Whether or not you subscribe to the view that we were lucky to beat Leeds, nobody can deny performances have improved.
I still think we’re disjointed in certain areas and there isn’t the understanding between players that often comes with time.
In that respect, a full week on the training ground should have been beneficial and with confidence high, there’s no reason we can’t get a result at St. James’ Park.
It’s a ground we’ve done well at in recent times and a win might be enough to squeak into the heady heights of the top half.
Newcastle
Bizarrely, Newcastle haven’t been in bad form themselves despite sinking towards the bottom three in recent weeks.
They’ve won two of their last five and were unlucky to lose to Crystal Palace and more recently, Man Utd in that sequence.
Steve Bruce has abandoned the sit deep and counter approach in favour of pressing higher and getting on the front foot. It got them wins over Everton and Southampton and they generally look better in their performances.
As we know all too well though, losing your talisman can be catastrophic and top scorer Callum Wilson is out for a while with a hamstring injury.
That means the burden of goalscoring is likely to fall to the likes of Miguel Almirón and Allan Saint-Maximin who, fortunately for the Magpies, are both hitting form.
The next four games look alright on paper so they’ll be hoping to extend the daylight between themselves and Fulham, but as we know, results are rarely predictable.
The home end
Some thoughts lifted from the pre-match thread on a popular Newcastle forum:
We’ve a stinking record against them just recently. Those two late goals conceded in Rafa’s last season were both f***ing heartbreaking, particularly the one at St James’, which was a game we absolutely should have won, never mind lost. Six points became one in those games, bloody tragedy. So we definitely owe them one. It’s difficult but winnable. A point wouldn’t be the end of the world providing we beat West Brom.
Usually seems to be a draw against these and I wouldn’t be surprised if it is again. Two teams allergic to scoring goals. However, if they get ahead then that will probably be it as they’ve improved since they reverted back to three at the back. Would imagine they’re keen to put our jammy draw at Molineux right.
Wolves are looking a lot better. Like they’ve started to figure out a style of play without Jiminez. Neto, Neves and Traore could absolutely tear us a new one.
Feels crucial to our season. A win and 28 points with 12 games to play is okay but if we don’t win we are right in the s***.
With Moutinho, Neves and a recently more central, driving Traore, whoever our CM partnership is is going to get a pasting all game. Desperately going to need Miggy to be on his toes tracking back again. Reckon we’ll give away a penalty.
Wolves
When you think about the wingers swapping sides, it makes so much sense you wonder why we didn’t do it a lot sooner.
We had so many games seeing Traore skinning his man out wide and putting a cross into nobody or Dendoncker shinning all the chances.
Driving inside opens up all sorts of interesting positions for Traore and Neto to create chances for themselves and others.
The partnerships also look better, with Traore benefitting from Jonny’s steady supply of sensible passes and Semedo able to rampage down the line with Neto happy to come inside.
For all the plaudits Neto is rightfully receiving, Adama has been just as crucial during this mini-revival and hopefully this is the game where he gets a credited contribution.
Last time out
We should have won at Molineux earlier this season but Rui didn’t get his wall right and then failed to get down to what looked a pretty tame free-kick.
It was 1-1 at St. James’ Park last season too, with a much improved second half performance from Wolves resulting in a deserved equaliser for Jonny.
Predictions
Well done to winchwolf, Graham from Horsham, Lord Twix, Mike Jones, and Wolfman Jack who all correctly predicted the 1-0 scoreline against Leeds.
Bedford Wolf and Mosman Wolf remain out front in the overall table at the end of Gameweek 25.
As always if you’d like to join in, simply leave your prediction for this game in the comment section below, which is where you’ll find my best guess.
Up The Wolves!
This could come down to which set of wide players can inflict the most damage, so I’m just hoping our momentum combined with their woes, give us the edge.
We may also have one or both of Podence and Boly to call upon from the bench, which would be very handy options.
March looks tough on paper so it would be good to bank a result here and keep the good running going into that sequence of games.
For some strange reason, we haven’t got the results that our performances, or their general league position, have suggested against the magpies but it’s time to change that with Bruce under mounting pressure.
Unwittingly sending text messages to the USA during the games this year has upped my phone bill big time ….I think I’ll see if Wiiliam or Joe will pay up on a 2-1 Wolves win Jose to score
Should just squeak it
In our Adama and their Saint Maximin, we’ll see two of the most exciting, albeit unpredictable, players in the league. So both defences need to be on their mettle, especially theirs with the added threat of Pedro Neto looking to continue his startling run of form.
I guess the same team for us. For them, of course, Callum Wilson is as big a loss as Raul is to us, but we’ll ignore Dwight Gayle at our peril.
Very winnable and another 3pts to go with our resurgence. COYW.
.
