The main difference between this season and last season has been not conceding the first goal every week.
Aside from the miracle turnaround at Villa Park we still haven’t looked great when chasing games.
Last night was no exception. Plenty of pressure and good intentions after falling behind but never really looking likely to pick the lock.
Leaning on our defensive resilience and catching teams out when the game is stretched is our best chance with the players at our disposal and that will again be the plan in the second leg of our North London double header on Sunday.
Spurs
It started well for Antonio Conte but an iffy January window and back-to-back league defeats have dampened some of the enthusiasm.
As it is for Arsenal, West Ham and Man Utd, none of these teams are continually excelling so it’s all very much to play for in the hunt for Champions League football.
Scored 28 and conceded 27 underlines the problem – not particularly prolific or defensively robust.
It’s all just a bit ‘meh’ and that’s the challenge facing Conte, to shape this team and give them some sort of meaningful identity.
A few more goals from Harry Kane would help and with just five on the board in the league this season he’s fallen well short of previously high standards.
Wolves
We missed João Moutinho against Arsenal and I hope he’s fit enough for consideration on Sunday.
Chiquinho probably did enough to suggest he could be worthy of a start but may be better from the bench in what could be a bit of a chess match.
I’m not sure why Marcal was suddenly in the team last night but Ait-Nouri should return for this one. It would be great to see Jonny get some minutes, even if it’s just a short cameo from bench.
I found Podence’s performance infuriating against Arsenal and he needs to focus more on the basics than always going for the Hollywood moment in areas of the pitch it’s ill-advisable. If Hwang was fit enough to start, I’d be putting him in, but it’s probably too soon even if he recovers from his back spasm.
Last time out
Deli Alli won and scored a slightly dodgy penalty at Molineux earlier in the season to give them the victory on Nuno’s return. We should have got something from that game. It was another tight contest in the League Cup but again Spurs edged it on penalties after Wolves fought back from two goals down to level the tie.
They also won 2-0 in this fixture last season and probably should have increased that margin as Wolves were limping to the finish line by that point.
Predictions
Well done to AussieWolf, Chesterwolf and Steppenwolfe for all getting a maximum by correctly predicting a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal.
Cannock Wolf leads the way at the top of the overall table at the end of Gameweek 22.
As always, if you’d like to join in, it’s simple – just leave your prediction in the comment section below using the boxes provided. Then repeat for every preview article throughout the season, making sure you always use the same email address to make your prediction. Your email is what ties you to your overall score.
You can read my prediction for the game in the comment section below.
Up The Wolves!
Polite request – when commenting in the preview article after the game has finished, can you not place score predictions in the boxes, please? It confuses the system. Many thanks.
The pressure is on them to get a result and I think they might just edge it based on quality in the final third. Harry Kane normally does well against us so keeping him quiet, even when he’s not at his best, will be a big challenge.
If we can get on the ball and ask some questions of a creaking, mistake-laden Spurs defence, there’s every chance we can inflict more pain on them after their midweek misery, but I worry we’re too passive to strike in the key moments.
Hi, just checking you got my webmail message re the prediction League Tom? Thanks
I did Avebury and I replied mate. Assume not received, so will forward again. Check your spam folder.
Managed to snaffle an invite from a Spurs client so get to revisit Shite Hart Lane and hopefully get Raul firing again
Shite hart lane is a strange comment considering it’s the best stadium in the world
Not hopeful we gambled on what we have with the hope of Bruno continuing to perform miracles but has run out of solutions or should I say quality in the squad.
Even with Neto and Jonny on the mend they will still be a long way off match fitness and judging by Raul’s efforts since he’s returned from injury we may not see the best of them this season.
Four weeks ago the season promised so much if only Jeff and Co: could see the opportunity right under there nose not just to have a good seas but to have a great season.
It’s the hope that kills you.
