Keep it going.
That should be the feeling as the lads return for a well deserved hero’s welcome tomorrow.
We’ve hit a sweet spot and look a cohesive unit. Smart game plans, good organisation and collective effort – all simple in theory but not so easy in practice.
I was disappointed we didn’t produce our best at the Hawthorns but ultimately the group managed their way through a difficult game with a degree of comfort, another sign of a good team.
These next two games against underachieving sides that (theoretically) have better players will be another interesting test. And of the two, this is probably the more winnable.
Man Utd
I keep expecting Utd to hit their stride and it doesn’t happen. Every week they lurch from one bad news story to the next and despite some key players returning to fitness it still feels like they’re treading water.
They avoided calamity at Newport but Marcus Rashford ensured the headlines were all about his ill discipline and not the team’s progress in the FA Cup.
Funnily enough, he was in hot water the last time this fixture rolled around, left out of the starting XI for turning up late. He then came off the bench to score the winner. Let’s hope history doesn’t repeat itself in that regard.
They’re just about hanging onto the coattails of the European places and a top six finish is probably considered the minimum requirement internally. I still think they might get it.
But 10 wins and 9 defeats underlines the problem. If they don’t get a maximum, they usually get nothing, which isn’t conducive to building momentum and reflects their stuttering campaign.
Erik ten Hag is definitely on the chopping block. They have had to cope with an abnormally high number of injuries, but even allowing for that, the quality of their performances hasn’t been good enough.
Wolves
Joao Gomes and Rayan Ait-Nouri will both be considered for this one I would have thought, as will Pablo Sarabia, if available. This is just one configuration.
It would be harsh to leave Doyle and Doherty out who’ve done well in recent matches, but with two games in the space of 72 hours, there’s bound to be some rotation and with our tiny squad, everyone will get a chance.
You’re losing some quality in possession by taking Doyle out but Gomes gets around the pitch more and is one of the best ball recoverers in the league. I’d lean more towards him tomorrow.
Still hoping we get a striker before the window closes, but things seem to have gone quiet as we approach D-Day. If the deadline comes and goes with no new faces I think we’ve left ourselves one player short, but we’ll see.
Predictions
Nobody thought it would finish goalless in our last league game at Brighton so that’s nice and easy.
Tough one to predict tomorrow. I think a neutral would probably consider a draw the most likely outcome and I’m moving that way myself.
Our home form makes this an intimidating fixture for them but I can’t shake the idea they’re going to get it together at some point this season, so I’ll go for a 1-1.
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Up The Wolves!
Only problem I forsee is that the pundits have us as favourites to win.
This would be further exacerbated if GON wins the manager of the month, although Klippity leaving may affect the decision process.
Otherwise I don’t think this will be a close game.
A comfortable win to the men in gold.
I think we win this one
I just don’t think MU are that good struggling against Newport say it all play like we can and 3 points for the Wolves.
These aren’t better than us …. more expensive players and the full backing of Stockley park mabee , but better ? NO !
do you think they’ll want to come to Wolverhampton on a cold Thursday night under the floodlights In front of proper fans ? NO
A winnable one I believe.
I find it hard to predict a win vs Manure but here it is…
With three matches from last Sunday to this Sunday it’s a tough timetable for Wolves and our small squad. So much relies on Cunha. He was roughed up at Brighton and almost suffered GBH at West Brom. Man U and Chelsea will be looking to stop him in his tracks. VAR at Brighton didn’t penalise blatant body checks on him. Thankfully Neto is fired up and back to his best. It was clever of GON to sub him when the lunatics look over the asylum on Sunday.
I can’t see this match being goalless given the talent available in both teams. I’m going for a high score draw but have also backed us to win with the bookies. 2-2.
Cunha seems to get nothing from refs (or VAR). What’s going on. Do they think he’s faking it?
Firstly, a few words on the win at the Hawthorns. Many have said that they were disappointed that we weren’t more convincing, some even that we got away with it somewhat. I disagree.
In the Baggies, I saw a typical Championship performance, you work hard to create lots of half chances and hope that more of them might go in.