Last few games against them have been tight so this one will likely be no different. For most of the season we haven’t got anywhere near the levels of the previous two seasons and yet looking at the fixture list we could still end up having a decent season. We have 33 points with 13 games to go. 6 of those are against the current bottom six. Win those and we have 18 points to take us to 51. The other 7 are against top half teams and and an average of a point a game against them will take us to our best ever points tally. Bizarre really but hopefully we will realise that we have 6 cup finals starting with Newcastle, get those games right and the strangest of seasons could take us all by surprise
“….. Could take us all by surprise ”
Not us all.
Well done for staying optimistic throughout, I have found this season a lot tougher to get through than the last two for sure, even though it could all end up being as good or even better in the final analysis. Hope you are right.
Good summary as ever Thomas. They have more to lose than us, as one of their guys above says, ‘lose this and we are in the s@@t’ which, hopefully means they have to attack.
If we show the intensity we showed against Leeds, with Pedro and Adama, constantly swapping sides, plus cutting in we should give it a good go. We’ve had a week to train and hopefully introduce Pedro and Adama to Jose, so they can spot him on the pitch… he will be the new guy wearing the Wolves shirt chaps!
Conor marshaling at the back to ensure a clean sheet, plus as Wolfstroker quite rightly pointed out, don’t underestimate Gayle.
Tight one, but both have something to play for so narrow 1 nil for me.
Though it would nice to be there, won’t miss the nose bleed of being at such high altitude of the away end, or the silly 10 year old spitting at us and being rowdy!
I was very happy with our intent against Leeds much more front foot than I expected and I thought we where just about worthy of the win. We contained a very fluid Leeds team who only looked like scoring though set pieces. Raphinas delivery was very good but our set up left a lot to be desired. Next it’s Newcastle who appear in trouble but do have a few players who can hurt us and we always seem to bloody draw against these
Yeh, I smell a disappointing draw as well Matt. Hope I’m wrong of course.
The only time I’ve had any love for the Toons is when they gave us a belated Christmas present 30 plus years ago, and let Bully help himself to four goals.
This was, coincidentally, while I was on my first solo voyage to Houston, from which I never permanently returned.
So, that means absolutely nothing to any of you, except my Mum, who was glad to get her spare room back.
Tomorrow we Houston Wolves will be celebrating our third league win on the bounce at a civilized time of 4.00pm, having consumed copious amounts of Hopadillo IPA, and breakfast calzones, at Nick’s Place.
If you are in Houston, and reading this, get yer arses down there, we have a good time!
Easy win for the lads, and I expect Adama to keep up his recent form improvement.
Etonces es Adama ahora es?
Probably, but you will be ok if you keep taking the pills, sit in a dark room and are very quiet.
Could go either way this one neither team’s position in the table is a true reflection of their potential, both teams looking improved recently and, as mentioned in the ‘home end’, “two teams allergic to scoring goals”.
May come down to fortune again this one, and it has started for us already with Callum Wilson being unavailable. Would be good to finish off Feb with another 3 points, especially looking at what looks like a difficult set of fixtures in March.
Difficult, yes.
Unwinnable?
Never!
We owe our next four opponents, after Newcastle, a revenge hiding, and the fact that all four beat us should be incentive enough to raise our games, significantly.
Bring ’em on, I say, Wimm Wolves, Ay, We!
No easy games for Wolves: we have a habit of dropping points to teams when relative form suggests a Wolves win.
Wilson will be a big miss for them but Almiron and Saint Maximen can produce worldies on occasion and as others have pointed out Gayle can never be discounted. However improved form of late and the benefit of a week on the training pitch together with important players returning to fitness should ensure a good win.
Nuno confident Raul will be back before the season ends so things looking up and I am hoping for a strong finish.
Certainly a winnable game given a week on the training ground and if we kick off we’ll be quickly out of the starting blocks and be one up after 48 seconds
If not kicking off, make that inside 3 minutes.
Jose to finally get off the mark and let’s hope Silva can bag one later in the game.
Let’s keep up the points tally boys!
Come on Wolves!
Very winnable, Wilson out means their main threat has gone. I would back our midfield to out play Shelvey & co any day.
Time for Jose to get on the score sheet and for Adama to do what he does best, terrorise the opposition.
This has banana skin written all over it.
I thought I’d left this stomach churning feeling behind after Nuno got us promoted and turned us semi-invincible. (Huddersfield excepted)
I can’t argue with Thomas’s team unless Boly is ready then he’d be a shoe in. If Podence happened to be ready for half an hour from the bench that would be another big bonus.
As I’ve already said my Wolves brain is screaming banana skin but come on, common sense says we should win with a bit to spare.
3-1 two the Wolves score early game over.
Tricky one to call Newcastle haven’t been playing that bad, but just like we were without Raul they Carnot figure out a way of playing without Wilson…….Tom Hanks mate in Castaway.