We have quality wingers in Podence and Chiquinho. I won’t mention Neto yet, it’s too soon. Thinking he’ll return and be able to dominate matches is wishful thinking. I’d wish we had a really good striker which could play alongside Jimenez. Some bad decisions have been taken – the next one is the direct swap deal with Barcelona: Traore for Trincao, or what do you think? Trincao has shown some potential, but he isn’t exactly a danger man. Needs to show some predatory instinct, or Lage has to use him in another role. It would perhaps have been intersting to play him as a door opener behind Jimenez in a 5-3-2 formation.
I have to admire, or maybe question your optimism Kharkir in suggesting that we might score 4 goals against anyone. The fact is we really struggle to score at all. You suggest we need someone to partner with Raul, but I’m seriously doubtful of that helping much because Raul is nothing like the player he once was anymore anyway and we haven’t got another predatory type to call upon. We have Hwang and he’s probably the best we have, but our failure to buy in the window is going to torpedo our chances of finishing in the European placing I fear, when had we bolstered our resources in the market we might even have reached the top 4. Given that we didn’t take the plunge I seriously wish we’d kept Adama but Fosun seem more focused on balancing their books rather than pushing forward with their football club.
Spurs don’t amount to much just now but I find it hard to predict us scoring at all I’m afraid, which explains my prediction…..
Hoping for a vast improvement in the final 1/3 on Sunday … it’s seems to be the issue with individuals making poor decisions when in front of goal …. We’re missing a player to change things (no need to go there now) and I’d have to repeat that still the Jimenez form has not reached even 50% pre injury levels ….but Spurs ain’t too shiny in defence either ….
Not looking forward to this one. Of the two matches, Arsenal was the more winnable one and would have pushed us up to 6th place, temporarily. I said all autumn long that we had enough talent to tread water around midtable till the January window. Then, assuming 2/3 quality signings, I could see a strong challenge for Europe. Sadly, we didn’t get the signings and we’re arguably weaker with Traore’s departure. When he was playing, Traore was like a Lamborghini revving up, and single-handedly able to change a game like no other player, save Jota. Unless we’re going to bring in a free-agent striker we must make do and mend. Against Spurs I’d play Silva for 45 minutes to reduce the dependence on Jimenez. 2-1 Spurs I’m afraid. Roll on the day we have Neto back to match sharpness.
If they score first, it’s all over.
If we score first, it’s gotta be 6-7 surely.
So,,,,,,
Come on you wolves
There‘s a bit of a lack of belief around at the moment. Sadly I’m sharing it.
We often look a bit like that Banksy installation that looked great – until it got shredded. Much like said Banksy we’re never completely shredded but the end result is much the same.
I’m not sure we have in our armoury what’s needed to fix us in the short term but on our day we are as good as any team outside the top three.
Let’s cross everything and hope Sunday is our day.
WOLVES 1-1 T.H.
.
Be careful what you wish for, is an old saying, but still relevant.
If we aspire to be a top six club, and play in Europe, and we have to become like Arsenal, Spurs Manure etc., then I don’t want it.
If that is what “football” has become to those clubs, then they are welcome to it, and I would be happier playing the so called lesser clubs.
What utter boring shit they served up.
At least when Wenger was in charge, they had some great players, and at times were unstoppable, but that dross last night was as far from football as I am from dating Jennifer Aniston, again.
I remember when we used to travel to away matches, and it seemed the whole of Don Everall’s fleet was in convoy across the country, streaming all manner of scarves and banners, and last night it seemed that same fleet was in front of the Arsenal goal.
Boring, boring, friggin’ boring.
That said, the fact that we could not break down such a defense meant we were pretty much as woeful as them.
I rarely criticize individuals on here, but Trincao, Donk, Silva and Marcal were pretty shit, and poor old Raul needs a break.
We haven’t scored a goal since the winter break, and after our last two outings, it don’t look like we’ll score until the next one!
We owe Spurms a tanking, and I think Bruno will finally lose his rag with some of our underachievers from the last two games, and either stick a size 10 up their arses or just drop them and play a few kids.
We WILL win in North London, Kane will get at least one booking for hacking down our new winger, while thinking he is Traore, and Conte will pull all his hair out while screaming up and down the touchline at anyone who will listen.