Whereas our performance was much more one from the Premier League. Control the game, be patient for your chances, but be clinical when then come. Sa had only to pluck a couple of meek headers our of the air, their goalie needed a worldie to stop it from being 3-0. We showed a gulf in class. A far cry from where we thought we might be at the beginning of the season.
As for Man U – yes difficult to predict. They have players returning, but are blowing hot and cold. Meanwhile, I hope we won’t be on a hang over from the derby victory.
Somehow I don’t think it will be a draw. If we can get at them early and put Ten Haags nerves on edge it may well be another 3 points at home.
looking forward to this game. Considering our home form against the top teams, of which Man u are not one of them, we should be confortable winners on thursday night
COYW
Going for a negative prediction as that seems to be lucky for wolves so far this run!
This will be tough, United against Newport looked awful defensively, but then had some of the old magic up front. They are a mid table side looking up. We owe them for the start of the season and I wouldn’t bet against us getting a nice home win out of this one.
Everyone keeps saying how terrible MU are but they’re still well ahead of us in the league. However, even without gold tinted lenses I still believe without the perverse interference of VAR the gap would be much smaller.
It’ll be tight but I’m hoping home advantage will swing it.
Prawny, manure are so well ahead of Wolves in the league that if Wolves beat them we will GO ABOVE manure.
I stand corrected.
Let’s be honest here, Man Utd have a team of talented players led by a successful and experienced manager so this isn’t going to be an easy game. However, having said that, confidence among Wolves players has got to be high at the moment, team spirit seems strong and there’s no shortage of talent there either. Add to that the tactical skills of Gary O’Neil and his backroom staff plus the wholehearted support of the Molineux crowd and my money is on a Wolves victory. – I just don’t like the bookies making us the favourites, that always leaves me feeling uneasy.
COMBs!
UTW
0-0 or goals galore?
How l love to do a Luton on them – 2 up after 3 minutes!!
Both sides could take all 3 points, but l just fancy us to do it.
We are in a good place at the moment and confidence must be high but also measured.
Let’s get in there faces and press, I think we have to much unity and they have a split dressing room. Come on you mighty Wolves I can feel a few plays coming on.
Olays!!!
There’s an aura when Man U roll into town .. big spenders , players on big reputations, inflated egos and a press following waiting for every fart to emerge and be blown up to resemble a hurricane.
No longer do they have to be feared or to make opponents feel second best .. they’re an extremely ORDINARY bunch…. and our fighting hero’s will be more than a match for them tomorrow.
My only issue with our squad is that it’s paper thin .. and we’re asking players to have 3 tough matches one just 1 week … ok Gomes is back in contention along with AitNouri .. but Hwang is still missing .. and it’s up front where our efforts need to be focused.
For tomorrow I’m expecting the same starting line up as Sat but with Sarabia replacing Bellegarde ..
I’m going for a draw tomorrow as I feel the exertions of the past couple of games will begin to have an effect…
Spot on LT- the team must be mentally exhausted after the Albion game.
That said I think we might have enough tonight to shade it if Cunha can maintain his current level of form. The bench is looking healthier and I hope that Sarabia is fit and firing, he and Doyle have both been a revelation since the Spurs match.
Times have changed !
I’ve known my friend Rob for over 60 years .. his Dad was from Cheshire so he’s been a united fan all his life… and thus enjoyed endless success, well
Mostly….
I’ve offered him a bet of 20 quid if Wanderers don’t win by two or more goals and he has accepted !
Hah… he will be sending ME same amount (which will be framed)
UTW
(I’m
With Witley’s prediction here)
Difficult as our form is so good; brilliant, lads.
I’ve got to go for a 2-1 win as we are the better team despite their more highly regarded players.
As has been said, they should be able to get it together but I’m hoping not yet. However it will not be an easy GAME. COYW!!!
Man Utd are having a poor season so far, but they’re still Man Utd and can always snatch a draw from a defeat, or sometimes even a win from a draw.
We’re playing well and and we have a solid lineup. I’d love to see us beat Manure, but I fear we might have to settle for just the point. Hope I’m wrong. I despise Manure.
Ooooh! But if we beat them, we go above them and Chelsea!
I gotta dream.
Besides, we owe them one.
Let’s go Wanderers!
Let’s get some revenge after being robbed the last time Wolves played MU.
