The last time Wolves met Barnsley was at Oakwell in 2009 as we secured the Championship trophy with a game to spare.
After Saturday’s disappointing trip to Yorkshire, that pleasant memory couldn’t seem much further away than it does right now. Sigh.
Barnsley got off to the perfect start, putting Middlesbrough to the sword courtesy of a goal by former Wolves striker Craig Davies.
He was partnered up front by another familiar face – Martlon Harewood.
Neither of these players exactly lit up the Molineux pitch, so why does the prospect of this pacey, direct duo arriving in town tomorrow night have me worrying?
You probably know why.
Wolves
The Championship isn’t won by possession in the middle third, and if Wolves want to start picking up points they need to be better – much better in fact – at both ends of the pitch.
And I’m expecting better.
We were epically poor at home last season and not much better against Aldershot, so we’re long overdue a decent run of form on our own patch. If the players aren’t up for this game, with a near-capacity crowd behind them, then I truly despair.
This is the team I would send out:
Even though this is my ‘preferred’ eleven I really don’t see Solbakken deviating from the back four, so I’ve left them in place. Batth must surely be worth a try though given Stearman’s horror show on Saturday?
Peszko definitely did enough to dislodge Forde and I’d like to see a more direct attacking threat up front. SEB for me looks the likelier to get amongst the goals, so I’d drop Doyle to the bench and bring in Sigurdarson for his home debut.
It will be interesting to see if Steven Fletcher is amongst the substitutes tomorrow, given that he’s probably fit enough to resume playing duties. I wonder what sort of reception he can expect?
Opposition view
Here’s a segment from Barnsley blog, The Tarn Review:
Having seen much of Wolves’ game with Leeds Utd at the weekend, I have to say I was pretty disappointed with our upcoming hosts. Against a very average looking Leeds side, Wolves barely troubled Paddy Kenny, and their full backs in particular looked very ordinary. If we again see the best of Tomasz Cywka, and Kelvin Etuhu finds a more consistent end product, I can see us at least scoring at Molineux.
The question mark as ever, is our defence. How Keith Hill will line them up is one thing, but whether they’re capable of keeping out the likes of Doyle and Sylvain Ebanks-Blake is another. Again, just like on Saturday, I’d happily take a point against one of the promotion favourites.
Predictions
24 pundits got off the mark in Gameweek #1 of the Prediction League. However, only 1 person got the correct scoreline.
So well done to Skel who moves into an early lead.
Just a reminder you can see the table anytime and review the rules by visiting the Prediction League page.
I’ll stick my neck out and go for a solid Wolves win tomorrow night. Surely it’s our time?
It won’t be easy and I’m expecting a struggle, but we’re overdue goals and we’re overdue a victory. I think we’ll get both.
3-1.
Up The Wolves.
2-1 wolves. Gotta win sometime!
2-0 to the Wolves
1-2 Barnsley if we keep that defense.
My first ever Wolves game was Wolves 1 Barnsley 1 so I’m going for a repeat, not just because of this but because I’m really not confident that we look like a team capable of registering a comfortable home win at the moment.
Tickets bought, it’sd gonna be a tight squeeze to get there but I’m excited about the first game of the season!
Hopefully we see more of the ball, keep it and use our widemen to good effect.
I;m going with 2-1
*first home game
2-1 wolves will be the final.
2-1 Wolves
SEB (8)
Your proposition is almost the same as our line up against southampton, with the exception of Pezsko, a lineup wich caused Southampton trouble in the first half.
Barnsley will probably sit low and wait for counter attacks, so Sigurdarson and Blake could do the trick.
Against Leeds Doyle managed to flick the ball to Ebanks Blake, but Blake didn’t manage to get anything out of it. I would really have liked to see Doyle upfront with Nouble in away games. What’s happened to Nouble? He’s just the player we need. He’s fast, strong and can run past defenders.
2-0 to the Wolves.
3-0 Wolves with Siggy, SEB and big Rog getting the goals.
