Given what we continue to see off the field, my hopes and expectations on it remain comparatively modest.
I just want to enjoy a solid Premier League season, ruffle a few feathers along the way and not spend the whole time burdened by the spectre of relegation.
The 15th place finish under Mick McCarthy is the best we’ve seen from a Wolves side in over 35 years, but now, surely, is the time to be aiming higher.
As others have commented – if not now, when?
An already capable squad has been significantly upgraded with some high calibre additions, everyone’s up to speed and life feels good.
Bring it on.
Everton
Marco Silva has a lot to prove at Goodison Park. Everton’s much hyped coach has a valiant relegation at Hull and mixed results at Watford on a questionable Premier League CV.
This is his make or break opportunity to shape one of the country’s most famous old clubs in his image and get them challenging the top six once more.
The mega-bucks signing of Richarlison from Watford raised a few eyebrows but he’s looked sharp in pre-season and is likely to pose a serious threat on Saturday.
Despite his capture, heading into the last day of the transfer window there was the sense they still needed to do serious business and that’s exactly what happened.
As I write this giant defender Yerry Mina and midfielder Andre Gomes have both arrived from Barcelona (subject to confirmation), following hot on the footsteps of left-back Lucas Digne.
They also added Brazilian midfielder Bernard and Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma (again, subject to confirmation).
The only good point from a Wolves perspective is all these quality new additions won’t have long to get bedded in before Saturday.
Views from the opposition
Lifted from a popular Everton forum:
I’ll take a draw as a lot of our new signings won’t be playing.
Don’t buy in to the hype about this lot, although I fully expect them to get off to a great start when we turn up there as winning away against sides we should/will finish ahead of doesn’t happen regularly.
Impossible to predict but Wolves have bought well and this will NOT be easy. I would take a draw right now.
People so negative, We can do over these lot easily. 3-1 us, Don’t expect Mina/Bernard/Gomes to be involved either.
2-1 Wolves is my thinking at the moment. Going to take a bit for these new signings to become familiar with the squad.
Wolves
Having been at the Villarreal game last weekend, I felt reasonably confident that this is the lineup we’ll be seeing (I don’t know the squad numbers yet so I’m guessing).
Jimenez got his goal and did little wrong so must be destined to start ahead of Bonatini.
It’s either Saiss or Bennett in the back three and Wolves looked more compact in the second half when the latter was in the team, so he’s probably going to get the nod.
I believe record signing Adama Traore is still out injured, but fellow new signing Leander Dendoncker will probably be on the bench.
When you consider the only players involved last season who’ve moved on are Douglas, Afobe and N’Diaye and six players of (hopefully) superior quality have come in, it’s difficult to feel too disappointed by the club’s efforts in the transfer window.
The Poll
Prediction League
The bugs have been exterminated, the engine is purring and the Prediction League is back for the 2018/19 season.
It’s very simple. Leave your predictions in the comment section below using the boxes provided.
You’ll be awarded 2 points for predicting the correct outcome (e.g. win, draw or loss for Wolves) and a bonus point if your score is correct too.
You can then comment in every subsequent preview for the remainder of the season and points will be tracked in an ongoing table.
Please, please, please if you’re taking part make sure you input a consistent email address with all your predictions as your email address is what ties you to your ongoing score.
Best of luck!
I’ll be taking part in the fun this season, so you can read my prediction for the game in the comment section below.
Up The Wolves!
Everton’s last minute shopping spree was something to behold and I certainly fear a number of players in their squad. I would expect them to do well with the group they’ve now assembled. Mina in particular was a player I’d hoped we might tempt to our project.
But it’s still early days for Silva to get them playing his way and I’m hoping Wolves can cash in. As some of the Everton fans point out, I don’t think their new signings will all play and as it stands they can be got at defensively.
Boosted by a lively home crowd, hopefully there’s enough to get us over the line. It’s certainly a nice test for the opening day.
How can this not be an over-excited, storming-out-the-traps win to the wolves? Nuno’s been feeding them secret sauce all preseason.
Hey Thomas & Ben & Ben,
Can I say thank you to a very successful pre-season to THE Blog.
Haven’t posted too much in recent weeks with werk & hols but it’s here, it’s now, we’re Wolves and the sleeping giant is most certainly awake, had a cup of tay, porridge & put on his new strip. This is already a special season & I only see it getting better.
Thanks as always for all what you do. Up The Blog & Up The Wolves
Oh & still FOwb
1st reply of the season. Can’t wait for it to start but this is a hard one to predict but I hope we can play like last weeks 2nd half.2 -0 wolves
Cautiously optimistic would sum me up nicely. I can’t see a lot of goals from the current squad but they should always be dangerous and tight at the back. I’m with you Thomas on Bennett instead of Saiss at the back definitely a better option for me.
I think Everton will be underprepared for Saturday after a poor pre season and most of their new players not bedded in . I am hopeful for a home win .
I cannot resist the temptation to say again the sale of Douglas was stupid given we have literally no cover at wing back . Our first team will be fine but our squad depth is poor and with any material injuries or suspensions we will be found out .Mid table would be a very good season .
Don’t worry. The club isn’t finished with the business yet – still opportunities to sign players on loan. And I’m certain the club bring in some players in the january window – it’s the second half of the season which is crucial. I don’t think we’ll lag too far behind even with a mediocre start.
I am afraid there are no opportunities for more loans inward only outward .
I hope for no injuries to wi g backs .
Keith Curle would have made a great wi g back!!
We can only sign free agents now, although players can go OUT on loan to the EPL. We can also sell players to European teams until end of August.
Looking forward to the new season enormously and hoping for a winning start.
With these new additions surely we are in the top half of the league?
We’re back!!!
Two more sleeps and it’s Toffeetime!
Bring on your “top six” and all their prima donnas, bring on the relegation certainties, and bring on the also rans/make up the numbers.
We will cream you all!
There is so much confidence, rightfully so, oozing out of every supporter’s pore, and every crook and nanny of The Molineux, that the team cannot do anything but get buoyed up and ready to fizz up and bost!!
85 million quid in 14 weeks!