We owe Manure big time. If we can strike first then our team spirit and pack mentality will see us through. They are in the news for the wrong reasons all the time, at the mo, their squad is fractured. Under the floodlights the atmosphere will be electric and Yuri Alberto will sign up pronto. However we will concede but it will not be enough for them as we slot home a couple more.
The undefeated run has to come to an end at some point. We should give a good account of ourselves, but the unjust odd goal / late steal / VAR ruling against us is pretty consistent when we play these guys.
We have beaten better teams than ManU this season (and lost against bottom feeders – but that’s Wolves!!). I think if we can score first, we could keep them at bay. So it’s a 1-0 win prediction from your truly.
Tough one to call. Think Garnacho will give us a bit of a torrid time and you just know Rashford will sober up enough to find the net. But their defence is vulnerable, so got to believe we can score against Utd too. UTW.
I think the stoppage on Sunday will have helped us. At the time we were tiring we got an enforced rest. Then the euphoria and relief of finally winning the derby will have lifted spirits to cloud nine.
I hope we take that energy into this and really trouble them like we did on the opening day. This time we may succeed and break the door down. Now that really would be something.
This game could go either way. Sooner or later, Man U will click to produce a performance that will be great! But not tomorrow.
We are home where our record is good! Time to stuff this big six pretender!
Hi St Kitts, do you you live there or just go there for holidays?
I ask because I’m going there at the end of the month, and I might need a Bar to watch the mighty Wolves.
My email address is barry@barrywilson.co.uk
GON vs. ETH is a pretty interesting matchup. ten Hag obviously has more resources but Gary O has created a more cohesive entity, including what seems like strong tactical planning. And I have to believe our boys will want some righting of the wrong from the first match. I’m thinking it’ll be a grind but we will find a way.
On we go, confident, threatening, swift and professional. I’m not following transfer news as think we’ve got enough to get through to a more open buy and sell summer period. Although we remain exposed if two or three key players fail to remain fit.
A win tonight.
Be great if we can break into the top 10
Hopefully the unbeaten run can continue but will have to end sometime aka vile/Newcastle result
Neto v Shaw should be a great watch
Leaving Shaw on his backside whilst going on to score (reminders of Jota)!
Worried as I think Gillett is the ref. Ridiculous that after over 50 years of watching football that I now always look to see who the ref is. I never used to do that. Apart from the odd one over the years, I did not even know their names!
Keith Walker. We knew all about him. Started a proper riot unlike the handbags of last week!
Usually only a goal in these affairs, this will be a new test for Gazza normally when we’re in striking distance of ushited they go up the league with bagfuls of luck and we descend the league like dying swans but Gazza is going to buck this trend methinks 1-0 the mighty wanderers
Well, after our ‘VAR ruined’ away game at Old Trafford, this is our chance for retribution.
Plenty of goals tonight, but we’ll come out on top 3-2.
COYW
Its the second half of the season now so its time for the VAR/ref cheats to slip into gear and make sure mank utd finish in the top 4 regardles of how bad they are.
Consequently it will not surprise me to see us robbed blind tonight as we are usually the main victims of these miscarriages of justice.
BUT if they are running scared of us ( the bent judges) we should prevail against a very disjointed unhappy multi millionaire squad of spoilt little boys.
Put some vodka in their dressing room gary
I think that Tequila is the preferred tipple mate.
And waitresses… and hugely expensive cars… and private VIP rooms in casinos… and…. (allegedly) assaulting girlfriends… well, what else can you spend £325k a week on?
It’s obviously impossible to know what goes on in the dressing rooms (and undressing rooms) of various clubs but it seems that Gary O’Neil, an untried and inexperienced manager, has welded together a bunch of lads who get on really well and fight FOR the club and each other.
Manchester United are a basket case of spoilt rich brats who need a damn good kick up the backside.
I bet Fergie is dying to get amongst them with his legendary hairdryer.
TenHag is about as much use at man management as a one legged man at an arse kicking party.
But there are still quality players among the dross.
We owe them, and VAR, BIG time from the injustice of first game of the season.
Let’s get even!
