Four games before Christmas, three at home – please don’t do anything stupid lads.
What’s an acceptable return?
Five points would probably be alright. Six or seven better. Certainly no less than four.
Of all the fixtures in the sequence, this is the one you don’t want to lose; seeing that distance between ourselves and the bottom three eroded.
I’m nervous, but instead of fearing calamity, let’s frame it as an opportunity to lay down another marker.
Burnley
I think Vincent Kompany will also recognise the value of this match. Battering Sheffield Utd – as important as it was for morale – will only count for something if they can follow it up with another result.
They couldn’t do it after they won at Luton, embarking on another five-game losing streak to plonk them right back at the foot of the table.
The Clarets have only beaten the two teams they came up with and taken a point from Forest. It’s 11 defeats from their other matches and 32 goals conceded in the process.
I’d be interested to know from a Burnley fan’s perspective whether they’re actually a better team now than they were in the Championship because, from the outside, it doesn’t seem like that’s the case. The likes of Amdouni and Koleosho have looked decent in flashes though and it will be good to get a proper look at them tomorrow.
Regardless of what they do in this fixture, I think they’ve got their work cut out to survive. They’re better than Luton and Sheffield Utd, but from what I’ve seen so far I wouldn’t back them in a foot race against Everton, Bournemouth or some of the other teams in the immediate vicinity.
Wolves
I don’t think Dan Bentley did much wrong after coming on at Arsenal, but I’d still prefer to see Jose Sa back between the sticks tomorrow.
Hugo Bueno did some decent things on his return to the starting XI, but personally, I’d lean on Doc’s experience for this game.
Lemina and Gomes should be nicely rested so hopefully we can get big performances out of them.
Matheus Cunha has two in two and those are the kind of returns we desperately need, particularly with Pedro Neto still ruled out.
Predictions
Well done to PeteRobbo who was the only person to correctly predict the 2-1 defeat on Saturday.
I’m going for a draw tomorrow – let’s say 2-2. I’d like to go the whole hog, but I’m concerned about our inability to keep clean sheets. We get forward and create chances, but need to tighten up at the back. A point wouldn’t be awful, just to address the slide after losing the last two.
As always, if you’d like to join in with the Prediction League this season, 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.
Up The Wolves!
Yep Thomas I have to agree that the next few matches need to translate into decent points and tomorrow’s opponents will arrive with a spring in their steps
Still puzzled why we don’t start Sasa as he’s surely fit by now . Richards scored many goals from Doogs flicks and with Hwang or Cunha they could do the same
Whatever ..I’ll take a narrow win
Meantime if anyone here can help guide me to tix for Brentford match on December 27 please lmk at brianchad29@gmail.com
Linda and I are coming on a flying visit to have Christmas with my kids in London and seeing the Wanderers would be a brilliant present before we fly back on the 28th
Burnley Forest Chelsea at home and West Ham away before xmas. Will be happy with 5 points from those. Funny how we get to the depths of December before we get a ‘winnable’ home game……on paper. Someone said on another forum after the FA cup draw at Brentford away yesterday ‘do we ever get any luck’. We are due some massive helpings of luck. Sadly the idiot Jarred Gillet is in charge tomorrow so don’t get your hopes up. We really need to win this one. I think we will. But being Wolves it will probably be on a knife edge. I will go 2-1.
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Never in doubt.
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Well, we are scoring goals regularly now so that is a plus, and cheated out of a few by VAR. Cannot keep them out however!
Should have enough to win once we do not let in any early goals and should get better the longer this game goes!
But, we are the Wolves and so it will not be easy!
performances have been good
last 20 against Arsenal we did alright .
hopefully we can get some confidence back
This is a game we should be winning comfortably if we play like we can. But after performances especially against Luton and Sheffield worries me.
It worries me too Dek plus Gillet as ref (Southampton away last season?)
Can’t predict against the lads after last Monday’s ill luck.
COMBs!
Five points would indeed be a good return from the next four games.
Our lack of depth particularly up front is frightening, we can’t cope with another injury with Neto still some time away from return. Sasa does not fit GON’s fast, counter attacking style in that he has no pace and is not effective at closing down defenders. Fabio is not being trusted and I can see both moving in January if replacements can be found.
We should not really be worrying about the opposition but it will be our points return from the newly promoted clubs which will determine our fate. Keep the faith and take the game to Burnley, an early goal would settle the nerves.
We have to get a grip in the opening minutes and not concede early again. Burnley have been a bit of a bogey team for us, so we have to tighten up. They were in a bit of a false position and the hammering of Sheffield U will have done them the power of good. Thankfully we are scoring goals regularly and Hwang must be due another. I’m backing Gary to run a tight ship tomorrow, with a clean sheet to boot..
Going for the narrow win.
Hopefully we’ll end our short losing run.
This is a game the Wolves should win comfortably, which means it’ll probably be anything but comfortable.
I fancy a decent win. 3-1 to us.
If we match them in work rate for ninety minutes, we’ll be good for three precious points.
Up the wolves. Midfield return.
Think we could win this …. any one know what happened with Jonny ?