Oh, like everyone else with 100% hindsight, I really wish we hadn’t sold Jota, Doherty, Traore, and while we’re at it, why did we let Afobe, Douglas, Bennet, Costa, Cavaleiro , Alun Evans, and everyone else in the history of our club who went on to better things, go????
Get over it!!
Quite agree Clive regarding Arsenal’s ‘tactics’. Arteta should be made to explain the number of red cards his team are being awarded- there is a clear lead from the manager to play the game without due regard to the rules. As for Martin Keown to state that it was ‘unsporting’ for two yellow cards to be given together, is beyond parody. Fully support the referees in trying to keep the game moving when only one team has any desire to play.
That Jennifer Aniston comment really hit home. 1 lv.
Not sure on this one. Can’t predict a loss so maybe a draw..
Be nice to keep cheating Kane off the scoresheet.
Bounce back win
Who knows?
Perhaps we will get an OG or a nailed on penalty ?
Let’s start with the best team we can (rather than Trincao Marcal and Donk)
Get a goal and hang on a la Gunners
I’d take it
PS still think Podence is our best player .. if only he wasn’t such a powder puff
I’ve given it plenty of thought and I can only conclude that David Moyes nust hate cats as well
Wolves to win
How can any red blooded male hate pussies, I mean cats?
We lost against Arsenal so we pick up the pieces and fight on! Spurs are as inconsistent as everyone else, and if we play as we can we will have a great chance, so we fight on! We lost two marginal VAR decisions, and on another night at least one would have gone out way, so we fight on!
We lost that battle last night, but we have not lost the war, so we fight on! No sir, no matter the result last night, we will be fighting on. None of this giving up rubbish or moaning for me, just good old fashioned passion with a bit of swearing in between! And did I mention, — we fight on!
A major test for Bruno and his staff to lift the boys after the bruising encounter last night. If Joao and Hwang are fit I fancy an upset but like Prawny above, I fear the worst. OODCL
I really liked the look of Chiquinho, and believe he’ll compensate for the loss of Traore. We’re sure to play well again, but may not win – after all this is the Premier League.
For some reason I was reflecting on Walsall FC last night – remembering how they had to apply for re-election to the fourth division South every year. Always kept trying though. Now we’ve got the likes of Morecambe and Fleetwood playing in the EFL.
It is indeed a funny old game, but we can be happy to have a team playing at the top level, entertaining their fans every week.
Actually that was the THIRD division south wasn’t it. It was some time ago !
We are good enough to stop anyone scoring but conceding from set pieces ought to be on Bruno’s agenda. The last three goals conceded.
Sadly , can’t see where a goal is coming from.
Andre Marriner (Villa fan) is on duty with VAR yet again. So I will personally visit Stockley Park armed with an enormous custard pie and shove it in his fuckin ‘1982’ face. This will ensure he is unable to see the game and come up with any more ridiculous decisions like he did at Citeh when his VAR cameras were unable to see the ball had hit Moutinho on the back when even the New Horizons space craft which is currently in the outer reaches of the Solar System in the Kuiper Belt could actually see it. Along with Gary f**king Lineker on MOTD. AND what is at Stockley Park. Are there swings and a duck pond ? And old people with Tartan shopping trolleys eating a picnic ? I don’t know but i know Marriner is there somewhere and the custard pie is destined for his wanky Villa face. So. With Marriner out of the picture I will dress up as Jack Taylor. Invade the premises and give ALL VAR decisions to WWFC. Including sending Antonio Conte off because he is incensed I awarded a goal to WWFC after the ball hit a corner flag. With all this in mind it will be a cake walk and Spurs 0 WWFC 17. After the game Bruno said ” incredible that Andre Marriner gave us all sorts of ddcisions. I suspect someone put a custard pie in his face and he couldn’t see properly. But you take it and move on. And actually I love custard and am having some for tea” SPURS 0 WWFC 17.
Jeez, Cheez. You are a hard act to follow.
Nah mate. I just like to have a laugh. I actually think this will be a draw 1.1. But ill stick with 17-0 for now.