No doubt it’ll be all about Rashford within the media and little about us. The fact is, though, that this lot are a bunch of prima donnas and nothing like the team or ‘group ‘ that Gary likes to call us.
Providing there are no silly errors they are going to be for the taking and that’s what I’m banking and betting on.
.
Confidence, controlled aggression, pace and discipline will win it for Wolves.
BTW an 8:15pm kick-off makes travel home nigh on impossible/too risky for this 72 year old female. And an overnight stay not practicable, or cheap, at the moment.
.
You have to think that this is a difficult one
But a fixture all the same on current form winnable
Feeling good about this one. Would like Hwang back sooner rather than later though.
South Korea are facing Australia in the Asian Cup tomorrow. If they lose we get Hwang back sooner than we thought.
If we continue the form we’ve been in, especially at home, it should be a good game. United, while always dangerous, have looked vulnerable of late so I hope we really get at them.
Think we could nick all 3 points here – no good reason why not.
Think it’s going to be very tight but will go for a 1-0 win. It’s about time we put one over on United after recent disappointments.
I fancy us to turn over Man Ure tonight!
Wolves have turned in some great wins at home. They’ve beaten City this season; what price a Manchester double?
I’m glad João Gomes is available again but I think Doyle deserves his place. Also, welcome to Molineux Noha. I’m sure your big brother will look after you.
Now, where is Yuri Alberto?
Here’s what will happen: The hideous coat worn by the Worzel Gummidge Sandwell Town pitch invader, will be designated a priority health hazard by the World Health Organisation. The concerns being a wee/flea/rat infestation. Unfortunately as the UN move in to the Smethwick slum dwelling to take the offending coat away for analysis and deep clean, a freak gust of wind will move it airborne towards Eric Ten Hags dugout at Molineux where it will descend upon ETH head rendering him helpless to issue instructions to his team. The ensuing chaos ensures a 2-1 win to WWFC with Cunha and RAN getting the goals. After the game ETH said ” I thought we were in control until that rancid chav Albion fans coat fell on my head. The smelly bastard needs a good fuckin wash”. GON said ” I am always grateful for a Worzel Gummidge look a like to help us out. Thanks again to Sandwell Town and their smelly fans!” WWFC 2 YANITED 1.
Having put the Baggies to the sword, we can now look forward to welcoming the Reds to the Golden Palace.
To say they were lucky to take three points from the reverse fixture would be an understatement.
I have very happy memories of the same fixture Feb 5th 2011.
We were up against the likes of Rooney, Giggs, Van Der Sar, Berbatov, Scholes etc.
We had Doyle, Elokobi, Henry, Hennessey, EBanks-Blake, Henry, Milijas, Stearman, Berra, Zubar, O,hara et al.
Elokobi equalized after 10 minutes following Nani’s early opener on 3, and absolutely flattened the corner flag. Doyle scored the winner on 40.
We were bottom at the start of the game and were playing a Utd team at the top of their game.
The reds became so frustrated towards the end even Giggs lost his cool and Scoles picked up a yellow for handball. Rooney was on the receiving end of stick from the crowd for his well publicized extra marital indiscretion that was in all of the tabloids in the previous weeks.
That was the start of a dip in form for Utd after that chastening defeat. Needless to say Sir Alex was not happy. Especially when only 5 minutes of extra time were shown.
I fancy us to win tonight. Utd won’t be looking forward to playing us, that’s for sure.
UTW
Greetings,
Eric ‘The Egg’ ten Hags will be lucky to get his team out of the Jug & Bottle before they hit the 6th round of Tequila Slammers, those that aren’t still in the hairdressers or advertising ‘Manbags’.
Contrast with Gazzbo’s well disciplined pack of Baggy slayers and the headlines write themselves.
Even they know they owe us three points.
1 lv & COYW.
If this comes down to skill, tenacity, determination, teamwork, will to win, tactical acumen, desire or sheer bloody mindedness, then this evening’s spoils will be ours.
If the thieving ref and varman get their way, we won’t have a snowballs chance in hell.
Now, I wonder which way it will go.
utw.
Unbelievable ..what a come back
I see the silly twerps are on twitter again. Fosun this. Fosun that. Yet they glorify Sir Jack H who actually achieved nothing.