Portsmouth v Wolves Preview

It was depressing times at the Molineux as we crashed to defeat against Portsmouth. Questions were raised at the manager and if the team were good enough. Look at us now. We have changed the team a lot since then, and I never thought before May we would be safe but we are.

Tommy Smith is just one of many Pompey players linked

 with Wolves

A win would probably see us jump above Wigan and
Bolton. Bolton face Spurs away (although it's not exactly hard there, eh?) and Wigan don't play until Monday. A win would also take us closer to forty points, and make it a very good season.

Mick has confirmed that Geoffrey Mujangi Bia will start. I'm glad he will get his chance. Lots of fans have been to quick to decide he's not good enough. His only start was at Palace, where he played just as bad as anyone but not as bad as made out. For the reserves he has gained some confidence, shown his ability and let's hope he can win himself a deal.

Another player we might see feature is Scott Malone. Widely praised, and possibly our answer to our suggested left back problem. I'd like to see him given a chance at left back, but George Elokobi's recent form will most likely keep him in the team.

Even though Portmouth are relegated, they do have an FA Cup final. This could work two ways. They might be scared of getting injured, or fight for their place. Probably both. Avram Grant has been resting a lot of players recent, so I suspect he will make a few changes.

Hahnemann

Zubar
Craddock
Berra
Elokobi

Foley
Mancienne/Edwards
Henry
Jones
Mujangi Bia

Doyle

With Henry returning, I think Dave Edwards will be the one being replaced. I wouldn't be surprised if him, Guedioura or Milijas get a start.

1-0 to Wolves. Mujangi Bia.

The Contenders

It's come to that part of the year where we dish out the awards. The one Wolves fans will be talking about is probably who the Wanderers' player of the season is. I'll look at what I think is the top five players going for it.

#5. Marcus Hahnemann - Only signed for us in the summer. Started behind Hennessey but came in after we conceded eight goals in two games against Chelsea and Arsenal. Has put in some superb performances, and has made us look a lot more comfortable in defence. For free, he is one of Mick's best signings. I can't see him winning (he would be the third goalkeeper in four years to win it at the club) as he hasn't played as much as the rest.

#4. Jody Craddock - Everybody had written him off in pre-season, myself included. I didn't think his legs would last and I didn't think he was good enough. Fast forward from then and he doesn't have one critic. Been one of the heroes of the season and has scored some very vital goals. Has given us some experience (along with Marcus) and will have helped Christophe Berra to become a much better defender.

#3. Matty Jarvis - Didn't have it going for him at the start of the season. He put in some decent displays but was dropped by Mick for his crosses not being good enough. Has shone for us since getting back into the side and always an outlet for us. If he carries on improving like this he will be challenging for an England place!

#2. Karl Henry - Always criticised for not being adventurous enough on the ball and going sideways. I think he has made the step up to the Premier League look simple. Never looked out of place, and lead the team by example. Has been linked with many higher paced teams in the Premier League. He even scored a goal this season.

#1. Kevin Doyle - Had it wrapped up by Christmas for me. Has put in some superhuman performances this season and although recently looked tired, has been our stand out player of the season. Even though we will be playing Premier League football next season, it will be a hard push to keep him. Wouldn't look out of place in a top four side.

Don't agree, have I missed someone out you think deserves more recognition? Tell me.

Sylvan sees us safe: Wolves 1 Blackburn 1

That is one of the best feelings I've had all season. Maybe because we had got a draw, and in turn secured survival but I think most of all because it was Sylvan Ebanks-Blake who scored it. He hasn't exactly had the best of times in the Premier League, but maybe this is where it starts for him.

It wasn't a very good performance. We conceded a poor goal, Hahnemann got nowhere near the ball and Craddock lost Nelson. In the second half, they looked the more likely side to score. Hahnemann made a couple of decent saves and ex-Wolves player Keith Andrews hit the post. We never had an outlet, or anyone to support Doyle like Jarvis does. I thought Ward played well, his cross for the goal was superb but we lacked any pace on either side. One of the only other pluses (aside from the goal) I got from the game was Big George Elokobi. He looked solid and is really improving on the ball. He charged forward a lot in this game and linked up with Ward to cause a bit of trouble.

It was a bold decision to take Mancienne off and put Milijas on (I'll talk about the first substitution later) but I like to think it worked. Nenad got us going and him and Jones worked better together than I thought they would. Of course, bringing Sylvan on was probably the best substitution Mick has done all season. Ninety seconds it took him, and it was a great header. That was the loudest cheer any player could have got, everyone wants him to do well and let's hope he gains some confidence from this.

Is Chris Iwelumo playing the wrong sport? It was an odd change to make. Maybe Mick felt we needed another forward but why him? Edwards wasn't playing badly and he didn't look injured. I often wonder how he scored fifteen goals last season. His main role is to win it in the air surely, but he never does. I hope Sylvan has jumped ahead of him now.