I’ll take that cheesy
1-0
0-0
18-0
As long as we don’t lose
I’m happy
Sound son. Draw will fuckin do.
Yes, I worried before the Arsenal game that our prolific January might have been some kind of magic month and that we might slip back into the habit of finding it hard to score. Spurs are wobbly, a lot less than the sum of their parts that’s for sure. We certainly have a chance to redeem ourselves. But although Kane doesn’t seem to be as sharp recently, he is always a threat and Son has scored 5 on the bounce at home I believe.
I have to favour the home team for this one.
Not feeling great about this one…
Looking for a turn around
I started writing this long ranty diatribe about the whole Adama Jan giveaway thing, but decided I just need to let it go…hoping instead we really step-up another gear and beat Spurs.
Off to do some deep breathing and meditation. UTW
I’ve been tempted, Silver. but there’s no constant like change. Just pray no one tries to assisinate Neves before the end of the season. 1 lv.
After last night’s performance I really have to worry that this season will fizzle out into mid-table obscurity.
As we all know we are a striker short of top 6 position, that and an attacking midfielder/creator. We are easily the equal of all those above us bar the top 3.
Marcal, and I say it again – get rid, we have Ait Nourri and Johnny, both of whom are far superior for that position. Dendonk is beginning to infuriate and if Mouthinho is fit then the Donk doesn’t get a look in. Hopefully Hwang is fit to take Trincao’s place, if not Chiqhuino must start. Now he has gone, take the money for Adama, spend wisely and let Trincao go back home.
As for Spurs I fear the same result I’m afraid – a 1-0 defeat, not that I can let my head rule my heart, so………Wolves 2 Spurs 0.
Get rid of Marcal with no knowledge yet of how Jonny’s knees will stand up to the rigours of full time training and regular matches? There’s sense, no sense and nonsense and the former has no place in your comments I’m afraid, but the latter two are very much applicable.
Thanks for moving on with a fast post Thomas, following disappointment and soul searching. Should’ve scratched a point from somewhere.
‘Dodgy’ doesn’t do justice to a decision so bad they refused to replay the Deli trip on MoTD.
It’s payback time.
Bruno v. Conte showdown on the touchline. Spuds mashed.
1 lv & COYW
Score draw is written on the wall for this one. We have a small buffer between us and those below so even a point will help.
Hopefully we might be able to play a 3-4-3 formation, with 2 decent forwards on either side of Raul. For me any 2 from Hwang, Podence and Chiquinho. Then Mautinho and Neves in the middle.
Hopefully Raul will start firing up again. The service to him has been bad, but he seems far from where he was, even a few weeks ago.
I really can’t see us scoring, but I hope we will play well enough to stop them from scoring. Ergo, a 0-0 prediction from me. (but wouldn’t it be lovely if we won !!).
I don’t see us creating the opportunities to score many at the moment. Fear another disappointment.
Absolutely spot on summary Thomas. Thank you.
Watching the Arsenal game I said to my son we didn’t look like we would score and that became doubly so when they went down to 10 men. We are too easy to defend against when teams sit back. Now more than ever without Traore.
It could easily have been 0-0 but for a scrappy goal. However our paucity in front of goal and inability to change it up whether off the bench or tactically was there for everyone to see. Spot on and brave decision by the ref regarding the red card and I have to say I think they were right about the goal. Sa wasn’t at fault – it was one of those. And had it been the other way round we’d have been livid had it been disallowed.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all bad. We aren’t irretrievably lost. Quite the opposite. We are and were missing Moutinho, who has been awesome this season, and with all due respect, Dendoncker is not a like for like substitute. No way near. Neto. Goodness me we could do with him back at his best. Hwang. Hope he’s fit for today. But Trincao – he doesn’t seem up for it, doesn’t chase list causes, seems a bit lightweight, plays without fire in his belly. Podence can be excellent or indifferent, and Raul is still a way off his best ( no criticism ).
I liked what I saw of Chiquinho. Young, confident and lots of energy. He could prove to be a snip at £3m.