3-1 to us, because I am a pessimist.
I see Sky report Sunderland Fletch is close, Wolves supposedly softened their position. Thank God maybe something good from Saturday.
3-1
6-0 to Wolves. Comfortable.
1-2. Sigurdarson to score a 90th minute goal that gives the punters hope but ultimately it wont be enough.
Agree with putney that so long as we have those four we’ll struggle. Stearman, Ward and Zubar should be playing conference football.
Wolves to win 2-1
I’d drop Stears and Zubes for Batth and Doherty, but other than that it’s my preferred team.
I’ll be optimistic again and go:
Wolves 2-0 Barnsley
This time last year, arsenal lost 8-2 to man yoo, and forced the board to put their hands in their pockets and bought 4 players. Arsenal finished 3 in league. If we win, the board will think everything is ok and not buy any players. If we lose, the fans not happy, it might force their hand. So, for the long term good of the club, im going for wolves 1 barnsley 2.
If the events of the past two seasons haven’t forced their hand why should another defeat even at home to Barnsley?
Wolves 2 – Barnsley 1
A wind of change. The Sig will announce himself!
Bore draw written all over it. Thinks it’s gonna take a few more weeks for us to perform as SS wants us too!
One of the new lads to grab a late equaliser.
Wolves 1-1 Barnsley
2-1 Wolves. Reckon Jarvis will pop in a wonder goal and SEB a poachers effort.
As Ståle said we have lost almost 27 games on the trot and it is not easy to break a habit!
I’d never play Stearman again, nor Ward.
Also I’d prefer Nouble to SEB, who I think flatters to deceive and is living off past glories.
Realistically 1-1
Not impressed with the way things are panning out at the moment but we have more quality than the opposition overall.
Wolves 1 Barnsley 0
Wolves 1 Barnsley 0
Just scraping 3 pts
Pleeeaasse!!
2-1 Wolves – can see us winning but not as comfortably as I’d like!
This was supposed to be the home banker, but after seeing their highlights against Middlesbrough I’m not so sure. I do think we’ll nick it though, just.
Wolves 1-0 Barnsley
With the current defence I can only see a defeat, with Davies & Harewood on the scoresheet. 2-1 to Barnsley.
Wolves 2 – 1 Barnsley
A wind of change. The Sig announces his arrival!
Tough one. They have pace, we have a porous defence, but we’re at home with a new striker wanting to impress and we’re desperate for a win. I see a few goals.
Wolves 2-2 Barnsley.
1-1 draw.
The misery to continue.
Would definitely prefer Batth to Stearman.
Can’t keep a clean sheet but we’ve got to at least do better than Saturday in the box.
2-1 to Wolves
1-1.
I think it’s going to take a good 6 games for the team and the different style of play to form around the new boss’ ideas.
First prediction for the season, so I guess I could use some foolish optimism:
2-0 Wolves (Sigurdarsson, SEB)
Shudder to think that SS think’s Stearman is good enough to start – surely Batth (maybe Henry or even Elokobi?!) would be a better option? It was painstakingly obvious on Saturday that our defence was fragile at best, so I can’t see a clean sheet – but I can’t see a win either after our last attempt. 1-1, don’t know who’ll score. PLEASE prove me wrong!
There were some positives with debutant Slawomir Peszko showing good creativity as a second half substitute and also Carl Ikeme’s commanding performance.
Possession was quite evenly matched, though Leeds were well on top when it came to goal attempts;that said, Wolves were never completely out of it and could quite easily have come away with a point.
I’m going for two home wins now, starting with Wolves 2 Barnsley 0
Wolves 4-1 doylex2 Jarvis Sigs.
I’m really keen, as I was last season, to see Danny Batth given a chance. Surely this is the right time to get him in the side? My head says it’ll be a draw, but I’m going with my heart and going 2-1 to the Wolves. I have no idea who’ll score, but I couldn’t care less as long as they’re wearing old gold and stick it in the Barnsley net.