85 fuckin’ million!
Get yer greasy head round that number, moxey, that’s what it takes to compete in the Prem, and compete we will.
No fuckin’ doubt.
Cannot wait.
I ain’t bin so excited since the house fell on me sister.
Only one score this weekend
5-1 all night long!
And So Long Howling Wolf.
( name that tune)
I’m struggling to cope with the intense feelings of excitement and optimism which are overwhelming me. I’m usually a fairly optimistic Wolves fan even at the worst of times, and these are the best times I’ve known in my 30 odd years following Wolves.
Agree with the line up Thomas suggested, but curious to see how our new additions will slot in, and how long they’ll take to get up to speed with the system.
I think Dundoncker might switch between defence and midfield depending on the opponent, replacing Bennett in the back line when Nuno thinks Neves and Moutinho will dominate midfield, but then playing alongside Neves against stronger midfields, with Bennett coming back into defence.
This will all come later though. I understand Everton have problems in the heart of defence, so I’m expecting they will have a torrid afternoon against our dovetailing intelligent forwards, and cant see anything other than a home win. I’m watching the game on telly with an Evertonian friend, and can’t wait for him to settle the £20 bet we’ve made.
UTW
Expectations are going to be Sky high after last seasons successful campaign. This has been further fuelled by a busy and exciting transfer window, however we are now in with the big boys and we will not get everything our own way, we will not win every game, we won’t be able to boss and dictate play like last season, we won’t be afforded chances galore.
Says WHO.. we are going to be alright, we will continue the Nuno revolution and surprise a lot of teams on the way. We will more than hold our own and I can’t wait for that whistle to sound to announce that Wolves are back and they mean business.
It’s good to be back. Cannot wait for 5.30 on Sat, just to get back in my seat and soak up the atmosphere. Feeling quite optimistic for the Everton game and I think we will thrash them.
Isn’t a thrashing a bit more than 1-0?
Nothing like a 1-0 thrashing?
Wolves 2 Everton 0
We’re back!!!
Cmon the Wolves!
Great preview Thomas.
I would like to think you are right that we will get the better of Everton based on the fact our squad has had a bit more time together this pre-season.
I am quietly confident of a mid-table finish this season, but this is football and anything can happen!
I would have liked to have seen a RCB arrive and this could be the where we are weakest (and maybe cover for RWB unless Jonny goes over and Vinagre plays LWB), and while I think another striker would have been nice, I think the quality and quantity of the interchangeable front three should provide enough of a cutting edge.
#UTW
Great to see the season finally upon us. We have assembled a pretty strong squad and with Nunos management and guidance of the newbies into the mould, we ARE going to be a force to be reckoned with.
I think 3 points to start off the season will be just what the doctor ordered.
Fellow Horsham-based Wolves fan here Graham (originally from Bridgnorth). Fingers crossed we’ll have plenty to celebrate, dancing down the Carfax, this season!
Hi Bagsy,
Yes, we’ve corresponded before.
I’m London born and Crawley raised. School colours were gold ( well yellow) and black when at school in the late 50’s, and we were the team of the moment ( to be repeated hopefully in the not too distant future). I feel it’s going to be a good year for the team and hopefully I’ll be able to get to the odd match or two.
I guessing Wolves off to a flier with a win bring it on!
Squad looks tight.
Let’s see what happens.
Toffees to come unstuck in the Wolf Lair. And here is Nunos secret plan. The home bench will all be holding frying pans full of scouse during the game. The aroma of the scouse will obviously unsettle the Everton contingent to such an extent that Marco Silva calls in Jimmy Tarbuck to give an inspirational half time speech ‘ger out there soft lads and think of Goodison Park, Howard Kendall and Neville Southall’. But to no avail. Nuno will become embroiled in a bitter row with the Everton bench after one of them nicks his trainers. All of this will not stop the marauding Wolf as we come away with a 2-1 win. After the game Nuno said ‘no one pinches my fucking trainers. I am happy with the boys. I thank the fans” Marco Silva said ‘Nuno thinks he is the top Portuguese and just because one of our bench pinched his trainers he fuckin lost it’. WWFC 2 – 1 Scouse.
I think it wolves on Saturday
One nil us
HOW on earth do you predict the first game?, especially when we have had a rather good transfer window. I mean Leander Dendoncker, Adama Traore, Joao Moutinho, Jonny, Raul Jimenez, Rui Patricio and the loan deals of Diogo Jota, Willy Boly, and Leo Bonatini being made permanent can’t be considered bad deals, well not by me anyway. Add all those to our already well prepared and execllent squad, then it can only mean one thing, surely……. “We are in the Premiership for the long haul”.
So, it must therefore mean that we start off on winning ways, and I will certainly take that for starters.
Raul Jimenez, Rui Patricio and Ruben Vinagre. Wolves have
I don’t know where to begin. Doesn’t really matter, as long as we get 3 points.
If we can also look dominant, it will send out a message to the rest of the league.
Wolves 2 – 1 Everton.
Jota and Costa to score.
HOW on earth do you predict the first game?, especially when we have had a rather good transfer window. I mean Leander Dendoncker, Adama Traore, Joao Moutinho, Jonny, Raul Jimenez, Rui Patricio and the loan deals of Diogo Jota, Willy Boly, and Leo Bonatini being made permanent can’t be considered bad deals, well not by me anyway. Add all those to our already well prepared and execllent squad, then it can only mean one thing, surely……. “We are in the Premiership for the long haul”.
So, it must therefore mean that we start off on winning ways, and I will certainly take that for starters.
A good fixture to start our campaign, can’t wait for Traore to work his magic,
He’s going to be worth 60mil by the end of the season
I have got a feeling its going to low scoring, hope not !
My first venture on this prediction league
Must not loose for Wolves but we will catch them upfield on the break. Cav to come on and get one.
So its finally here!!!! Disappointed that Zinchenko never came but that said we have had a fantastic window and look to have a squad more than good enough to compete in the Premier League. Everton have also strengthened but probably the game against us is a bit to soon for the ones signed on deadline day. As for our starting 11 I would go with the 11 that started the second half against Villarreal but expect Dendoncker to get in the team sooner rather than later.