I like the Geordies I’d rather see them stop up than say Fulham or Brighton they has suffered just like we have ie Morgan, of having an owner who thinks owning a football club is a fashion statement a bit of blink.
I hope Jose can get of the mark the longer he goes without a goal the harder it will be but we need to involve him.
According to Nuno, we don’t use wingers, we use inside forwards.
Best get ready for my comeback then!
My cunning plan of predicting a Wolves defeat every game is certainly working. Ten points from the last four games is a very healthy return but I have now dropped down to joint 9th in the Prediction League from being top at the start of my quest to save our Premiership status.
Thank you. We are all doing our own part in our own ways.
If Andy Carole is fit to play, and we cant match his physicality or heading prowess, and if Boly is not fit, and they won`t play Kilman despite his height then Bruce must be licking his lips with our current defence. Expect an airiel bombardment of sorts.
Working on the training pitch won`t make our players taller or more physical, so much depends on the line ups, and yes the one striker is injured, but nobody has mentioned the lumbering donkey with the pony tail.
This game is very winnable, can`t see further that a 1-0 score, I just hope its in our favour.
He’s a big girl’s blouse with a big girl’s hairdo and a big girlie name.
Nothing wrong with girls. Some of my best friends are girls.
Absolutely agree Mark. Carroll will be straining at the leash to play having seen our defence of set pieces. Kilman is a much safer choice , especially for this game.
My heart – and a fair chunk of my head too – says we will win 2-0 but as I am currently hitting the previously unheard of heights and sitting joint top of the predictions league (top on alphabetical order) and I have my sights set on the £10,000 first prize ……………what? what do you mean the first prize isn’t £10,000? what? there isn’t a prize at all?
Oh well I am still playing the percentages game this week and with our previous 5 meetings since promotion under Nuno ending 2-1 (with a last minute winner), 1-1, 1-1, 1-1 and 1-1 my selection this week is going to be no real surprise at a 1-1 draw.
I had my Covid jab today – yes I know even someone as young as me ! – and so far the only side-effect I have noticed is that I tend to repeat myself.
I had my Covid jab today – yes I know even someone as young as me ! – and so far the only side-effect I have noticed is that I tend to repeat myself.
I had my Covid jab today – yes I know even someone as young as me ! – and so far the only side-effect I have noticed is that I tend to repeat myself.
I had my Covid jab today – yes I know even someone as young as me ! – and so far the only side-effect I have noticed is that I tend to repeat myself.
I had my Covid jab today – yes I know even someone as young as me ! – and so far the only side-effect I have noticed is that I tend to repeat myself.
I had my Covid jab today – yes I know even someone as young as me ! – and so far the only side-effect I have noticed is that I tend to repeat myself.
I had my Covid jab today – yes I know even someone as young as me ! – and so far the only side-effect I have noticed is that I tend to repeat myself.
I had my Covid jab today – yes I know even someone as young as me ! – and so far the only side-effect I have noticed is that I tend to repeat myself.
OODCL
It’s when you start to repeat yourself that you have worry.
Velly welly done Bredders… we can awl speak Mandarin now… aaaahso…
Great news for you mate…
It’s Mandolin, you plick
Funny. I had mine last week and had no side effects at all.
Funny. I had mine last week and had no side effects at all.
Funny. I had mine last week and had no side effects at all.
Correct …. No prize for winning…. unless you have a t shirt made!
Oh yes I forgot you won all them years ago. That was back in the day when only about 12 people took part wasn’t it? 😉
Cheeky bugger. There were at least 13. Good luck mate.
Defo possible to win this one.
Newcastle United v Wolves
Quite a similarity between the conurbations of the North East and the Black Country. Both steeped in manufacturing history, both areas have seen a massive decline in their respective manufacturing and industrial base over the past 3 decades or so, and both have a footballing past to be proud of stretching back into the mists of time. Indeed, the last major trophy won by NUFC was the Inter Cities Fairs Cup in 1969 – the forerunner of the EUFA cup. Similar to Wolves their best days came in the 1950’s when led by the formidable “Wor” Jackie Milburn the club won the FA cup on 3 occasions. Amazingly they have not won the top flight since 1927 – probably the closest being when Kevin Keegan lost the plot in that rant against Man Utd/Alex Ferguson.
I should imagine it was quite a poignant day last week along the Newcastle dockside which has been exporting coal since the Middle Ages. (Or perhaps nobody gave a toss). At its peak over 56 million tonnes of coal each year were loaded and shipped out along the River Tyne dockyards from Newcastle to Wallsend and Jarrow. Last week the final shipment of coal was loaded onto a vessel – just 12,000 tonnes bound for Belgium. Newcastle and the surrounding mining areas were known as the “coal capital” of the world.
(Idiom – Like Taking Coals to Newcastle. Definition – To do something pointless or redundant, especially when the action would contribute to an existing surplus).