The question is result or performance? I don’t know which i prefer. A win is most needed but a solid competitive performance would give more hope. Im sure despair will creep in too. Going for scrappy 2-1.
Shouldn’t really be a question to answer mate: result is all that matters!
1-1.. just didn’t see enough yet, still need time to gel.
Surely we can find a way to win… I hope.
Wolves 2 – Barnsley 0
Well, with King Karl regaining the captaincy and running the midfield and the prolific Ebanks Blake leading our attack I must go along with Thomas for a 3-1 win. After all what could possibly go wrong ?
I’ll be there. Bellowing my lungs out
2-0 wolves
i lurch from optimism to pessimism as fast as a tory u-turn. i’d win gold in the fickle stakes.
so i suppose i’d better go for the draw, informed by the barnsley blog’s description of the away defense.
2-2
We should beat this lot, they are one of the favorites to go down !!!
Wolves 2-0
A turn around in fortunes and performance
Wolves 4-1 Barnsley
It would appear that a lot of my fellow bloggers have been to church/mosque/synagogue recently, judging by the number of prayers posted!
First of all, I take exception to the term “must win” game.
Aren’t they all supposed to be? Otherwise, what’s the point of playing?
Secondly, that “Wolves defence” is an oxymoron, like Scottish goalkeepers, or Army Intelligence.
It was pathetic for the last three years, especially last season, and has just got slower, if that is possible. I think it is an insult to pub teams everywhere that some of you reckon our defence is that good.
We can ALL see the problem, and now we have a fresh set of opposing managers laughing all the way down our left side, leaving beloved Stephen with twisted blood, time and time again.
I’ve been saying for years this bloke is a fuckin’ clown ,when will the powers that be wake up and fuck him off, along with the rest of the underachievers?
Yes I advocated giving them all a second chance, but as NY Wolf pointed out, they know when the season starts and should have been ready before the Aldershot match. Nothing has changed, nothing will change as long as we have players who stroll through the match, with no pace, no control, and no will to die for the shirt.
Bring the kids in NOW, before we are doomed for the season.
I’m hoping to see
Sigurdarson___Ebanks-Blake
Jarvis___Doumbia___Henry___Peszko
Ward___Johnson___Zubar___Doherty
Ikeme
2-2 Draw in the books with a goal from Peszko and Ebanks-Blake
forgot what a win looks like and so have the players, but even with this defence I think we can finaly sneak a 2-1 win.
One thing puzzles me does Zubar play 15 yards to forward or is the rest of the defence to deep because makes it so easy to get round the back, just can’y believe we turned down 1.8 m for him
No change 0-2′ defence lets us down-anything else will be a bonus.
2 – 1 win to Wolves hopefully!
Difficult one to call this and the more i ponder the result the conclusion i end up with is all three possible outcomes are conceivable.
The Barnsley back four are about as capable as ours so a hatful of goals either end could be on the cards.
The one thing that lifts my heart though is that that i believe Stale has seen in two games what MM and TC couldn’t see in three seasons and that is that Stear-ohdearme-man is F*****G useless and the main liability in the side. My reason for thinking that the penny has finally dropped with this clown is the fact that he took him off on Saturday to bring Edwards on.
Yes i know the change was tactical and Edwards was introduced because we were chasing the game. But, let’s be honest, Stale could have taken any one from three of the back four off, but i believe, hope, pray that it was the clown because Stale has seen what so many of us on here have known for ages.
So, if i am correct in my way of thinking, I don’t think Stearman will get a shirt tomorrow and with such a liability removed from the side i can see a vast improvement in confidence and the way the back four perform.
Just a quick point here. As i sat thinking who i would play with Johnson instead of the clown and coming to the conclusion that just about anybody in the ground would be preferable to Stearman. I have to say that given our situation it just screams Jody Craddock to me.