Tough to predict with no competitive games to base it on and no time for our or their new signings to bed in. A bit worried about our defending crosses, so I’ll sit on the fence and go for a draw. COMBs!
Forget Zinchenko, he’s a spoiled little brat. In ten years time when he’s an overweight also-ran warming the bench of Steve Bruce’s League 1 Villa he’ll rue the day he turned down the Wolves opportunity.
Anyway I’d prefer to see Vinagre given chances in the team – he’s at the point in his career when he really needs to get first team games under his belt.
We were dominant with Villarreal which bodes well. This game is ours to lose and Everton have more to prove than we do.
A solid 2-0 start
Great to see so much positivity amongst my fellow bloggers and I have say, I share the feeling. Our team looked silky smooth second half against Vilareal and my hope and belief is that we can carry that into Saturday’s clash.
Can’t wait for the big kick off. We’ve had the World Cup, great weather and much activity in the transfer window to keep us occupied. But nothing can replace the thrill of the big kick off when your team’s just won promotion. Bring ’em on.
Forgot to add, welcome to all the new bloggers on here.
Hope you are still here if it all fails to go to plan.
Douglas has gone now so time to get back to “in Nuno we trust”, Fosun have really invested for the Premier and expect us to set off with a win.
Missing the first game as I’m on holiday in Italy (it’s hotter than the sun here). Happy with the transfer dealings and I’m hoping for a finish somewhere around 12th at the end of the season. UTW
We will make mistakes that’s a given
But we have the class and guts to turn things around.
I foresee an early setback in this game then a momentous fight back.
Just got back from me holls, a highlight was squeezing a wolves game in at derby although that is now two trips back in the last 7 months, three games, Swansea, Barnsley and derby at one goal for38 000 miles !! Think I may be an unlucky omen atm so you’ll all be glad i won’t be at any game this season ( atm)
We ruffled feathers last time so I’m super confident we will kick some serious arsenal this season, will be watching at 1 am and although I think it’s going to be one all , I have to predict a win first up
Would be nice to see Ikeme at the game , along with the big flag just before kickoff to set the scene
Utw
Excited for the start of the Premier League!!
Up the Wolves!!
Starting the year off right, and gotta say filling this out today brought me back to when I used to fill these out for league one previews not too long ago. A true testament to the guys for keeping the website going all those years, now is the time to reap the rewards.
Not to sure on how Everton will approach this game they have brought some strong quality players then again so have Wolves. Wolves will need to get there first points on the board early for confidence we have a hard start .
Could be 0-0 too. Obviously I’m hoping for better, but I feel that the last few games of our pre-season didn’t inspire too much confidence.
Well it is here, great post Thomas l think Everton are going to be nervous the atmosphere will be electric, the subway being painted gold we will win.
My how the past 3 months have flown by.
And not to let anyone down or feel despair (like the Moxey bullshit era) Fosun have been flashing the cash … in suitcases full at a time.
Who cannot be excited by the thought of Premier League football and supporting a team destined for the very top .. with a spend of £80 plus million in this current window.. omg.
The team looked quality last week and I can only hope that first night nerves doesn’t take a hold… in fact I think it could well be first night NEVES…
Buzzin for the new season and well excited to see our new Wolves in real competitive action. I think us and Everton will be vying for a similar league position come the end and expect plenty of chances and a few going in………..
#COMBabbies
So looking forward to this season
Imperative the team wins on Saturday and although substantial last gasp editions to the Everton squad have been made today I can’t see any of them making a contribution in this match …..the current defensive set up at Everton is slow …..we should cut them to ribbons if we finish ….watching the game at the bottom of Town Walls Shrewsbury …..Hop and Friars….COYW
My sensible ‘I’ve been supporting Wolves for nearly 50 years and I am going to be disappointed’ head tells me this will be a draw.
However, my overly optimistic ‘We’ve got Neves and Nuno and Jota and Costa and Boly and Patricio and Doherty and Uncle Tom Coady and all’ head is telling the first head to shut up and get a life.
My first head has taken note and has bowed to my second head’s better judgement.
We’re gonna win!
PS. Now I’ve got a heads ache.
Sounds like you need a pan galactic gargle blaster
Nice one Sleachy.
I’ll have a few tonight at The Park View Hotel.
As the great man once said:-
“I’m up to here with cool, okay? I am so amazingly cool you could keep a side of meat in me for a month. I am so hip I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis.”
I’m going to be optimistic every prediction this year : a thriller with us coming back from 2-1 down
Obviously Everton have bought good players but without a discernible plan. Wolves on the other hand do seem to be working to a consistent plan. Greater strength in depth with the addition of future potential.
These are two clubs with I think similar ambitions for this season. But I think Wolves mostly got their business done early giving more time for players time to bed in.
Plus I think Wolves pace up front against a ponderous defence will edge it in Wolves favour. Going for 2-0 but am nervous. Good luck everyone.
Tentative start is my guess – nerves for all.
Really looking forward to the game and hope the hype/expectation doesn’t mean we underestimate Everton. They will be tough to beat with or without their new signings. They are exactly the type of club we have to aspire to finish above if we are to progress. I am going for a cautious stalemate
We shall know by 19:30 whether the hype as been matched by the performance.
I feel quite nervous but more confident that the last time we were in the premier.
I just wish Wolves would buy players who I could spell like Bull rather than Donckerdoncker, give it a month and I will get there.
Bennett in defence please nuno. Saiss reminds of batth at villa last season. We don’t want that. The rest yes the same. As. 2ns.half last week, and I think we’ll get the win we need to start building our confidence. Predicting a big game. From. Jota and Costa and a victory to get Molinex rocking again and the memories of last season flooding back
I was going 3-0 last season, but for now I’ll be content with 2-0 tomorrow, and wait until Traore is unleashed before upping the score.
Like the first day at a new school, tentative, nervous. Looks like a lot of the planning was based around Zinchenko so that leaves a question mark for me, unless the paperwork is waiting approval for a last minute deal. The other signings seem to have gone according to plan so fingers crossed.