Added to this the death of shipbuilding in Newcastle Upon Tyne (over 1,000 vessels were built along the Tyne by the likes of Swan Hunter) and Sunderland has meant the region has virtually lost a lot of its identity. Mind you, shipbuilding has long had issues in the area as it was the closure of a local shipyard – Palmers – which led to the Jarrow March when 200 unemployed dockhands and stevedores marched the 300 miles to London in 1936 as a protest against the unemployment level which was over 70%. They must have been really grim times during the acute 1930’s depression. Even in August 1970 walking from the coach park in Benwell to St James’s Park, it was probably the most depressing place I had ever seen at that time. (As depicted in the 1971 classic gangster film “Get Carter” with Michael Caine).
Fast forward to 1st January 1990 and another march took place – this time the march of Wolves supporters going to Newcastle. It became known as “Air Wolf 90” when 6 Monarch Boeing 737’s and 757’s organised by Muriel and Albert Bates of the official supporters’ club, plus a private charter of a turbo prop by Hatherton Wolves and another plane chartered by the (then owners) Gallagher Brothers for friends and family, transported over 1,000 supporters to the fixture at St James’s Park. Logistically it must have been a bit fraught as 26 coaches had to be laid on at either end as well. Quite remarkable for New Year’s Day! Some of the supporters had never previously flown at all but, by all accounts it was an unforgettable day out.
Unfortunately, I missed the trip as New Year’s Day was sacrosanct in our family because this was when mum had the whole family round to her cottage near Bridgnorth for a get-together followed by a feast. Home matches, yes, I could just about manage that – away trip to Newcastle? It was not even on the agenda.
What made the day even more memorable of course was the scoring feat of a certain William George Bull as he scored all 4 goals as Wolves made the journey home for the “Air Wolf 90” gang (plus of course those who made the long trip by road) probably one of the most cherished away games ever.
Yes, listening to Sports Report I was obviously in 7th heaven with Wolves’ victory but this, I have to admit, was tinged with a bit of envy. Really it could not have gone any better and having just watched the goals again on YouTube it made me realise yet again just how lethal Steve Bull was and how he was ably supported that day by Andy Mutch, Paul Cook, Robbie Dennison etc. (John Paskin and Dennison also clouted the bar).
Also, worth a mention was goalkeeper Mark Kendall who saved penalty and made some fine saves before the goal fest started.
Never has the Bully trademark aeroplane celebration seemed so fitting!
To those Bloggers who made the trip, especially as a member of Air Wolf 90, something to tell your children or even grandchildren by now. Plus a big well done to Albert and Muriel Bates for sticking by the club during the dark days of the 1980’s.
Forecast tomorrow 4-1 to Wolves. What else! A repeat is on the cards!
I attach a couple of photos from 1970’s Newcastle including St James’s Park and the towering floodlight pylons. I do miss floodlight pylons and the excitements of trying to spot them through the train or coach window on an away day.
Bedfordshire Old Gold
BOG
Wolves 4
Newcastle 1
Excellent as ever BOG. My sis had a nice letter from your mate, so thanks for emailing. Sorry to hear Elaine has not been well.
Cheers Marnhull
I was amazed at the coincidence- it really is a small world in reality.
Unfortunately Elaine has been in hospital a couple of times recently but hopefully she will be home soon.
Phil and I travelled to countless games together and share some unforgettable (and totally forgettable, this is Wolves after all) memories!
Have a nice weekend and let’s all celebrate 3 points tonight.
BOG
You mentioned the Navi in your 1st post, yep I did go in there, the Oak was my true local though.
I used to work at the Esso garage, Fowells, think it was still going when you were in the village?
Very small world a beer or two when we finally get to meet up, that’s for sure.
Steve… aka Marnhull Wolves.
Hello Steve – aka Marnhull.
We lived in Gnosall 78/79 before moving back to the Wolverhampton area. (Wednesfield).
Yes I can recall the garage – I think it was on the main road Stafford through to Newport?
The Navigation was our “local” usually on a Friday night. Occasionally I think we had a pint in the Oak – but I can’t quite place where it is. High Street maybe?
Agree totally about having a couple of sherbets once we are “allowed out” to football again.
We generally travel by train to Wolverhampton for the match so I guess a good place would be the Great Western which serves Bathams and Holdens plus some excellent cheese and onion cobs. However any pub is fine by me.
Probably be next season at this rate, although the last fixture of the season is a possibility.
Onto Tuesday – well they don’t come much tougher but you never know.
All the best
Mike – aka BOG
Your on Mike. I drive up from Dorset, so sounds like a good place to meet.
Yep, garage was on the Newport Rd and the Oak was on the corner of Wharf Rd and Newport Rd, near the fire station.
Look forward to seeing you soon.