A glance at the table tells you we need strengthening in the attack department. But it’s very much a case of adding to the quality we have not starting from scratch. Many have said we are just a couple of quality signings short of performing at the next level, making that next jump upwards and I would tend to agree.
For tomorrow I’m going with a win for us. Obviously it will be a tight affair but I fancy us to nickel it.
UTW
Nick it.
I liked ‘Nickel it’.
I fancy the Young Pretender to put in a Nickish performance Sunday. 1 lv
I can’t bring myself to comment on the Spurs game until I’ve fully vented my ire on Arteta and his crew of niggly, time wasting, nasty little toe rags.
Can you believe the gall of the man regarding the Martinelli sending off?
“I’ve never seen that (Martinelli’s red). I’ve been 18 years in this country and I’ve never seen something like it.”
“I want explanations about VAR and what happened tonight. They are conversations that are going to happen very soon.”
Well, you absolute dipstick, here’s the conversation and the explanation:-
Your man was sent off for committing two bookable fouls within five seconds of each other.
The referee has the right to play advantage after a foul and come back to the booking after the play has completed.
Unfortunately, your man was stupid enough to not give him the chance.
Get over it!
And seeing you continually prance up and down on the touchline, like a present day Rudolph Nuryev, complaining to the fourth official just makes you look even stupider.
15 red cards since you took over in 2019?
“I want explanations!”.
OK, I’ve calmed down a bit.
Let’s beat Spurs.
We owe them.
The Jimenez red card against Citeh was not a million miles away from Martinelli’s red.
Jimenez was basically booked twice in minutes resulting from the same incident.
Shit happens, Mr Arteta.
Gutted I tipped the right score in the Arsenal game. Seeing as I was coming dead last on the table (for people who have tipped every game) I figured tipping a loss was a sure-fire way to guarantee a victory…
At the moment, we perform better away from home because the home team generally takes it to us meaning we don’t need to be quite so cute to develop opportunities. Hopefully, that means we’ll take at least one.
Plus not having to suffer the humiliation of watching Adama oiling up in a Spuds shirt has got to be worth a goal, at least. 1 lv.
I do feel we will be back up to speed after that daft break we didnt need and we have more than enough in our tank to sort out those jacksy spurs twats.
Yes we do owe them one ..no two…no three … as many as we can stick up them .
Still hate them with as much vitriol as i can muster arrogant cockney tough guy knobs.
And thats just their supporters dont get me started on that “do you know im harry kane you cant book me” over hyped has been.
we hit form again this sunday !!!
Say what you really mean, Spikeyboy!!
Coffee was a bit strong this morning clive .
( but i really do hate them)
I fink dat yooz got de predicshun rong spikey
Don’t forget thay get a gole
Shood av sed
Woolvs 145
Spurt 1
I’m watching the Molineux live feed of the under 18s cup match against Spurs.
We look really useful.
2-0 up early in the second half and it could have been six!
Is it an omen?
The Yesteryear memory of losing 0-3 to those Cockney Spurs twats at Highbury in the FA Cup replay haunts me with vitriol and happy days memories….
Happy days coz after the game on the way back home.. about 5 Spurs fans were in a bus stop.. giving large… ‘3-0 to the Tottenham’ .. when me and me mates in our mini bus took retribution and surprised the f@@kers and gave them a thumping whilst in a traffic jam.. on the way out of Islington.
Serves ‘em right… never upset an away fan… having lost in an FA Cup semi final… and I still think Garth Crooks is a kn@b…
So to tomorrow and I hope it’s a bit of deja vue when we turn the tables and whoooop them cockneys’ by the same score line reversed.
Kane to get subbed after feigning a tackle and trying to get a penalty BUT pulling his groin in his pathetic dying swan process..
sorry Conte .. but on this occasion you’re a loser..,
Twixt you just made me loff….
I really can’t stand the whinging spurs fans and the South East London gunners…never norf landon
Reallyhopethatwestuffem goodandpropertomorrow.
Utw
“South East London” Gunners?