Wolves 2-1
Can’t see that any of the planning was done round him myself. Anyway let’s be a little tentative in the prediction stakes to start with. So:
Fingers crossed. 3-2 wolves
I fancy us to keep a clean sheet at home, despite our defensive frailties against Villarreal and Derby. Jimenez to bag one early on
So excited for this game. And its actually on NBC as well. Trying to convert some of my friends as well and I reckon we’ll start well.
Costa and Jimenez to net.
I’ve become ridiculously superstitious over predicting the result of Wolves games – predicting a win guarantees a loss, predicting a loss guarantees a loss, so I just can’t do it! Not exactly sure what happens if I predict a draw, but I’m too scared to tempt fate.
Anyway in 45 years of watching the MIGHTY Wolves I can honestly say I’ve never been as excited for the first game of the season as I am this year. What a team, what a squad and what a chance we have!
I shall be watching with my buddies and members of the Edmonton Wolves Supporters Club here in sunny Edmonton, Alberta wishing I was sat next to my old friend Mark in J7 at the Golden Palace – how I miss those days!
All the best to all those going, sing loud and sing proud, we are with you albeit from a distance of about 4500 miles!
Hey Jed, is that J7 in the Steve Bull Upper?
Its where I used to sit before my move to Fort St. John, BC – although my folks still have the season tickets!
Edmonton isn’t all that far from FSJ (in the grand scheme of Canada)! If I ever make it down that way and it’s a game day I’ll have to come find ya!
MadBandit, absolutely come find us!
My old seat was SB Upper – G197 – great seat! I thought about keeping my season ticket when I moved over here but decided against it, that was 2007! Never expected to be in this position back then, don’t think anybody could have dreamed it!
Hi JED
Can you hear me over in Edmonton. I’LL TRY SHOUTING!
My name’s Mark, I sit in J7 Steve Bull upper.
Don’t remember you though. Possibly not your old friend then.
But the memory’s not what it was.
Never felt so much optimism .. it’s a great feeling
Giddy with excitement. Getting up for a 2.30am kickoff so we better bloody win!
Banging em in for fun we will
COYW
Nuno will have prepared the men with a quiet understated expectation, we’ll be calm and organised and definitely ready for business.
Going for a solid draw with a good performance both sides with something to prove from the off with summer signings.
1-1 result.
Almost there, start of the season almost upon us, I cant wait, so excited.
I feel like I’m 8yrs old and it’s Christmas eve, I know I’m not gonna be able to sleep tonight and whilst I’m no longer expecting Santa to slide down the chimney, having Santo at the Mol is like having my last 30 Christmases all rolled into one. I cant help but feel this really is the start of something special and I’m here to enjoy the ride .
As it’s a late kick off, itll be 00.30 here in Hong Kong on Sunday morning. The match will be shown live in Churchills bar Wanchai, home of HK Wolves supporters….all fans , either resident in HK or travelling fans welcomed.
Huge day to start an exciting season… No easy games for us in a tricky start to the season. Will be good to open our account with City to follow
6th blog seasons from the disaster of the double drop ..(Brompton checking this as I write) I said we belonged here and what a story regarding how we have done it..
So..here we go then ..I must say this is a reality check to me..there are mega millions flying around to start this PL season although we are up with only some of them..
I can hardly pronounce our team yet let alone discuss it we seem to of purchased wisely but time will tell ..The middleborough guy Traore looks like a Sako type incidentally and it must be relevant that we have bought this currently (injured ) player
for £20M..how times have changed..
Neves should shine Costa has survived the carnage and has a true chance to prove himself as has jota..Coady has come through and amazingly has succeeded to hold his place in almost world class company ..Boly should be fine Doherty and Bennett have hung in there and I spare a thought for John Ruddy who has been instantly spurned for our Portuguese international..I bet he’s pissed off..
This match a win for me with a test to our goalie to see if he’s good enough for a clean sheet
which I doubt…
Can we do a Leicester ?
All those away games to come
Stu Wolf it should be an interesting ride..
COYW
Be warned premier league!
Wolves to squeeze by.
Wolves 2 Everton 1
We have been eagerly waiting for this first game, hopeful that what looks like a great team on paper will perform well on the field. I am going to sit on the fence on this one. I think we would settle for a draw just to get the feel of the PL. Going for a 1-1 with Jota on the score sheet.
It’s been a long hot summer but the wait is over. Im very happy with the business we have done. You can’t win them all but we have definitely significantly upped the depth of quality in the squad. We had luck with a lack of key injuries last year, this time we have better cover and less games to play so that bodes well.
How can I not be optimistic for the confectionery derby. Old Gold Vs the Toffees. I have been chewing over it and the sweet taste of success will be the Old Gold variety.
Jota, Jiminez and a Patricio shutout.
The dream of becoming a top class and quality team has come true. Come rain or shine, gonna enjoy this and be proud of our club in the top flight once more. Let’s see what our stars can do.
Go Wolves!
Well here we go.
I know Everton have lost a few pre season games but i think this has a draw written all over it.
Hopefully there new signings won’t have time to settle in, so for that reason we may sneak a win but I’ll be happy with a scoring draw.
Really hope Bonatini gets to play, and gets on the score sheet do his confidence the would of good.
Jimenez will most likely start and I think he’s going to surprise a few.
2-2 for me can’t wait.
‘Don’t believe the hype about this lot’, says an Everton fan. I’m looking forward to surprising a few people this season, even if it doesn’t happen tomorrow.
Such a tough one to call. Everton were poor last season but are still a strong side not to be underestimated. But I’ll back us to get the opening day win and have Molineux bouncing.
One more sleep!
We’ve got Neves.
Looking forward to a rendition of “the Steve Bull” tomorrow. Even excited about seeing the subway.
Chuffed to have kept Cav…. Thought he was a gonner early in the day yesterday. Expect him to be on the bench tomorrow though with Costa and Jota tearing it up. Wolves to win by one.
Think Silva might be the first manager to go from the Prem this season , just ahead of Mourhinio.