Steve
Great reminiscing BOG. I was there on the New Year’s Day 4-0, one of those wolves games that will always stick in my memory. Me and my brother flew up, like many others. Loads went in fancy dress. For some reason I went as a Roman gladiator and my brother as friar tuck! God knows why and the fact we were both wearing open toed sandals meant we were bloody freezing by the end of the game. If memory serves me right the game was billed as the bully vs Micky Quinn shoot out. To say the “ mighty Quinn “ was getting the piss taken by the end of the game would be a massive understatement. I’m pretty sure too most of the players tell the story that they had a few over the eight on New Year’s Eve and didn’t feel they had sobered up until the start of the second half. What a day and what a memory thanks for bringing it flooding back!
Nice one Sutton and a great story. Thanks for sharing your experience on that wonderful day for Wolves supporters.
I am jealous! Even 31 years later I look at the celebrating Wolves followers behind the goal where Bully scored all his goals and think what a special day it must have been. Apart from Darren Roberts at Birmingham (at least I think it was him) I simply can’t remember any other Wolves player scoring 4 away from home.
Yes I also recall someone telling me certain Wolves players had “one over the 8” beforehand.
What a lark! What a day you all must have had and what memories! Tremendous.
Have a great weekend.
BOG
Cheers BOG. I think David Connolly scored 4 for us when we put 6 past Bristol city away one year. I think Colin lee might have been the manager at the time? Hope you have a great weekend too!
Bang on the money.! Well remembered. David Connolly……6/1.
I had totally forgotten about that game. 1998 – 23 years ago. Blimey.
I believe that was the match when the original Wolfie mascot had a right old ding-dong with their mascots on the pitch.
Hilarious.
William George Bull? That would have made him Billy Bull! Not to be confused with his brother Terry. Terry Bull. 😉
OODCL
Well spotted ..
What on earth made me put WGB ?
Oh I know – today’s deliberate mistake!
Ermmmmm maybe not!
?
George Bull his dad used to sit next to us in the new stand, in the days we had red seats. Nice chap, always chatted.
Yours looks a good team Thomas, although I might prefer Kilman to Saiss, just for extra height and less chance of a penalty.
Newcastle are a better team than their league position, and fans, would have us believe and will be a good test for our new found confidence.
But I hope for, and expect, a win on Saturday, with Pedro and Adama discovering that they have a new centre forward to pass to, should they ever feel the need.
I’m going to stop now because yesterday I spilt a glass of beer over my Apple keypad (should have been cider shouldn’t it?) and I’m using an old one, which is as slow and clunky as the sandwell defence, until a replacement arrives. (90 bloody quid!).
That’s an expensive pint!
Nearly forgot.
RIP Graham Hughes.
Wolves through and through and a true gent.
Hundreds of people might have cursed his name as they sat, soaking wet, in the stand named after him, but he’s a legend, and will be missed.
Breakthrough tomorrow as have found a pub ….The Kezar ( next to old 49ers stadium) down in SFO to take my long suffering Geordie friend Alex..to watch the game. Noon kick off so very civilized.
Feeling like we can shake off the inevitable 1-1 results and get the second goal. Traore to upstage St Max and Or Miggy to trip over a lot.
Start of a fine end to the season now on the horizon…been saying it
OODCL
PS thanks again to BOG,,,,simply brilliant post
Well I’ve predicted SFA correctly for yonks so here’s another poor attempt
Probably a draw but wouldn’t surprise me if we won. Will the pressure from Fulham behind them become to much? Jose to get his first goal
With The Penalty King (or should I say VAR howler) in charge tomorrow , t think we’re in for another refereeing debacle of biblical proportions….
Yes … it’s the MIKE DEAN SHOW coming to you at 20:00 hrs.
That aside .. there’s no reason why we can’t rub Mike Ashley’s nose further into the relegation dung heep, and maybe, just maybe he’ll claim some more furlough money to pay for all the admin staff, currently dreading relegation and ultimately the dole queue….
There is no earthly reason for us not to give the ‘Howay the lads’ a whooping tomorrow and give Shearer the chance to eat some ‘stotty cake.’ (Is that Geordie ?) on MOTD.
We’ve got all the Aces to trump those at the Bladen races…..
Jose and a Neves penalty (thanks Mike) on the scoresheet….
We’d be better off with Pearl & Dean refereeing. Ba- ba, ba-ba, ba-ba-ba-ba, ba-ba-ba, ba-ba, ba-ba, ba-ba-ba, Ba!
RIP Graham Hughes. I love your stand bc, sometimes, it was the only place I could get a ticket. And some nice people (exceptthe chap who was always moaning about Dendoncker), who didn’t mind swapping so us siblings could sit together.
I’m still waiting for us to click and unleash the goals but I doubt this is the game.
2-1 has been a good score prediction for me but I would prefer a strong defensive performance.
I’m staying with a winning formula – another sneaky win!