No one else seems to have mentioned Craddock but maybe i’ve missed something regarding his little lads terrible illness or has he got a knock or something?
However if Jody is fit and available i’d put him in. Who else in the squad has his experience to sort our defending frailties on the pitch. He would certainly bring some organisation to the present chaos and is still plenty good enough for this level. I can also see that he would be just what Johnson needs to help him get back to his best while he rehabilitates.
My prediction, if Stearman pays we’ve got no f*****g chance. If i’m right and he’s left out i can see us getting a win 2-0.
I’m no great Stearman fan myself, but our defensive woes are far more than a one man thing. I think both of our full backs are pretty appalling defensively, and all the more so now Stale has them tucked in leaving acres of space for a wide man. Leeds goal on Saturday was a prime example.
A new CH and two new full backs please. I can’t believe we turned down £1.8m for Zubar, never get it again.
Prediction? Could be anything. But i hope we win so 2-1 Wolves.
I agree Martin, i think there are several positions that need attending to and not just with the back four. But my point is that for me Stearman is by far our biggest liability.
Yeah that’s the fun of footy in some ways, we all have different opinions on players. For me, LB is still our biggest problem defensively. Wouldn’t mind him somewhere else farther forward but never a LB as long as he’s got a hole in his polo mints.
What Derek Parkin and the late great Bobby Thompson would make of it, goodness knows.
Martin,
I am with you on LB, Ward works hard (puts in a shift……………….I hope i never hear those words again). As you say does more for me further forward, maybe a basic squad utility player. But a LB never. I sosmtimes think it was hard to judge the rest of the team last year becasue they were always chasing games and chasing back to cover the defence.
Yes the years roll back and I can see Derek Parkin in that classic watchful pose dropping back with his man poised to make his move , timing perfect “gotcha” didnt miss much.
Unfortunately with “Wardy” it was s usually chase back, lunge too late,on his ass watching Wayne save or pick out of the net.
Would be interesting to know just how many golas we leaked down that Left side.
Funny thing I was thinking the same about Craddock if he is fit. Part of me screams it is a backward step we shouldnt even think about but points is points and mayb just maybe he help teach the numpties.
Was listening over weekend to some comments regarding how good teams have a balance of young guys coming thru and experienced veterans. Absolutley true but I really dont want many of our veterand teaching the youngsters what they know.
Also heard SS talking of Batth going on loan. Must mean he some good uns coming in maybe.
I hear what your saying NY. I was only thinking short term with Craddock, just to give Stale time to get some much needed defenders in before the window shuts or even a loan or two after the end of the month. I just think Craddock would be the best option from what we have at present. He could certainly bring a bit of stability to the back four and as i said with his vast experience i think he would be a great help to Johnson.
Would get my vote Johnson could learn a few things from him, like holding shape, and positional play.
My memories of Johnson last year are:
1) Seeing him always srtetching and off balance cos he was never where he should have been.
2)Blaming everyone in sight
3)Always looks half asleep or half cut.
I wonder what Jodys status is at the moment, of course a lot on his mind. Prayers are with him.
Wolves 2 barnsley 0. Very optimistic but our defence has got to be good sometime soon.
Its about time we saw a display the the mol. I’m going 3-0, seb, Johnson and pez.
Won’t get to see this match on TV which sucks, have to rely on the net for how it’s going. Will be sat wishing I was parking the car not far from the claringdon ready for a quick pint. Wolves 3-1 Barnsley.
We’ve forgotten how to win and struggle to score. 1-1 is as good as we can expect. Barnsley really fancy their chances and you can’t blame them!
God, it’s so depressing seeing how far the Wolves have fallen – most people finding it difficult to predict a win tomorrow. I refuse to countenance anything less than a convincing victory against a lower end of the table team. Losing at Leeds was just about acceptable, first game of the season etc. After all Manyoo lost by the same score last night and they will still end up top two.