Wolves to get off to a flyer with a nervy win and we are off
It’s been a glorious journey, now we go onto the playing fields with the big boys. No more Bolton, no more Burton, It’s Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd now.
How are we going to cope? Reading some comments on various social media sites some Wolves supporters have already got using winning the league and heading for the Champions league. As for myself I would settle for staying in the Prem and making the necessary progress to push on over the next seasons.
Saturday then. Everton have made some excellent signings but most of them will not feature. The Wolves have exceeded my expectations with outstanding additions to the squad.
Still it will be a difficult game and both teams will be finding their feet.
Jota to be THE player for Wolves this season.
A draw from me then but I am hoping to be proved wrong! 🙂
I picked up a signed photo of Ron Flowers, which I found in an antique shop in Narbeth, West Wales.
Took him to my local picture frame shop and gave him a nice frame. He now hangs on my wall, along with a signed John Charles photo, with a great view of the TV.
Onward’s & Upwards
Great picture mate!
I wonder where he’d fit into the present side?
Wherever he wanted to play I shouldn’t wonder!
Yes, Doog, anywhere! Great player!
Not sure Everton will know each others playing style which could work for us
going safety with a draw
First time prediction, 2-1 to the Wolves.
I am so positive for the coming season, to see the new players fitting in to Nuno’s system and to cause a few upsets along the way to a mid-table finish (eternally with fingers crossed). Well done on the blog, I am addicted!
Welcome to the blog, Michael!
I’m nervous . . . . . very, very nervous.
Strong start but pegged back by late equaliser.
Pleased with the new signings, would have liked a couple more but never mind. As for Zinchenko, well if he thinks he’s too good for us then we’re better off without him, we do not want another Mr O’Hara!
Pleased we’ve kept Cav, can’t understand selling Douglas and please play Bennett in defence!
It’s finally here, now let’s show them what Wolves can do!
COYW
It’s gonna be a good test to see where we stand in this division (as will Leicester next week) and is set to be a tricky start after the signings Everton have made. Will be watching from a pool in Corsica as last years heroes and the new stars hit the premier league finally!
We have a great, attractive team but I’m blowed if I know how we will do initially with the holes in our squad concerning right wing back and a goal scoring leader of the line. I like what I’ve seen of Jimenez, but he’s never been prolific up to now; just some worrying little niggles. To decry the ability of other Premier sides, I feel, is a little naive; they all have match winning players on their day. However, I think we will do pretty well, overall, as we also have some tremendously talented players. and the positions are more than well covered apart from the above
Everton lost last weekend and we won, so we know how that usually works out in the following game.
Sorry for the cold water, but, in my view, any result is possible in this first game.
I believe the fans, with the ‘big game’ electrical atmosphere will add the winning motivation to give us a narrow win. OODCL!
So on my pc my comments and prediction didn’t show up. So I added it again. Now looking on my mobile I see 3 posts the same, though 2 are awaiting moderation, probably the one’s I edited but didn’t save. Oh well
🙂
OK it seems to have been sorted
Sorry to hear you had issues Sev. It’s the image upload sometimes trips the spam filter I think which then holds a comment in moderation. Stu is often uploading pics and I then spot his comments in the queue. Will try to work out how to override the system.
No problem Thomas. Just thought I was loosing my marbles.
🙂
Mike
So it’s here at last the big kick off. This time last season I was sure that we would get promoted and so it proved to be. This time I am hoping for at least top 10 and with the additions to last years squad see no reason why we should not make that level.
Think we should have enough to just about see off Everton, their late additions surely won’t all play and if they do will one day’s training together be enough to see them gell, no chance.
Expect a tight game with us getting the points in the end.
ODCL
Hope we win, will take a draw. COYW.
Us Brierley Bonkers are going to have a go this year. It was two for a win, one for a draw and two for a defeat. So we are therefore going for a 2-2 draw. (But I’m expecting a big argument when we come out 4-1 winners).
I’ve a feeling this method isn’t going to work out well, we’ll probably end up going for a draw every game this way!!.
Unheard of to have so many comments and predictions at this stage before a match. Have we been promoted or something? I’ve pulled my crystal ball out for another season of predictions. Fifth place last time. This season I’m going for top four!
We had a great transfer window but on paper Everton and Fulham did better. Remarkably I spent more on my lunch yesterday than Spurs and Manure spent in the entire transfer window. Correction, Manure signed Lee Grant for about a quid as a sort of 10th choice keeper, but that’s sill less than my lunch.
Silva’s track record in the PL is only modest at best, whilst Nuno still has to get started. I think Nuno has had more time to bed new transfers in. It will be a tough match tomorrow, and the PL is getting tougher every year. I think we can nick this game 2-1.
Well folks its nearly time, in fact it’s going to be our time. The last two times we were promoted we were hopelessly under prepared espeacilly 2003 the Cameron’s , Newton’s , Inces and Irwins were never going to keep us up as hard and as much as they tryed they simply were not good enough and in the later 2 cases have seen better days they had given there all just getting us there.
Lack of Investment meant the writing was on the wall following a 5.0 thumping on the opening day at Blackburn we simply were out of our depth.
When Mick got us up we made a better fist of it for 3 seasons but again lack of investment and relying on everyone putting a shift in could only keep the Wolf at the door for so long. The players we did bring in were average at best Doyle was the star buy that year and although he was a decent player his goal scoring side of his game was his weakness and with Morgan dithering over wether to stick with Mick or not buy the time he finally made his mind up our fate was sealed.
BUT, that’s all history now £80 odd million, ill say it again £80 odd million pound spent in the transfer window and if Fosun and Nuno had got all there targets it would have been just shy of £100 million I cannot believe it even typing it and seeing it on the page is almost unreal . These owners and mangers mean bussiness, Wolves is there first and only choice they haven’t come to Wolves because they missed out on there boyhood team they came here because they could see what a jewel they could be owners and coach of if they gave it some love care and muched needed investment so it could sparkle again like the best of them and they have beyond my wildest dreams.