Why South East? It’s true they started out as “Woolwich” Arsenal but now?
I worked on a house in plumstead nr. Woolwich.
Customer told me to look over his fence.
There in clear sight was the terracing for the original ground.
Shouldn’t have been allowed to move to North London imo
Just can’t see where a goal is coming from. Would be happy with a draw but I just have a feeling that Son will sneak a goal at some stage.
I’d be happy with a point however …….
Keep the faith.
Rumours of a possible setback for Neto.
Sorry. Was watching an old interview of first visit of Spurs.
We may dislike Kane, but we would score a few goals if he and Jimi led our line.
And scoring goals is our biggest problem.
Hope we play ait Nouri and that Moutinho is fit
A tough run of games and no idea where we are going to scramble a goal from, hopefully someone will poach one.
Wolves 1 – 1 Spurs
.
Expect a good display
Still feeling flat after the Arsenal match – haven’t watched any of it since.
Hoping for a bounce back win (I hate these breaks, far too many of them) but would settle for a draw.
Every Wolves player seems just a few cm off quality at the moment. So much promise.
Enough rambling.
Going for a draw with the theory if I predict that they prove me wrong & win!
COYW
As well as our recent run has been the goals for column is pretty poor. Nice approach play at times but no real threat, it’s been said by a few people but we need to commit more men ahead of the ball when attacking. Maybe the returning players can help with this. As for Spurs they have picked up more points under Conte but every time I have watched them they have underwhelmed me but they have obvious threats at the top end of the pitch
Hope we get at least a point, but it won’t be easy
COMBs!
I’d take a draw but I think they’ll edge it.
Consistently inconsistent. Therefore:
Given the fact that we seem unable to score in any game the result should be pretty obvious.
Lots of despondency on the blog today. Chaps, it’s Spurs! Nuff said.
Very frustrating defeat to Arsenal. They are anti-football and whereas we didn’t do enough to win; we didn’t deserve to lose.
How we missed Moutinho. Hope he’s back today.
Another close encounter expected. Its unlikely Spurs will lose consecutive home games,but let’s see.
I’m going for a 2-1 win for the lads. It would be nice to start this game fully charged up after the last two games. Losing Traore, I feel, has taken some of the fear from opposing defenders and his ability to pull them his way creating more space for others will be missed and have repercussions, which I hope our `injured` players need to make up for. Neto is the one who is capable of great play, but, this season? One of my sons feels the next few games will see us drop a little. However our lads usually come up with something when their backs are against the wall. So ‘m still going for the win…
No real confidence for this one but nothing would surprise me so am going 2-0 to us.
The goals have to start going in at some point and I would imagine that Bruno is focussing heavily on this in training.
Let’s hope for a nice uncontroversial, none VAR-affected run of the mill win for us,
COYW
We’ve beat ’em when they were better than they are now.
No Matineo again this again shows lack of foresight by our board. One injury to a key player could derail the season, Jeff didn’t learn from Rauls injury.
Couldn’t run a bath.never mind a football club.
Good Luke to Cundle.
Well, the bath is truly overflowing at the moment. Come on Wolves.
Oh dear
It does look like you have peaked too soon
A g a I n
Utw
Massive 45 coming up.
Win this and the sins of the last week are all forgotten.
By me at least.
Would love to hear how
Bedford
Bedford old gold
Enjoyed their day
Come on you wolves
As Mr Punch once said:-
“That’s the way to do it!”.
Absolutely BRILLIANT!!!!!!!
Always keep the faith folks
Well done the lads..
Onwards and upwards
UTW
Hee hee hee.
Love it.
Extremely disappointed that I couldn’t exact a 3-0 revenge for that FA cup defeat… but hey … I’ll take that every day of the week, year, decade, century, millennium….
Whoooop … Whoooop
3 more points and we’re safe.
So much could be said after that performance, Docherty, Dendonker, Jimenez, new signings, Traore.
Well done our team, and the excellent manager.
Ans me for getting the score right -and Jiminez to score first……….etc
Great win