Newcastle are in trouble both on and off the pitch but what would you do if you were Steve Bruce? They need three points , they’ve got to go for it, they’ll use Andy Carroll at the far post to climb all over Donk or Saiss (who are converted midfielders and short of 6ft tall) with Dwight Gayle sniffing around Coady for the knock downs. Predictable, yes but very hard to stop. Desperate measures for desperate reasons.
We have to have our heads right and be clinical when opportunities arise to counter and score. No silly fouls near our box (remember the two points thrown away at Molineux and our League position if we had them) and for God’s sake mark players not spaces when defending set plays.
We’re good enough to win but fighting to avoid relegation is a strong motivation.
BG – I agree with much of what you say (and your score prediction) but officially Dendoncker is 6’2” and Saiss is 6’3”.
I hope Wolves will win, and it would be very pleasant if for once we won comfortably, but that’s just not how it goes.
What with our cunning plan of waiting until the second half to do some attacking, and our opponents tendency to play two defenders against our ace wingers, goals are in short supply.
It would be good for the team if Jose eventually scores a goal.
Hopefully with players coming back from injury ,we can push on and try and get a run of results,then who knows what we can achieve.
With Jimenez back in training and Podence + Boly back in contention who knows. Look on the bright side we are in a better position than we were a month ago…
On that I’m going for a win.
2-1 to me babbies.???
We’re playing a team that’s feeling a certain sense of desperation. A dangerous situation against a capable foe. Wolves prevail!
Let’s Go Wolves!
Obvious draw but it really really is time for Jose to perform…say a hat trick would be nice..
Traore to steam roller the inside route
which to me is out of position but that’s Nuno’s advanced strategy ..
Netto in goal nxt…
Slightly cynical I know..,
I don’t like Bruce and love to see his face on MOTD if we win..
COYW !!
I feel unusually optimistic about this game. Maybe because we have reverted to a back 3. All we need to do now is to start playing football earlier (sometime in the first half will do).
Would love to see Jose getting a goal. Although he has been quiet but effective, seems to be lacking confidence in having a go. As if someone is going to shout at him if he dares to take a shot. Would also like to see Neves and Mautinho taking the odd pot shot from outside the area. They too seem to be reluctant to do so.
So let’s sneak an early goal to boost our morale.
Our good uns just about outnumber theirs I think. Should win. Hopefully bag a few overdue goals in this one.
Hope I am wrong.
Difficult enough to predict the winner without having to take the idiot with the whistle and his showman’s antics into account. Let’s hope he pull’s something in the first 10 minutes and has to go off.
Wolves to sneak it 4 – 0
I urge all bloggers to go the wolves website and read Paul Berry’s lovely tribute to Graham Hughes. I met him briefly a couple of times so would not profess to know him at all but you cannot help being moved by the tribute.
Given I haven’t had a correct prediction for a very, very long time, I decided to ask my daughter for her insight.
We’re good at 2-0 away wins at St. James’ so I’ll go with Pedro brace….
Here goes…Jose to get a hat trick.
Who’s gonna deny me my dream.?..
I’m warning our chaps about what they will find as the team bus travels in to Newcastle today. With the temperature slightly above freezing this will be warm enough for t shirts, shorts and flip flops amongst the locals. View at your peril as a 20 stone lady with an arse bigger than Birmingham International airport pushes a pram (sponsored by Newcastle Brown Ale) down the street as the ‘wee bairn” within smokes an Embassy Filter whilst clutching a bottle of stella. On to the game and while last week we were up against a manager who likes to shit in a bucket, this week we are up against a manager with a face like a bucket of shit. And come the 95th minute the ugly exterior will be contorted with rage thus requiring Sky TV cameras to avoid showing his face as it will scare the viewers. For WWFC will have just dished out a sound thrashing by 3 goals to 1 with Adama Neto and Big Willy 2 on the scoresheet. As a riot ensues in Byker Grove the players troop off and Steve Bruce head explodes the fog on the Tyne descends but it’s too late to save the game. After the game Nuno said “The boys did a good game. I hope they managed to stitch Steve’s head back together. Hopefully it will improve his face”. Steve Bruce said ” I blame it all on Mike Ashley. And Byker Grove was shit anyway. I preferred Grange Hill”. Toon 1 WWFC 3.