Neves, Jota, Bolly, Cav, Costa, Bonnie and all are young and excited and when your young you don’t have fear or neves or apprehension they just want to get out there and perform and show that they are good enough to hold there own and more in the Premier League and I have not doubt what so ever the will.
Good luck to the staff and team for the coming season
Well folks its nearly time, in fact it’s going to be our time. The last two times we were promoted we were hopelessly under prepared espeacilly 2003 the Cameron’s , Newton’s , Inces and Irwins were never going to keep us up as hard and as much as they tryed they simply were not good enough and in the later 2 cases have seen better days they had given there all just getting us there.
Lack of Investment meant the writing was on the wall following a 5.0 thumping on the opening day at Blackburn we simply were out of our depth.
When Mick got us up we made a better fist of it for 3 seasons but again lack of investment and relying on everyone putting a shift in could only keep the Wolf at the door for so long. The players we did bring in were average at best Doyle was the star buy that year and although he was a decent player his goal scoring side of his game was his weakness and with Morgan dithering over wether to stick with Mick or not buy the time he finally made his mind up our fate was sealed.
BUT, that’s all history now £80 odd million, ill say it again £80 odd million pound spent in the transfer window and if Fosun and Nuno had got all there targets it would have been just shy of £100 million I cannot believe it even typing it and seeing it on the page is almost unreal . The owners and manger mean bussiness, Wolves is there first and only choice they haven’t come to Wolves because they missed out on there boyhood team they came here because they could see what a jewel they could be owners and coach of if they gave it some love care and muched needed investment so it could sparkle again like the best of them and they have beyond my wildest dreams.
Neves, Jota, Bolly, Cav, Costa, Bonnie and all are young and excited and when your young you don’t have fear or neves or apprehension they just want to get out there and perform and show that they are good enough to hold there own and more in the Premier League and I have not doubt what so ever they will.
Jota and Jimenez to score!
Interesting to see the EPL predictions for 2018/2019 on BBC Sport site. Chief Football Writer, Phil McNulty has us down to finish 7th. Yes 7th. Blimey we will be playing Partisan Belgrade in the Europa League this time next year! Cor believe it. Cor believe it. I can feel a trip to China coming on sometime in July an all. Not quite as good as Stevenage – but there you go.
Does Milias play there?
No, he’s at Red Star Belgrade.
We gonna have a Blogger’s Ball in China?
I’ll be there!
A Beijing booze up Clive!
Score draw hard to predict with all the changes for both teams new division for us.
Would love a win to kick things off.
Great to be back in Premier League!
Well here we go again….. 52nd season following the Wolves and looking forward to one of the best since Waggy, Doog & King John ruled the roost!
Tried the PL a few seasons back when Roger Johnson was around but gave up when I couldn’t bring myself to predict anything but a Wolves win, which we didn’t – more often than not! Thought I’d give it another go this time round and hopefully I’ll get past Man C (H) in a couple of weeks.
BTW. Liking the new blog format Thomas. Well done!
The interesting thing for the next few weeks is how Nuno stacks up against the managers he will be facing.
It is a whole new kettle of fish, compared to last year’s managers.
And the Premier League teams we face this year will not just blow us off because it is a cup game like I think Pep did last year.
I think Nuno could add a few table positions if he is as good as we think, and may burst onto the scene as far as highly rated Premier League coaches goes.
Also, I am wondering if Nuno will start with a large contingent of players from last year so as to allow the other players more time to work their way into the line-up. May be a good strategy. Didn’t he do that last year or was that Zenga two years ago? At least keep some defensive players on the bench to shore things up if there are any blips (yeah, probably not much options other than that).
Reasonably happy with all the new signings but I would have loved it if we signed another striker. I think that we could be a bit lightweight up front and I am not sure where the goals are going to come from as the season rolls on. Tomorrow is a different matter – first game of the season, madly partisan crowd and the insane excitement of being back in the EPL. Jota and Neves to score in a tight match.
Great blog, as ever.
Head over heart.
So, here we go again,
Everton’s new signings are too late to save em tomorrow.
I know we haven’t scored many during pre-season but now the gloves are off.
UTW
So one pundit thinks wwfc to finish 7th which would be some achievement indeed.
Our opponents can§t possible play all the deadline players they have brought in surely. If Nuno has the lads up for this and they do indeed build on last years standards, no reason we can’t get the three points.
Everton are an interesting prospect as Marco Silva has done little in England to justify his gilded reputation and rarely sticks with a club for too long. Could go one of two ways, though they’ve spent well on paper.
I’m chuffed to bits with the business we’ve done as we now have real strength in depth. If I was to nitpick, I’d suggest we lack a striker that will get us the 15-20 goals that so often cut the wheat from the chaff at this level. That being said, I was impressed with Jimenez on Saturday and think he could be a surprise package given the right service.
Our home record was impeccable last season and Molineux is going to be rocking so I’ll go with us to win this one.
UTW x
Everton’s manager Silva has confirmed their deadline day signings will NOT play. Plenty Evertonians nervous that a Keane/Jagielka defensive pairing will continue to be vulnerable………….Go Wolves!
If you are playing fantasy football, check your players for injuries and even being loaned out to a lower level team (I really know my other Premier League teams).
Doubt that any of the late signings for either club will start this one. Provided our players stick to Nuno’s system and work hard there’s no reason why we can’t win this one. Everton have an ageing defence, probably unused to the way many continentals play, so I can see their defence struggling there. A closely fought win.
BTW, I think at least three of the top teams from last year are vulnerable, due to their situations with their coach/manager being new or seemingly coming unhinged and might be ripe for the overtaking.
My heart says a Wolves win, but my head says we’ll lose or draw. Hoping that Everton’s star purchases and new manager haven’t bedded in properly yet!
First time blogger, loved reading this over the last year. Can’t wait for the match to begin, driving back to Wolvo from holiday as I just can’t miss this. Going for a 1-0 win, same as first match last season. Raul to score.
Just watched fust half Manure v Leicester and can honestly say they are fuckin shit. Nothing to worry about. Nuno boys would take them Apart. No problem. Bring it on. Wolves ay we!
