A point at Goodison Park wouldn’t have been an awful result.
But getting the win, particularly in the circumstances it was achieved, is the jolt of electricity Julen Lopetegui needed to get this club going.
After the previous two league victories, we couldn’t follow up so it’s important Wolves push hard this time to maintain that good feeling.
It won’t be easy against a resurgent Utd team but there’s no reason at all we can’t achieve another positive outcome.
Man Utd
Notts Forest were swept aside the other night with relative ease and there’s a fluidity about Utd we haven’t seen for a good while.
Of course it helps that they spent about £200m in the summer but you can see the value out on the pitch. Casemiro and Erikson (who was free admittedly) have given them structure and creativity in the midfield that’s been sorely lacking.
Martinez too looks a good addition. Much was made of his lack of height in those early defeats but he’s shown since that he’s a strong competitor.
Getting rid of Ronaldo was a smart move, even if it ends up costing them a few results. He was casting a shadow over otherwise encouraging progress under Ten Haag.
They need to build out their squad but a top four finish and a trophy of some description are realistic objectives for this season.
Wolves
Although we ended the game on Boxing Day playing a back three, I don’t think Lopetegui will start with it tomorrow.
Only because he said in his post-match interview he was worried about Everton’s aerial threat and given that Utd don’t have a centre forward and aren’t blessed with tremendous height, that extra body may be better deployed further forward.
I’d definitely bring Nunes into the team. I’d also consider Guedes or Traore for Hwang. Ait-Nouri could come in for Bueno but he’s been an asset from the bench so do you alter that dynamic?
Raul for Costa isn’t entirely unlikely either given the latter’s inability to score.
Predictions
Well done to WOLFSTROKER, St.Kitts Wolves, CHEESEBURGER OF DEATH, Dirty South Wolf, Dek, DancesWithWolves, DeptfordWolf, Marin Wolf, Dallas Bob, The Witley Wanderer, basherbaz and Cannock Wolf for all collecting a maximum by correctly predicting a 2-1 victory against Everton.
Rich takes the lead at the top of the overall table at the end of Gameweek 16.
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.
You can read my prediction for the game in the comment section below.
Up The Wolves!
Unfortunately, we’ve only beaten the three poorest sides in the league so far. A leap needs to be taken to stay with and overcome the better sides for the duration. Does this team have the backbone to do that? I’m not sure.
If we can’t get a result out of this game I hope we at least get a performance and further shoots of promise for what lies ahead.
But a result is possible. Utd aren’t the finished article and they have players that have proved in the past they can go missing when teams get in their faces. I hope we do just that.
The away win was very, very necessary. However it was obvious to anyone watching we are still in a dire predicament. Dodgy at the back and unlikely to score.
January additions needed to get us out of the mire – Right back, centre back, midfield ball winner, and a goal scoring centre forward – not much to ask (lol)
Raul surely has to come in for Costa.
Hoping against hope we can get some result against those whose name must not be mentioned.
Costa was always a free gap filler until a fit Jimenez or new striker could be recruited. He has worked hard and improved his fitness since coming in from the cold. He won’t be with us for long, but sure to snap a goal before long.
It’s going to be interesting. Regarding Costa; he’s making the runs several times during the games but is not being supplied with the ball. Time after time he starts off only for the ball to be passed sideways or back – damn frustrating to watch as it must be for him.
All we need is for Neves et al to have the confidence to provide that pass that splits the defence and Costa will produce.
A tough game – yes. One that we can – yes.
Let’s show this Premier League that Wolves are here to stay.
I shouted so loud when the last minute winner went in against Everton, that I nearly gave the mother-in-law who was staying with us a heart attack! We were pretty dire for much of the game with shedloads of mistakes, but so much of football is about confidence – and nothing is better to boost it than the taste of victory. For that reason, even if it seems to completely go against form, I’m going for a Wolves win. I also really hope to see Traore, Nunes, Ait-Nouri and Raul all on from the start – we need to have the strongest team from the off. UTW.
I think 2 1 too wolves
Wolves will play well today but may not win; obviously, Man U are a very good team, beatable, yes, but not necessarily today. Let’s hope our manager has congratulated his team on their win against Everton, boosting their confidence, and avoided telling them they were ‘crap’.