Everything will click into place tomorrow evening, we will score a hatfull of goals, I’ll have a quick beer in the basement of Madam Clarks afterwards with the Doog and Frankie Munro and then stroll back down the Tettenhall road to the flat for a celebratory spliff.
Oh! Sorry about that, I’ve just time-slipped forty years back.
4-1 to the men in Old Gold.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAqNwbRUcNw you have most likely all seen this but it’s the video clip that gives me the most positive vibe that weve gone with the right man.
An early Wolves goal will stop Barnsley playing deep and using the counter attack set-up .So , if we can achieve that then I predict a comfortable 4-1 win for Wolves .
Oh dear oh dear
We’re gonna lose, and hopefully flog all of the wantaways and buy in some good young talent.
Display against Leeds shows defence and attack lacking Sig looked like he needs a bigger barn door to hit. Why couldnt we have gone and got Di-Canio as manager, he has passion and Swindon play really nice to feet fast football like all the other teams doing well in Premier League
Wolves 0 – 2 Barnsley.
1 – 1 although would love to see a Wolves win like the rest on here.
I agree with a few folk on here, if we keep the back four we played at leeds we are going to struggle. they looked unconvincing and uninterested, I think we are looking at a draw (if we get lucky).
That Barnsley chap who said our full backs looked ordinary at Leeds was spot on. Whle zubar at least has some pace I can`t think of one thing Ward brings to the team, oh I meant positive thing there.
Remember Craig Davies who Barnsley signed from Chesterfield, had a few games on loan at the Mol, well he is very quick, so he will play right side of their attack, and give our pedestrain left back the run around. Stearman has to play because of his pace, but I fear we will be hit on the break and lucky to get anything out of the game. So why not a 2-1 win. Let us pray.
Still have that bad feeling about our strikers and with a good chance Ebanks-Blake will be out there again, the best bet for me is 1-0
I would love to be proved wrong and see a Wolves win…but Im still convinced that the team aren’t ready…they are still learning Stales system…and I also believe that there are a couple of pieces of the jigsaw not yet in place…therefore I’m going for 2-1 Barnsley.
I don’t see this as crisis time…simply a step along the way to rebuilding, and do believe we have the right man for the job its just that this will take time!
UTW!
We’re still not good enough either end. 1-1
Ah the 0 – 0 draw for me.
We don’t have enough guile to break down a team who will sit deep.
PS – what is happening with Terry Connor.
I was listening to the pre-match build up on Saturday on 5Live and he was collecting the balls after the warm up. Then I hear that he was basically blanked by Stolbakken when giving his advice.
Its getting a little embarrassing for him.
Never mind embarrassing for him, what about us?
He could always audition for a part in the series “Boys Fron The Blackstuff” as Yosser, who went around saying “Gizza job, go on, gizza job, I could do that”
However, we must hold our hands up and acknowledge that as of before today’s match, TC is no longer the worst manager in Wolve’s history, that honor goes to our present manager, as he has lost 100% of his league matches!!!
TC did manage a couple of draws!
And I suggest TC should get a medal for marrying into greasel’s family!
FOWB
For mine Barnsley will be pretty poor – so will we. Dour 0-0.
Tom
Wish I could be there tonight, looking forward to match reports.
Guys we are where we are, but one thing for sure can we make sure SS and his team get a huge welcome and support from the fans. We know some dodnt want to be there and we dont want some of them there, but all we can do for them now is to try to lift em and play our part.
Time to play our part.
Jarvis is going to net one early and we’ll mark down a win by the skin of our teeth.
Wolves 1-0.
After what was for me much more of the same on saturday, I cant see us getting a win as the personnel is the same apart from the new lad with a mullet who is kightlys replacement i liked the look of him, I dont think we can play the 2 central midfielders together as there doesnt seem any creativity unless we go 5 in midfield then i think that could work really well. There defence is as poor as ours so Im gonna be optimistic an go for a scoring draw.
2-2.
Think we start off right at Molineux this year.