Firstly, thanks go to Thomas for all his hard work during the football break in upgrading the Blog. It’s been working a treat.
My first game as a new STH and it can’t come too soon. Looking forward to seeing our new players tomorrow, but no doubt it’s a little too early for Leander (what a heroic name!).
As others have pointed out it’s a tough game to call but having just had a can of Wolf Warning lager I feel emboldened to suggest a strong showing from the boys.
Cautiously optimistic for the opener- new league and a clear step up for the lads. Very impressed by Johnny, Moutinho and Jimenez against Villarreal, with continued pressing and high energy to win the ball back particulay in the second half. We seemed to move up the gears against very good opposition. We will know a lot more after the first three games by which time Adama should be ready to be unleashed.
Several comments above about the difficulty of predicting – new season, new league, new players etc. While these are certainly factors, I’ve just thought through some of the results from the end of last season – wins with 10 v 11 and 9 v 11, wins even with 2 pens in added time etc….etc. Along with most bloggers here I felt we had something very special going for us …. some great individually skilled players united by a great coach into a motivated and self-assured team with the confidence to do something different. For me the transfer window has only enhance the possibilities, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a team where so many are capable of beating the opposition players.
So here goes – I’m looking half backward and half forward … a decent, if not spectacular win with good game control and the first of many clean sheets. COYW
I wonder if any bloggers of more mature age remember a couple of things associated with (long) past games against Everton.
I used to have a photo showing Ted Farmer shooting past Albert Dunlop to score his 21st goal of the season on his 21st appearance on the 21st of whatever month it was – which date also happened to be his 21st birthday.
The second one is a game at Molineux which Everton won. It was misty from the start, but in the second half we ended up with thick fog so that when Everton were attacking the North Bank the only player visible from the South Bank was the aforementioned Albert Dunlop as he stood several yards outside his penalty area trying to see what was going on. At the end of the game it was only when the players got into the dressing room that they realised AD wasn’t with them. A St. John’s Ambulance man was sent down the pitch to tell him. It was only when we on the South Bank saw him pick up his cap and gloves and trot off that we realised the game had finished.
Does anyone else remember either of those?
Certainly remember the abandoned game. I was a school boy about 14 I think. If I remember correctly the buses had stopped and I walked the 5 miles to home in Penn. We don’t get pea soupers like that anymore!
I think Ted Farmer scored his 21st goal of the season in the 21st minute on 21st January 1961 which was his 21st birthday – or something like that.
As regards to the foggy game v Everton – was that when George Miller missed two penalties for Wolves?
Or am I going senile?
BOG
From the South Bank I didn’t see enough of the game to remember the details. As you say we don’t get fogs like that today. I remember that Everton won and everyone was up in arms because the game should really have been abandoned.
Hello bloggers – happy scorching summer to you all.
Having been away a lot of the time since Sunderland and totally ignoring the Express and Star website, I have no real handle on whom we have signed and disposed of. Therefore I will need to catch up on developments whilst on the train tomorrow with fellow Wolves fans from these parts.
One of the most memorable opening day fixtures I can recall occurred on 18th August 1962. Ah yes I remember it well….
Mum, dad, sister and I arrived home from holiday at Weston Super Mare via Black and White Coachways of Cheltenham around midday and the old man and me descended on Molineux for the game vs Manchester City. In those far off days matches actually kicked off at 3 pm!! Woweee.
Wolves won 8-1 with Ted Farmer – a real unsung hero among Wolves goalscorers – netting 4 and Jimmy Murray – another forgotten man – a couple. Hinton (him with the white boots) and “piggy” Wharton completed the scoring.
Wolves finished 5th that season with 50 points (replicated today with 3 points for a win would be the equivalent of 70 points) which was blighted by the worst winter in generations. With so many postponements from March 30th to May 13th Wolves (in common with all other clubs) played 13 games – a third of the season in about 6 weeks. Imagine todays snowflakes being asked to do that – no me neither.
A repeat of that opening day scoreline (and the final league position) would be a dream but probably be asking too much.
I am taking Wolves to edge it tomorrow 2-1 even if I ain’t got a clue what our line up will be. However I trust the manager to get it right.
Enjoy tomorrow and the season bloggers
BOG
Great blog BOG, I don’t go back as far as 1962 but interesting none the less. I hope Bedders is in your group today as I’d like to thank him for last season when he text me to say , I had forgotten to put in my prediction in the boxes, thanks mate I was only one point clear of the pack at the end so its all down to Bedders that I scraped in at the last and lifted the honours.
So, here we go, 2-0 in front of 30,000 flag waving fans,clean sheets the name of the Game. Have a great day bloggers and get out early it’s going to be a bloody bun fight in the bars today, enjoy!
Like the blog update Thomas, very modern!
Certainly looking forward to seeing the first game.
How has Nuno prepared them?
What will his strategy be?
Not worried about wing backs as am sure ‘the great man’ has it well covered.
I oscillate between a 4-0 victory for us or a 0-1 defeat…
Hmmm.
Bonatini to score a hat trick…
Me,
I’m in Clive land and Iv’e technically only got 1 more sleep since I work off Molineux time.
An easy peasy start to the season, I too think, Everton have had a poor pre-season and are not up to speed.
So since I’m in Magic Kingdom land I will go for a magical start.
Wolves 2 – 0 Everton
Come on me Bambinos
Stu,
Ope u’am avin a great time
Is Jenny tekin the photo? And you’re there with your 2 x daughters & 2 x grandkids?
Av it.
Wolves Hay We
9.30 am can’t come soon enough//…off to bed now with bets places on top 10 and top 6
BBC man says 7th…I/m OK with that
just 4 points from first 3 games will be fine
tomorrow 1-0
next week 1-1
then man cits/// 0-3
still OK as we will get close to 60 points at season end
let’s go for it…
Has anyone else not received their season ticket / smart card or whatever I think is or is it just me as usual ?
Just you I think mate.
Apparently, last season’s smart cards have been updated and are valid for this season.
It’s last years card, it will have just been uploaded. See you in the NBB Later handsome boy.
I have got mine Matt. Give them a call.