Feeling much more optimistic after the Everton result but, as you say, United look resurgent so I’m calling a spirited defeat.
.
Massive result against Everton takes a little bit of pressure off against United. Lopetegui proved his quality in the Everton game the changes certainly had an impact and although we need a couple of reinforcements we have a few options so it will be interesting to see what he does. I see is giving them a good a game but just coming up short.
The Everton game showed us our team is totally devoid of confidence. Nerves were jangling as soon as our players, especially defenders, got the ball. Bueno and Collins are barely out of nappies and Maxi K has very limited top flight experience. So such a vital game was bound to bring out the worst in them.
Hopefully, that beautiful late winner and the resultant rise up the league will lift a little pressure and we’ll begin to see the talented players that lurk within. For sure we’ll need to, if we are going to wrest the points from this resurgent Manure side.
However, I believe we get what we deserve, and as I enjoy us beating Manure more than any team in the world, and I’ve been a good boy all year (almost ), I feel I shall be rewarded with a thrilling victory.
Valiant performance followed by VAR controversy and inevitable “big 6” win
Probably true Chesterwolf. Sadly.
Why the dislikes for something that is quite probable??
So someone disliked my comment instead of providing an explanation. Yawn.
Square pegs in round holes usually does not work! However, when Cody was moved from midfield to defence, it was an instant success. I wonder if we could slot RAN in another position, and still keep Brueno at left back? It would be great to play both of them, but will I will leave any tinkering and experimenting to Julian L.
Tough game and if we give the ball away as often as against Everton, we will surely pay the price. BUT, if we finish our chances like we did against Everton, I would rule nothing out!
There are lots of rumors on who Wolves are interested in buying in January, and surprisingly and somewhat worryingly, many of the names mentioned are players who we have been interested in for quite a while, well before JL’s arrival. I hope the gaffer can produce his own list, and not be given a list from Jeff instructing him to pick a couple. The price for failure is massive!
Can’t make it tomorrow. Family takes precedence.
I hope to see an improved performance from the boys and would like to think we might get a draw out of the game.
Every time I think of Man Utd at Molineux I keep remembering the time Jota left Shaw on his backside and scored that peach of a goal.
Happy days!
It being the season of gift giving, may I make a suggestion?
Couldn’t the bloggers club together to buy Julen a warm Winter coat?
Seeing Frankie Lampard wrapped up in several layers of swaddling clothes made our man look decidedly underdressed. Jeff really should pay him more.
But it seems that he’s impervious to the cold.
God! He’s hard!
Let’s hope some of it rubs off on our defence.
I too think of Jota leaving Shaw on his backside! One of my favourite moments.
I think Julen can be left to decide for himself what he’s comfortable in. Maybe he feels himself to be one of the team, on the move, up and down, animated. Funnily enough I haven’t noticed much sign of players wearing gloves, and snoods, this season.
McGuire back for Man U
There is a god
Great result last week but Mu are a different proposition personally I would drop montinho and put Boubacar in midfield add a bit of steel. A toss up between Costa or jimineze to lead the line but can one or the other score then the defence is shocking with Collins and Kilman very worried 2-1 to Wolves.
Tend to agree with Graham from Horsham above … I think the Costa thing is waiting to happen . I would start him
I’m sure J lo will set this up like a nothing to lose cup game as the Stats must have us less that second best . We still have good players and football is football so with vociferous support and patience from the fans then I don’t think a win is out of the question
Familiarity should bring a better understanding between players in terms of passing and anticipating movement (many of the missed passes were, imo, a result of the players not being on the same wavelength – yet).
I’m predicting a Wolves win but would settle for a draw.
And I would love to see a degree of consistency from the officials (inc VAR) please.
Not on the same wavelength yet? They’ve had all season and virtually two preseasons.
.
I think Costa should start cost so he run his arse off get in their face ,get an inevitable booking then leave the rest to Raul,but I’ve a feeling if the amount of mistakes are made like against Everton then I can see a Leicester result 4 attacks 4 goals ,utd are not that wasteful in front of goal , and if we look like getting something out of the game good old var is there just in case utd arnt performing
Sorry got a feeling the odds will be stacked against us 0-2
Resurgent or not, we are still going to win this one… we need to.
