking forward to seeing if Henry can add some quality on the right.
It will be another tough game and I can see us drawing but my early season optimism hasn’t gone yet so
Colchester 1 – Wolves 2
UTW
2-0 win to us.
Succinct or what Doog.
Colchester have got serious injury problems so their first aim will be to not lose. It could be difficult to break them down without Sako in the team. I’ll go with Wolves to win 1 – 0.
Colchester 0 Wolves 1 (Doherty for a bonus point)
As Sako has apparently not travelled I’d like to see Henry on the right and Zeli on the left. If Colchester are badly hit by injuries, as reported by the Beeb, then we really shouldn’t need to pack the midfield defensively.
I’m going for a 3-1 win. I feel slightly giddy at the thought.
I know that we’re in a different league now, and Sako’s had his head turned, and our youngsters are inconsistent, and only one team has won away at Colchester this season, and it’s a funny old game where any team can win on their day, and it’s Wolves who are always likely to let you down, and so on and so forth.
I know all that, but Colchester? Seriously? Didn’t even know they had a football team.
Can’t bring myself to predict anything other than a Wolves victory here.
2-0 the lads.
In other news, glad to see today’s reports of NF getting told to F off. Unsettling other club’s players is a very low tactic, and I hope the football gods give them their comeuppance in a way that makes our fall from grace look like a holiday in comparison.
I never manage to read more than about 4 or 5 comments on the E&S site because after that my brain starts turning into mush and seeping out of my ears, but some of the absolute twoddle that’s been written there about getting rid of Sako was unenlightened even by the incredibly low standards one would expect of the site. I must’ve read about 10 in one go at one point this week, so incredulous was I. Then I had to put my head in the freezer to resolidify my cranial matter.
Thanks again Thomas for providing us our sanctuary.
UTW
Sorry, and Ben too. Thanks guys
Stab in the dark…
Colchester 1-1 Wolves
We should have too much for a depleted Colchester: 4-1 to Wolves.
Colchester 0 – 2 Wolves for me please
By the way anyone heard about tributes for Broady boy RIP
With or without Sako we should have too much for Colchester.
3_0 to us.
COME ON YOU WOLVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wolves to win 2-1.
Colchester 1-2 Wolves
3 – 1 Wolves. Will he be thinking a bit about the cup game a bit, keep Davies for that.
2-1 Wolves, Griffo and Sako.
My old man (a life long wolves fan) text me the happy news that Forest had been told to F off! Glad that Sako is staying put although like others I suspect if the offer is large enough in January then he’ll be off, lets face it, a few million quid will bring in a lot of pies!!
Not sure if he’ll be in the squad or not, guess it will depend on where his head is!
Either way I would expect that a solid performance should see off Colchester so being optimistic.
Colchester 0 Wolves 2
UTW
Colchester 1 : 1 wolves. They’ll be happy with a point so they’ll sit behind the ball and try to frustrate wolves. Score draw for me
In memory of the late great Peter Broadbent and that wonderful team of the 50s, Wolves to thump em 5-0 with wingers running amok!
Colchester 1 Wolves 2
They have quite a notch-potch of results. No clean sheets since mid-August and have drawn with three teams we have beaten, mixed in with a couple of good results. Against that, we keep indulging in smash and grab. I’m waiting for us either to fail in that ‘strategy’ or really get it together for a whole game. Again though, if we’re going to make 90+ points, we have to win this. 2-0 win for Wolves.
Colchester 1 Wolves 4
Colchester 0 v 3 Wolves
Hoping for a comfortable win and looking for a correct score, after ‘forgetting’ to make a prediction for Sheffield game.
3-1 win here. We’ve got to be too strong for these surely?
4-0 to the Wolves!!!!
Sod the Orient Express, the Gold and Black Train is pulling into Colchester and picking up another solid three points.
Choo Choo!!!
Colchester 0 -3 Wolves
Come on me Babbies!
I’m climbing on board buddy.. Colchester 0 Wolves 4
Tickets Please,………..Tickets Please………
This train will next be stopping at Bradford then Notts County. Molineux in between.
Climb aboard for a trip to the top of League 1.
Colchester 1 Wolves 2
About time I doubled up this season.
Find myself agreeing with Paul Featherstone about Sako.
I’ll have some of that… Colchester 1 Wolves 3
1-0 to the Wolves
Come on me babies
Colchester Ytd 0 Wolves2
You do spell Yunited with a Y,don’t U ?
Even without Sako, surely we can beat Colchester!!??
Colchester Utd 0 Wolves 2.
Weston Homes community stadium 0-1 Wolves
Wolves 3 Colchester 0
We beat Port Vale without Sako, but altho he didn’t travel overnight, there’s plenty of time for him to get there if required. We do have another match on Tuesday, so others will get their turn then.
With all strikers except Sako a little off their best, I’m not expecting a high scoring game but Wolves should be able to grab another three points. Colchester 0 Wolves 1.
I’ve seen Wolves win 3 times at Colchester. Hope to make it 4 tomorrow. Another new ground to add to the list – will be my 122nd with Wolves.
Hope the Sako saga hasn’t distracted the squad. Take it he hasnt travelled with team for their first overnight stay of the season?
Looking forward to seeing our new No.7 – hope he is worthy. All reports sound good so far.
Colchester 0 Wolves 2
2-0 wolves. Keep the good times rolling
Colchester 1 – 3 Wolves
Wolvesaywe?
Colchester 1 – 3 Wolves
Wolvesaywe!
I think they are a tough team to beat so im expecting a 1-1 draw
Time for a convincing win
Colchester 0 Wolves 3
Most weeks I predict a 2-1 win to us…………………..3-1 to us this week!!!!!
We should have enough to edge this one I’m going 1-0 wolves.
I reckon James Henry will light this league up like Kightly did the Championship for us. Hopefully Zeli will gain loads of goals and with them, confidence, as he drops backs into the under 21s and he’ll get back to somewhere near his best for his return, as required.
Colchester 1-3 Wolves
Colchester 1 Wolves 1
Hoping our formidable (for League 1) attack does the business again – I’ll go for a 2-1 win to Wolves! Let’s keep ’em coming lads!
2-1 Wolves win is my prediction.
I will plump for my now-traditional away game guess.
0-0.
Sako saga a distraction, Tuesday night a distraction, Colchester with injuries… – I fear a banana skin.
Colchester 1 – Wolves 0
Wolves 3 Colchester 2. Close & nervous but still ready to accentuate the positive!)
I’ll go for a 2-0 win for wolves Doyle scoring first
Wolves 2 Colchester 1
A nervous ninety minutes
Another win for the Wolves, think this will be James Henry’s game…Colchester 1 – 3 Wolves
Colchester 1 – 4 Wolves
Gonna batter ’em 0-6
Another tight game. I,m going for Colchester 0 Wolves 2.
Colchester 0 wolves 1
Another scrappy win. 2-1 Wolves.
3-1 to wolves. Hoping for a solid showing today
Up early to listen to the game on Wolves Player.
Hoping for a strong performance, and I think a 3-0 scoreline would be nice.
Colchester 1 – 3 Wolves
Hopefully a straight forward victory.
2-1 wolves win
goals from Doyle n sako
Impressed with Jack Price in the second half last week. He has the look of Wilshire about him.
Colchester1 Wolves 3
Sorry for leaving this late …feelgood factor in Colchester amongst the wolves fans , so
Stripey lot 0 wolves 3
Colchester 0 Wolves 1 for me