Bogey team ,,if we get the first goal,,fast start needed like we did to Liverpooh then we should take full points
This one has to be very winnable.
Will have our midfiekd back.
But the bench against Arsenal was woeful, repla ements needed January, especially a goal scorer.
Our boys need to be out of the blocks from the first minute and keep at ‘em for the rest of the game to show the Clarets who is boss.
I don’t care who plays, the squad is good, of course better with Pedro…
A win is vital.
Yesterday on the other site I predicted a loss, influenced by Burnleys 5 nil. Now I’m in the goldilocks zone of match night eve I’m feeling more optimistic. Ah goo on GON’s gold n black army, why shouldn’t we smash em.
All I need is a third site to go then I will have all bases covered!
I forgot to say I fancy Doc to score at some point. Just the kind of game he pops up in.
long, long overdue a clean sheet that should lead to a decent victory
Burnley play good football but get opened up so easily. I think we’ll punish them in transition.
It would be nice if we left the game talking about a good result rather than about VAR or the ref.
At least they haven’t got Chris Wood ….although they have got that Albion twat and that is enough to fill me with dread !
Midweek evening games never seem to really suit us and Burnley will have taken a lot of confidence from the Sheffield Utd result. Will be good to have our midfield warriors back. Hope we are at them from the start – think it will be a bit of a battle. UTW
We were robbed at Fulham and we fended off Arsenal for a long period, those two losses don’t reflect the true picture. Saying that though I don’t think we’ll walk it
Same again for me
I’m going for a clean sheet 2-0 victory!!
What’s happening with your YouTube channel??
I think we need 3 points in this one otherwise we’ll all start getting nervous again. Hwang to score
Got next week’s lottery numbers Mike?
hoping for the moon
After their good win during the week, l believe Burnley will be on the other end of a 5-0 slapping tonight.
Need to harvest the points in December
Fast start with confidence, concentration and discipline (it’s far too easy to pick up a yellow card these days and bans could be our downfall with the current squad). I would love a clean sheet but I doubt it sadly.
We should be looking to beat Burnley at Mol relatively comfortably. It would help if we can keep a rare clean sheet.
It’s a big wee. Two home wins would leave us sitting around mid-table, almost putting any relegation fears to bed before Christmas. Things are seldom that straightforward with Wolves but wouldn’t it be nice.
We need to win this. After a ridiculous run of home fixtures in the first half of the season we’re now onto the ‘winnable’ ones, so let’s not mess it up in true Wolves fashion, shall we?
Interesting how Thomas says Burnley are better than Luton. I’ve seen no evidence of that so far. Luton are at least competitive at home and look like they can dig out some results but we shall see as the season goes on.
Burnley is traditionally a tricky fixture for us, and we’re perhaps due on of those home stinkers. That’s what worries me. Let’s hope we can put in a big performance and get into them from the off. Slow starts put us on the immediate backfoot against Spurs and Arsenal, we don’t need another one.
It’s a big week. Two home wins would leave us sitting around mid-table, almost putting any relegation fears to bed before Christmas. Things are seldom that straightforward with Wolves but wouldn’t it be nice.
We need to win this. After a ridiculous run of home fixtures in the first half of the season we’re now onto the ‘winnable’ ones, so let’s not mess it up in true Wolves fashion, shall we?
Interesting how Thomas says Burnley are better than Luton. I’ve seen no evidence of that so far. Luton are at least competitive at home and look like they can dig out some results but we shall see as the season goes on.
Burnley is traditionally a tricky fixture for us, and we’re perhaps due on of those home stinkers. That’s what worries me. Let’s hope we can put in a big performance and get into them from the off. Slow starts put us on the immediate backfoot against Spurs and Arsenal, we don’t need another one.
This season is a bit of an anomaly on account of the promoted sides being so poor which, as a result, leaves us in the cosy position of not having to worry too much about the prospect of a relegation battle. Nonetheless, results have dipped in recent weeks and a bad return out of the next two would leave us looking over our shoulder, albeit only temporarily.
Burnley will be buzzing after their result at the weekend but, as you pointed out Thom, their results hardly inspire confidence. Given Forest’s struggles on the road, I really think we should be aiming for maximum points out of the next two, as I’m less confident about our prospects against West Ham, Chelsea, and Brentford.
Given the topsy-turvy world of the Wolves, predicting any results on form is a very hit and miss affair. Kickin the Blades arse last time out would boost their confidence but a strong start from us will go a long way towards putting them back in their box.
Hopefully the VAR will break down and we can have a proper game with a fair result.
Lemina and Gomes straight back in get stuck in from the first whistle.
It’s about time for a clean sheet
utw
Burnley have, in my opinion, deserved better iin some games and this will not be an easy game.
I’m going for a 2-1 win hoping our fullbacks, in particular can defend well…
I’m not terribly confident with our record against the lower teams, but we ought to be due a win and the atmosphere at an evening match at The Molineux should be good enough if the boys are up for it.
I just hope the VAR officials can do their job competently for a change.
I don’t really understand this ‘get rid of VAR mentality.