2-1 Wolves
Bygger ein hus etter kvar manns råd, kjem det aldri til å stå beint
Wolves 2 Barnsley 0
Right on Danny!
The one ‘like’ for that made me laugh. Probably JohnWolf.
Takes a lot of words to say Fuck Off W… B… in foreign, dont it??
At least we have a manager with a sense of humour.
Ståle quote in E&S on Fletcher:
“If he trains well this week and there are no setbacks, he can be our ‘joker’!”
Lets hope the joke is on Jez
4-0. Optimism has no borders.
I think we’ll still look a bit sluggish but sneak a 2-0 victory. SEB at the double.
Well…I’m eating my words….SUPER WOLVES! All faith restored! I’ve found my rise tinted glasses! Great win! And the blouse lost! GET IN!
You lost your blouse?????
3-1 3-1 3-1
What was the gate?
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees
What is this pleasant warm feeling…… Oh yeah that’s it .victory!!!!
Just seen the goals on sky too… As if Ward scored a goal as well taken as he did! There was a camera close-up, I think Ward was saying “Are you watching Clive from Houston?” Ha! Peszko got 2 assists, still a bit suss in defence with their goal, but hey, we won! What’s not to like eh!
Seb is in his happy hunting ground again. Goals for sure this year. Peszko looking good something to get excited about . A lot of positives, cupla negatives but every game has them. Really good to get off to a winning start at molineux,thats the key to a big season for us. Bring on Derby sat! ny wolf good to know I’m not the only wanderers fan in new York . Time to set up a fan club!
Hi Ray, yes theres a few of us around I think, well at least my three grandsons.
Where you at, I am upstate near Rochester
Hi ny wolf I’m in queens . Looking forward to a positive season … What a difference a win makes!! Only a pity the lack of coverage live over here now we’re back down here In the championship streaming online not as good. Happy to see your keeping it in the family with the three young fellas. My love for the club is hereditary too thanks to my old man. Quick question … Does anyone think hammill is getting brushed aside a little early being put on the transfer list. He’s proven in this league and could do a job for sure.
Hi ny wolf I’m in queens . Looking forward to a positive season … What a difference a win makes!! Only a pity the lack of coverage live over here now we’re back down here In the championship .streaming online not as good. Happy to see your keeping it in the family with the three young fellas. My love for the club is hereditary too thanks to my old man. Quick question … Does anyone think hammill is getting brushed aside a little early being put on the transfer list. He’s proven in this league and could do a job for sure.
My daughter in law was pregnant for less time than it’s been since our last home win!!
The law of averages sez Ward will have a good ( for him ) game eventually!
Great monkey off our backs, smiley faces in all of Texas!
Come On Me Babbiz!
Its a great win Clive, I will take it any day. Lets be honest that where I like to see Ward …..as far away from our goal as he can get……………… much safer if hes up the other end.
You are right its a load of their shoulders, lets keep it the norm.
Question for those who saw the game did Jarvo contribute, how would it have looked without him?
Jarvis had a decent game NY. Always involved, always a threat. We’d certainly miss him if he left. Hard to say how we’d have looked without him, but there’s certainly no like-for-like replacement so we’ll surely buy if we sell.
You obviously live a lot closer than I do Thomas. Just got in and put kettle on. Did you notice Matt Jarvis was last Wolves player to leave the pitch tonight and was applauding all round. Also did you notice that David Moyes was in the directors box ? Hoping its a coincidence
Got to give it to you Henry had a very decent game but still not sure about Ebanks Blake. Took his chance well but thought him and Doyle struggled a bit despite some excellent service
Finally a victory can we go on a winning ruin now please!!!!!
Well done Ståle and the lads!!!!!
Oh what a feeling, as Lionel Richie would say, finally a win and in front of our home fans, this should give us a massive lift. Well done boy’s for proving me wrong. I had this one down as a draw, after watching the Leeds game I was pessimistic that we would get much if anything from this game.
I do love you so very much, but boy you don’t make it easy!