Sad to hear about Graham Hughes passing away . I had the pleasure of meeting him on a couple of occasions . Really lovely chap . Hope we win today in his honour
Thomas, I definitely don’t want Traore and/or Neto skinning their man out wide and then putting in pointless crosses out of the reach of any Wolves player with a pulse. They may think they’re doing their job but it’s not enough; the end product must have real goal threat. The wins against Saints and Leeds proved that they are better cutting in like old-fashioned inside forwards, preferably Traore from the left and Neto from the right. These guys look scary in full flight, and I want to see them attacking the penalty area more than they do. Look how may times they get fouled in midfield, as that can be the only way to stop them. Let’s see them get fouled in the box for a change. We are gradually getting more penalties and in Neves we have our spot kick ace. I think it’s partially a psychological thing with referees. Penalty for City? Of course. Penalty for Manure? Of Course. I want that sort of thinking for Wolves. It’s a fact that a weak-ish penalty awarded by the referee to these teams will probably not be overturned by VAR. It’s also a fact that the same weakish penalty NOT awarded by the referee against these teams will probably not be awarded by VAR! This is a glaring anomaly of a loophole, the ‘clear and obvious error’ test, It definitely favours the big teams. A penalty should be a penalty, regardless if the referee has, or has not, awarded it…
With Jose fed more than a few scraps, he might just break the ice today. I’d like to see Silva given more than five minutes to make a mark. He comes on and maybe tries too hard because of the brief chance. It might be a novel idea to tell him he will start today, and play at least 45 minutes. That might settle him down. I’ve put money on a win today and also a win with BTTS. 3-1.
What, no ‘0-0 at half time’, or ‘Wolves to come from behind and win’?!
Sadly for me, I can never have a bet that involves the other team scoring.
Well, the only way for Wolves to come from behind and win is if the other team scores. Sometimes I just go for a win with a clean sheet. I would never just bet on Wolves to win with BTTS because a clean sheet win would see me lose my bet! I will only take both bets if the one with the inferior odds shows me a decent overall profit on both bets, so I have to bet different money on each. If the odds offered are rubbish I don’t bet at all. Forget your fancy-pants 0-0 at half-time stuff! Not so sadly for me, my best wins were the ones that required the other team to score. Nuno’s counter- attacking strategy in the first two PL seasons left me little choice as it has so often depended on us coming from behind to win.
True, but as Wolves have conceded first so often, and then usually fight back, it counts as a positive ‘Wolves to win’ bet, and leaves room for hope after going behind. I don’t do BTTS, only a goal in each half, so that could be us or them !
Good luck with your bets.
But he started several games before Jose came in and many were complaining vociferously about his contribution.
Big opportunity tonight to win well – it’s rarely that straightforward..
Got my jab yesterday, and can confirm it does not affect the taste of beer!
No result would really surprise me, but feel Wolves will win a hard fought win!
Analyse this Shearer…
No need.
Our defending against inswinging free kicks has been pretty dire of late so I hope Boly is back – just in case that great hairy lump Carroll is playing.
With Mike Dean as ref a penalty is nailed on – just hope it goes our way. Providing Dean doesn’t have a shocker we can win this.
Agree about set pieces defending Cannock.
There could well be more goals here than most seem to expect – possible aerial bombardment and an “after the Lord Mayor’s show ” effect by our defence which could be offset by Willian opening his account and even Fabio tapping in a late one. Still think we’ll win, but by perhaps the odd goal in five.
COYW
7am kick off so a civilised time to watch the game.
I predict our recent form to continue to improve.
Jose to score his first and Traore to get a bit closer than last week and score.
Surely must have plenty of goals
Let’s hope we go with the same team and a higher energy start to the game.
Another hour from Johnny will be great. I also prefer Traore playing more central or left which gives Semedo more space to flourish.
Neto is on fire at the moment, so another goal from him please, plus maybe an assist for Jose to bag his first.
On the anniversary of a game in Barcelona in sunshine and my most recent trip on foreign soil its a win from me.
….and the sun is shining here too this year, so it’ll be a very, very late winner from Neto just because it needs to be done.
Should be a good game . They are fighting for survival and we are trying to climb the league.
As it’s my sons 18th birthday today I am going with a wolves win
COYW
Wish him a very happy birthday from theDOOGooder household, Dodgster.
Will do and best wishes
Not at all confident yet, although our play seems to be improving. We have had some longoverdue luck lately and I’m hoping it continues. I’ve absolutely no idea how this game will go, but just hope a good week on the training pitch will have helped in getting this line up to gel into the well oiled team we used to see.
I must go for a three two win for our lads. I also hope the boys can set up some chances for Willian Jose, who often impresses with his touches but is not yet able to read his team mates play; not easy to do with Traore.
On that point I feel we have lost the two guys who read his play best; Doherty and Jimenez. Jonny has looked to tire after an hour, and, with more play, it will be interesting to see if he can manage the whole game or not. Ait-Nouri coming on for a spell late on should be okay though. It’s time for Gibbs-White to come to the fore or be sold next window; some good skill but a lack of pace and strength at this level are not a good sign; hope I am wrong.