VAR is not the problem in my opinion; it is the incompetence or corruption of the poor officials carrying out the flawed rules and methods used.
The professionals broadcasting the events seem to get the relevant views and decisions much quicker, accurately and correct.
Not having VAR will, in no way, stop controversy. The broadcasters will show and talk about such contraversial decisions as they always have.
It just needs competent officials with professional workers of the technology; better, clearer and sensibly worded rules and methods.
In my opinion, VAR is not the problem, the above is.
Sin bins next; that will be more fun… Is it worthy of a sin bin or not? Gawd help us!
I tend to agree Debenham. While corruption is not impossible – some recent decisions have gone against the ‘top six’ clubs – incompetence seems the more likely possibility. I just wonder how the FA have the nerve to charge Man City because they “failed to ensure their players do not behave in a way which is improper.” following the unbelievable decision to blow up for a foul that had been ridden and with their forward well clear and heading for the goal. I don’t think there’s one in a thousand players or fans who would not have wanted to do a Matt Hobbs in that situation.
Although I agree with you on many things Debenham, on VAR we differ.
For me, having it there, lurking in the shadows, it completely kills that moment, the big reason we go to games, those seconds of ecstasy when your team scores.
Even if VAR isn’t doing it’s thing in that instance, the knowledge that it might, that it’s out there desperately trying to screw you over on the flimsiest excuse, kills that moment of joy. As time goes on, I detest it all the more and what it’s done to the beautiful game.
That’s a very good pertinent point which I have much sympathy for at present. It’s not quite enough to stop me wishing for fair results with correct decisions. We’re nowhere near that yet but with improving technology and AI I’m sure we’ll get a much better system eventually. The rules and their wording and application need to be more sensible and water tight also.
Your point is currently very understandable; we all are experiencing those feelings.
Big win this game. I can feel it. 4-2 after the obligatory 2 penalties that VAR will award against us.
Jarred Gillet and Rob Jones (VAR) are our enemies tonight .. Wolves and Burnley teams mere participants in the current Comedy Theatre of the PL.
These pair will give us no Xmas joy when the crunch comes so it’s be upon us to negate their incompetence.
Starting The Doc is a must as is the reinstatement of Lemina and Gomes… and I’m praying that Cunha can carry on his eye for a goal or two ..(being greedy of course).
Let’s get off to a good, but not conceding, start and then wear them down and then turn the screw….
Wolves to win .. otherwise I feel we’ll be sucked down towards the wrong end of the now confirmed greed league..
It’s going to be nail biting.. omg my health doth suffer..
Gladiatorial performances have been witnessed at the WV1 amphitheater this season against a foe much stronger than the Claret cadets arriving this evening…. even though that foe has often been aided by the mysterious outside forces …..Strength and Honour ….. bring back the Spaniard to weave some more magic in the final third ,let loose the Brazilian and leave the Korean to score a hatrick against the Northern heathen ….let their Belgian leader sulk and wallow in a vat of monastery brewed 8% ale while the North and South bank cohorts pound their chests to a mighty 6-0 victory ….Glory awaits comrades…LOL
Have you been knocking around with Cheesey Mr Simon?
Tonight isn’t a make or break match. But it is important. Very important.
After 2 losses, one expected and the other bitterly unfair, we are back at home, against a side we really should beat.
The result is more important than the performance. Hopefully with Lemina and Gomes back, we will have more bite. More attacking intent and more breaking up of Burnley’s forward play.
I’m sure GON will have addressed the defensive inadequacies of Saturday’s game with the squad. We were guilty of backing off, not tracking runs and generally giving too much time and space to Arsenal.
I don’t care if it’s not pretty, but we need a win.
And no VAR controversy. Please.
UTW
I’m be tempted by Lord Twix’s 4-2 prediction if I could see 4 goals in this team… maybe 2
What ..!
4-2 .. that’s twice what I thought it might be ..
We should have enough to win this one, it might well be a hard slog though. I’m going to predict a narrow win I think.
Well Burnley are always a problem in waiting, but they do seem to be playing worse than usual so far this season.
As a result and taking into consideration our difficulties in scoring, (although Cunha seems to be coming good now I reckon), I’m going to join the majority this week and go for the odd goal in 3 victory.
I suspect we’ll be awful make Burnley look like world beaters, score against the run of play, decide to take the game to them for 15 minutes and then be robbed by VAR again. That’s how it goes for us against teams in the bottom three .
OK
90 + 3 minutes gone, Burnley corner.
JC this is chronic.
1 lv & COYW.
Phew.
Scrape me off the floor someone.
1 lv & COYW
Only two post match comments!
I wonder what everyone is waiting for?
Three hard earned points. We certainly did not deserve to have a half time lead. A well taken goal created by Burnley fannying around at the back and good aggressive pressing. By Wolves. Two excellent saves by Bentley. Otherwise, a mediocre performance by Wolves who really need to make better use of the ball and cut out the missed place passes. Good to see a better Semedo performance,
and good to have Dawson back.
As for Luton, you just knew Arsenal would score!