A valuable win against Everton should hopefully have instilled more confidence in the side. But this Utd side are a different class to Everton. I guess there won’t be many changes from the Everton starting 11.
In fact the team looks pretty much the same as the one that lined up against Everton.
Utd are on an an upward trajectory these days. They still don’t score hatfuls of goals, but they might have enough to overcome us alas. So regrettably I’m going for Manure to win by the odd goal in three.
Hope I’m wrong of course.
this is going to be tricky because well they have a good manager and good players…but so do we….
Hope the Mol crowd stay behind the team as we will inevitably concede early….but I sense a comeback and a thrilling equalizer….from Mr Costa!
Then again this may be all BS….but lets at least frighten them ( was it just last season we had 15 shots on goal at OT in the first half??)
Lots of bloggers going for a draw on here. I’m a bit worried about the recent form of Kilman and Collins against Utd’s quality, but kidding myself that we can get at their defence too. COMBs!
There is a wise old man who lives in a cave in Yakutsk, Siberia. His name is Derek and he has one eye, a large beard one leg. Oh and a finger missing on his left hand. Apart from that he is in good health given that he has no birth certificate and he is estimated to be at least 112 years old. He puts his longevity down to a swim in a freezing lake every morning, 2 bottles of vodka in the afternoon and 7 packets of cheese and onion crisps. And 20 Benson and Hedges ( lights). The locals say he is wise because of his uncanny sayings like ” if a bird had no wings it would not fly- unless it was in a helicopter” or ” when a turtle is hoisted from the ground by a crane – it will no longer be on the ground”. So a very intelligent chap. So I sent him a whats app message and said ” hey Derek ! How will WWFC get on against Man Utd on Saturday” He sent a mysterious reply ” when the hedghog eats a sausage roll it means there will be a bit of a stiff breeze around in the mountains” Apparently the locals are aware of this particular saying which actually means ” WWFC 2 Man Utd 1″. So there you have it. And the goals from Costa and a Neves screamer which will leave De Gea literally clutching at straws. After the game J Lo said ” That bloke from Yakutsk is a splendid chap and I have already arranged for a team meeting link up with his cave prior to Vile. I am not intereted in the table. Just wins. And it will be 3 on the spin come Wednesday night”. WWFC 2 MAN UTD 1.
Love it when you transcend to the plain of python but you fail to mention if the crisps were walkers or not ,
Walkers mate. He don’t like the Yakutsk Asda home brand. Incidentally. Are the Gods smiling on us at the moment? Every single team down there with us has lost since Boxing Day. Including tonight. If only they could smile for another couple of hours tomoz 12 30/ 14 30 !! You never know.
As noticed, there are several poor teams in the Pl table that Wolves will climb above during the coming weeks, due to the impetus of new found confidence and freedom to perform to their best. Hopefully the ‘twelfth man in the stands will play their part too.
I’d be happy with 4 points from Everton away and Man Utd at home any season. This season, with the troubles we’ve had, more than ever. To maintain the momentum and the positive vibes we need to put on a decent show, lots of grit and determination along with the undoubted skill in the ranks and again we need to avoid defeat. Play to win obviously but as per Everton, do not lose this match. I’d like to see some part played by Ait Nouri, Adama, Nunes and Raul in this one. Ait Nouri I’d consider putting on the left rather than Hwang or Guedes, he carries more of a threat, with Bueno staying at wing back. Collins and Killman clearly really need to get a grip of themselves and if Snr Lopetegui decides we need a back five I think I might back that decision. We can beat these guys, but lets not lose.
2-2 draw, I think, or, rather, hope…
Can’t really, honestly see a win.
Mind you, football is a funny game…
Although last game provided us with a valuable 3 points .. there were far too many flaws to sustain a winning streak.
We’re still lacking a decent striker and the McGuire/Costa dual will provide a few clues .. I’m still undecided whether we’re on an upward trajectory…
Enjoyed the win. Unexpected gift for the holiday. Man U are a little different outfit however, so just take the loss and move on.
Late game snatch – happy to take the three points going into tomorrow. I think there will be some momentum from the start, but how long can that be sustained?
At least long enough to grab a point. I hope I’m underselling, would love to see three.