It’s that time of the season that will show who leaves and who stays so let’s hope some of the youngsters step up to the plate as Neto has…
I’m a bit wary of this game, we must be careful not to get ahead of ourselves after two sketchy wins. I don’t believe we will dominant any team in the PL until Jonny, Willy and Raul are back fully fit. Fortunately, we have had the rub of the green lately and with Mike Dean in charge, our wingers should get their rewards if continually fouled. It won’t have gone beyond Bruce’s notice that our defensive weakness is from set pieces and let’s hope work has been done on our offside plan and more authority from Rui at corners. Andy Carroll may have little pace but he can create problems in an aerial assault and this is likely to be their main threat. Happy with a point and no injuries. Onwards then to Tuesday,and to p..s on Man City’s chips.
Carroll will be a threat at set pieces. The best way to avoid offering him chances is not to
commit cavalier fouls on either flank and to not to concede corners.
Or for me to keep him off the pitch!
Neves , Neto Jose
Us to win
Wolves win in memory of Graham Hughes. RIP.
COYW
Got my jab last saturday.
The only side affect was the nurse confirmed that I would be able to play the violin after the injection.
Three points to the boys in red
They will keep it tight and be a threat from set pieces.
No thoughts other than us to win.
Hoping we can squeeze a win. Never easy up there.
last time we played a premier league came on our wedding anniversary we won 4-0 (Blackpool)
Sod it ….COYW
We are making them look like Brazil. Let’s hope it’s another 2nd half show by Wolves.
Good point away from home in the Prem. Will take it. I noticed the Gloom merchants out on social media again. You know where you can go. Down the A41.
Give it a rest and start ignoring such shite, Cheese.
Cant. It annoys me . If after 25 mins we are not like Man City and beating everyone 4-0. The moaning and groaning is quite unbelievable. Sorry but that is me. It just does my f**kin head in. Best team we have had for 50 years. And moan moan moan. Soz. They can f**k off.
I know mate. Does annoy me too. I am happy with the point … away from home. But we should be playing better.
We should just be happy we aren’t in League 1. Can I hear an amen?
Is that sarcasm ? Or being sensible ?
Actually it’s got nothing to do with being ‘happy we are not in League 1’ or whether you were at Chorley . It’s about appreciating where we are now. And not constantly moaning about it.
Just like this forum is not political, it is deffo not religious, thank dog!
Frustrated should have won that……..how many times has Silva come on and had chances to win it at the death I make it three…..the kid cannot finish that might seem harsh but 6 yards from goal should of buried it……..2 points dropped again.
That’s should ‘have’ Paul. Otherwise you are correct.
That’s “should’ve”, Paul.
My predictive text is in Itakian and I cannot get it off….!
Can’t blame Silva. One chance and the keeper keeps it out with his shoulder.
Should have headed downwards.
Looking to next season we all know we need a creative midfielder and our ball
retention is poor. We cannot improve without better possession stats. Not sure about
Willian not enough movement for me. A measure of how well we are performing is how
well we defend particularly in the first halves and only up our game once 1 nil down ! Not
great to watch ! Let’s hope Nuno gets the players to do it.Would not retain any of the loan
players .
Agree Jose it seems is not the answer and for the money he would cost I’d get the lad at Brentford scorched 25 goals this season Watkins has made the step up I’m sure this lad could do the same and probably get him for him for the same money as Jose if not less.
Championship harder League than La Liga. I’d send Silvia on loan to the Championship toughen him up he might even score some goals.
Problem is, Brentford look as though they are one of the teams to replace the shit, so will want to hold on to him.
Not sure Toney would trust us enough to agree to a signing. By all accounts he was pretty devastated when we collapsed the last signing on medical grounds.
Amazingly Wolves actually managed 52% possession last night.
Entertaining game where we struggled to impose ourselves for long periods. Draw a fair result after two astonishing saves. Good to see Jonny have 90 mins. Adams electric and a nice cameo from Fabio who got into a great position for his chance. No drama from MD either.
Probably a fair result but we have got to start better than that against Citeh on Tuesday night or we could be in big trouble!
Will be totally different . That is football.
Charmed 1 point how Saiss stopped that goal was amazing ..Traore magnificent
Shame we couldn’t of robbed Bruce at the end…Silva’s closest miss..did Jose play?
Win at Man City coming… the stars are lining up..
Jose made the run that created the space for Neves to get into the penalty area! And score! With his head!
Tactical player indeed
We can cal him the wanderer
I thought the game was a microcosm of our season to date. Brief periods of attacking fluidity punctuated with defensive fragility and on the whole not really quite good enough to take the game by the scruff of the neck. It’s another point to take us closer to safety, so, I think we just move on. Next 3 games are Man City, villa and Liverpool so any improvement to our points tally at the end of that will be positive. One thing that made me chuckle was Nuno’s post match interview where the interviewer asserted that going behind in games was becoming a regular occurrence and Nuno denied it . Its only happened 17 times in 26 games this season.
Nothing to do with this game but should the FA have the grace to refund Nuno’s fine for his comments re Lee Mason, given the plonkers abject performance at the shit on Saturday.