I’ve got a new one Matt. In a smart new leather wallet. Fab!!!
I see no reason to change my boring week on week on prediction. Footy won’t be boring though!
Very excited! great transfers this summer. I trust the coaching team to improve the new signings even more.
What a season we have ahead of us. I am so excited.
Our club has been transformed. It is now class from top to bottom and I love it.
Very happy with improvements to squad. We seem to have a clear plan and are sticking to it. Very intrigued by Nuno’s first starting 11 today.
Not sure what to make of Everton. I don’t really know their new signings.
What I do know is that it will be an electric atmosphere at Molineux and I expect the fans to back the team to victory.
Wolves 2 Everton 0
UTW
What a preseason it has been, with all the comings and goings. Some fantastic signings, and strange sales, but that’s modern day football for us. Very excited for the new season, as we all are, just hope we can hold our own and claim a few scalps, notably spurs, as my daughters boyfriend supports them. Tentative start to the season I think, so happy to take a point against Everton.
Best since early 70s. Those were the days!!!!
But now, These are the days!!!!!
Come On You Wolves!!!!!!
So not a great day for me, so spare me thought at 5.30pm.
Having waited for the “fixture list” before accepting one of my best mates daughters Wedding reception evening Invite in Liverpool for today, we gladly accepted saying we couldn’t get there till approx 7.30pm, booked & paid for the hotel, pressie & new frocks.
Then the twazzers At BT’fekin’Sport decide to change the game to 5.30. Bathtubs.
So now i’ll be in a nice hotel in Scouseland wotchin the game wid a bunch of blue toffees whilst wearing my shiny new shirt.
So please Nuno, do it for me so I can keep a mahousive smug grin on mi face all night whilst getting rat-arsed with some tear soaked toffees.
Come on mi babbies. FOwb
I think you’re gonna have a wonderful time Rick Rack.
First of all, I feel we should have kept hold of Barry Douglas, certainly for the time being.
I also feel we should have brought in a quality striker. Last season, although we scored a lot of goals, we also failed to capitalise on plenty of other chances that were created. We needed a clinical finisher as we will be punished in the Prem for not making the most of scoring opportunities.
The start of the season will bring about some surprising and unexpected results so it’s always difficult to predict outcomes. However, if he plays, I hope Pickford has a “mare and is brought back down to earth after his World Cup heroics. Everton had a poor pre season but bought well on transfer deadline day. However I don’t think many of the latest additions will feature in their team today.
Whatever happens today will not determine our season but a win would be a great start.
Good luck to Wolves today and to my fellow supporters – have a super time.
Best news today, apart from Wolves beating Everton 3-1 is Laurie Dalrymple saying, on Sky Sports News, that there are no plans to leave Molineux.
“We’ve been here for 140 years. We’ve got no intention of seeking to move,”
“We’d want to be in a position whereby we think by next summer we’re making a start on how we want to develop this stadium.
Our full focus now turns to building ourself a new home. The important point to make is our objective is to stay at Molineux. You only have to look around the stadium – and even when it’s empty you can feel the atmosphere. We’ve no intention to lose that, or that feeling within the club and the fanbase.
Our ambition is to take this club where it’s in a position regularly having an attendance of 50,000, 55,000 and possibly more into this stadium is where we feel we’re going to take this club in the short-to-medium term.
I’m confident we can do that in our existing home.”
Music to my ears!
Up at 4 this morning, looking for the tree and all me prezzies, only to realize it’s not Christmas Day.
No, one better, it’s Opening Day!
All the buying, selling, practises, training and speculating is over, time to get down to bizniss!
Bring it on!
Got me new shirt on, dug out me black shorts and twenty year old socks, been washed freshly, and raring to go.
One sour note to report, though.
It appears Chalkie the Cheat has raised his M62 head again, and has sneakily changed his name to someone called Steven L Biles.
First prediction league blog of the season and he has put in two entries.
Read back over this blog if you don’t believe me!
Just because he lost, badly, last season, he is now a sneak.
Get back in yer tent, Brompters, you’ve been sussed!!
Enjoy the ride this year, fellow bloggers, it’s gonna be great.
Even you, Bedders, we know you’re watching!
FOwb
First of all it’s great to be back in the promised land,having said that it was fantastic having witnessed some of the best football I’ve seen down the Molineux for the past 50 years .
Now is a different story a lot of monies been spent on some great players, (we all know who they are) but I think we should’ve done bit more business, ie another quality striker to match our ambition to ensure we stay in the PL.
Anyway we go with what we’ve got, and I truly think we can hold our own in the forth coming season baring any major injuries.
This’s gotta be our best chance ever going into the premiership with a side who can compete with the very best on our day.
In the past campaigns we have struggled to get results,and scrapped for every point got.
Where we finish this term is any body’s guess but hopefully we’ll finish above the drop zone and smash it next season.
Back to today’s encounter.
I’m sticking my neck out and going for a 2-0 to me babbies.
Here’s going for a sell out crowd roaring us on to Victory. Up the wolves.
Yep see you all later
On a really sad note ( sorry but this family I know well
Applause on 22 minuets everyone
That was his age
Rest in peace
Tough game against a top 10 side.
Will settle for a draw.
Went to a premier league launch lunch yesterday and there were 2 other Wolves fans (as well as me) splendidly bedecked in the new home shirt.
Can’t wait for the season.
Quietly optimistic….
It might be scrappy. It might be against the run of play. But I reckon we’ll win.
Happy if we match the result of the first game in last year very successful campaign.
Very excited to be back where we belong.
My only worry is lack of cover in certain positions (yes we will miss Barry)
Toffees never easy to beat but looking for a good statement from wolves today
COYW
Hello again one and all!
Short on time right now, so just a quick prediction: 2-1 Wolves.
Will take the time to read all the comments, I’m sure there’s a lot of (shared by me!) optimism and thrill for the upcoming season….roll it on!!!
5pm on Saturday evening . . . Wolves are joint 7th in the Premier League . . . . only three more places and we’ll be in the Champions League :0)
Still very nervous!
COYW
Really excited for this