I’ve had a couple of beers and have revised my prediction (Still officially 2-1 for Thomas). It will be 7-2 to Wolves. Just gotta feeling all that pent up emotion will just explode.
Feeling optimistic for a point.
Hoping for less stupid mistakes and that we take confidence forward from last game.
There was a time recently when United hated coming here. Solskjaer barely got a win here. I can’t see the same happening tomorrow, we’ve regressed too much since then. But I hope we give them a game. If we can stay in the game you just never know.
Who remembers our 1-0 win at Molineux, with a teenage Ronaldo showing off to no avail, and a brilliant solo goal from Kenny Miller. Those were good days, even before the Nuno resurgence.
Just a little reality check but can Costa finally get that goal?
After winning against Everton, the expectations will be higher. It was a good fightback. But I believe the class is vastly different between Everton and Man U. Of course I would love a positive result (including a draw). But predictions are vastly different to hope. (Hopefully the blogger giving negatives to loss predictions will finally understand).
Late winner again please.
Tis the season for reflection. For remembrance.
The only match I’ve had the pleasure to attend was a night game in Wolverhampton against ManUre. Ended in a 1 – 1 draw. Rui Patricio stopped a penalty shot right in front of us.
My wife and I met a gentleman at the Novotel breakfast buffet who, upon learning we were in town for the match, invited us over to his table. Treated us like we were old friends. Clive was like that. He introduced us to anther gentleman, The Happy Wanderer, who gave me the Dallas Bob moniker. A special time! Thank you to both!
Hoping for the best, but not expecting very much.
Was going to be optimistic again but Utd are coming into form
Bring on the New Year and more reinforcements
All in all, we only won at Goodison because Everton were absolute sh1te in front of goal. It wasn’t because of their creativity but because our nervous defending continually gave them opportunities. I worry that there’s no combination of our current defensive personnel that will resolve this issue so,until the necessary reinforcement(s) arrive I think we’ll continue to struggle against the better teams. Prove me wrong boys.
I fancy Raul to start, looked up for it before the last second chnage in subs v Everton and he must be fit enough to start again.
I would imagine that we will sit back and wait for opportunities to counter however we saw last time we played Utd if you get into their faces they struggle. Fingers crossed B.Traore is fit and can give us a pressure option.
Head is saying Utd to win 0-3 but I’ll go with my heart on this one and say we’ll win 1-0
Encouraging start but will be surprised if we are not tested today
Hopeful of the draw
Missing today because of pesky holiday.
Not feeling overly optimistic.
Our 2022 started with a win against this bunch, which all looked very promising, Europa League got a mention, Bruno’s Barmy Army in full effect.
Fice to say that didn’t go as planned. One year on and £200million lighter, weem in a bun fight bottom half of the bottom half, and every game is a final that needs winning.
I’m fully expecting the dark destroyer to start repaying the Cocaine rehabilitation program costs and come up with that goal, at least one, before being subbed off rather than sent off. I’m warming to the bloke despite initial scepticism.
Today might just be the day, with the faithful and a jammy win behind them, that the lads click into gear and the well oiled J-Lo killing machine reveals itself and rips into the Midges soft underbelly, creating shockwaves in the lower reaches of the Prem.
HNY, 1 lv & COYW.
Feeling ballsy this week. Up the Wolves!
As unlikely an outcome as it seems I’m also going for a W0lves win. At least that’s what I told my bookie, BetVictor. I’ve invested a quarter of my Everton winnings to back Wolves today 16/5 the win and 7/1 with BTTS. Tasty odds or I wouldn’t have taken them. We’re not as bad as 16/5 against winning if Lopetegui works his magic. As for the Prediction League I’ll put my heart where my cash is and go for the win anyway, with fingers crossed.
Feeling lucky …
Really positive signs going forward against Everton. Bodies in the box, two well taken goals. It’s early days and it was against a poor Everton side last tine out. But I’m starting to believe that we can start to score a few goals.
However, if we rode our luck against the Toffees as many commented on in the last post, it was at the back. We need to somehow tighten up at the back whilst building on the a cutting edge going forward.
Meanwhile, Man U have been scoring plenty of goals of late and look much more like a team now the Ronaldo has gone. I think we can give them a game but I think their firepower will tell in the end.