Anyway, we are safe and that's all that matters. We can look onto next season and maybe Mick can pick up the odd gem in South Africa. Well done Wolves.

Hahnemann - 6

Zubar - 7
Craddock - 6
Berra - 6
Elokobi - 8

Foley - 6
Edwards - 6
Mancienne - 7
Jones - 7
Ward - 7

Doyle - 7

Subs: Iwelumo - 6, Milijas - 7, Ebanks-Blake - 8

I've given Ebanks-Blake an eight (obviously) for the goal. Disagree with any of my views? Comment.

Wolves v Blackburn Preview

This was another one of those games you look at and think, 'We can win that' and we certainly can. Whatever result we do or don't get today we will probably be safe by the end of the day. A win and we are definitely safe, a draw and Hull draw/lose we are fine. Even if we lose we are fine as long as the others lose (which is likely).

We haven't had the greatest times against Blackburn in the Premier League. That opening day defeat where we we thrashed five one in 2003 is a particularly bad memory. We then drew two all that season and one of our worst performances this season came at Ewood Park when we were easily beaten three one.

I think everything points to a nil nil draw in this game. Three goalless draws in four, Blackburn are hardly a team that scores freely but they have a super solid defence. Allardyce has done a very good job since taking over from Paul Ince, and has taken them to mid table and a cup semi final.

It's a well known fact that Allardyce is a Wolves fan. Could that help us in anyway? They have nothing to play for, and I'm sure he would like to see Wolves in the Premier League next season. Of course he would deny this, but I hope secretly inside he wants us to win.

Doyle, while he wasn't at his absolute best, was better last week than in the previous games. He looked a bit more confident, but he needs more support. Could Mick possibly go for two up front? He has recently said that 4-5-1 has kept us up, but he could be tempted. If he does, I hope he goes with Ebanks-Blake and not Iwelumo. When Big Chris came on last week he won absolutely nothing in the air, and I don't want us lumping it up anyway.

Rumours are that Jarvis isn't fit, as he picked up an injury at Craven Cottage (which would explain why Mick too him off) so I'll look at possible replacements. He could put Edwards on the left wing and bring Milijas/Guedioura in the middle. If he wanted to go to 4-4-2 he could bring Ebanks-Blake or Iwelumo and shift Edwards or even Jones out on the left. What about Mujangi Bia? Apparently he played well again in the reserves, and came off at half time. He would be a 'like for like' replacement. And an option I hope Mick doesn't go with but expect is Stephen Ward. I think he is better suited for left back but Mick would probably do anything to get him in.

I reckon:

Hahnemann

Zubar
Craddock
Berra
Elokobi

Foley
Edwards
Mancienne
Jones
Jarvis/Ward

Doyle.

I don't think there will be many goals, but I'm going for 1-0 to Wolves. Doyle with his eighth, surpassing Henri Camara's goal tally from 03/04. What do you think?

Almost there?: Fulham 0 Wolves 0

Are we a point or two away from securing another season in the top flight? Burnley were beaten, Hull needed to win but drew, Bolton came from behind to win as did Wigan. We've dropped two places, although it doesn't feel like it.

Ok, so another nil nil draw. Our third in four games. When your down scrapping at the bottom, and you don't concede many goals it is much more valuable than scoring goals. Burnley have scored quite a few goals, but their leaky defence is what has them struggling to survive. Hull haven't scored as many, yet their defence is just as bad. It has taken us a while, but defensively we are sorted. In the summer, IF we survive, we will have to look to improve our little problem in the other team's half.

Mancienne was superb. On the ball, he was in control. He kept the ball almost every single time. Off the ball, he helped to keep Murphy and Gera quiet. In the absence of Henry, he has held that midfield together. I wonder who will be dropped, should Henry get his place back in the side. The two just in front of him, Jones and Edwards, worked tirelessly but on the ball we lacked that creativity to unlock the Fulham defence. We only looked like creating something when Mick brought on Milijas and Guedioura on.

Of course, as we kept a clean sheet, our defence did well. Hahnemann had a dodgy couple of moments where he dropped the ball right on Damien Duff's foot but he shot wide. The back four won every ball in the air. On the ball, they weren't so good. Zubar is very good at driving forward and linking with Foley but the other three often give away possession. Craddock and Berra have formed a very good partnership, but are too predictable. Hoof. Elokobi is improving, but I get the feeling Mick might search for a new left back. It was probably one of Big George's best performances defensively. He saved us from going home with nothing with his superb tackle on Duff but unlike Ward, doesn't get the ball to our main outlet in Jarvis enough.

Doyle won the ball in the air a lot, and often had to create something out of nothing. Maybe he needs a partner up there? Our just someone to support him, as he looks quite isolated. It puzzles me however why Mick shifts Doyle out the left, and sticks Iwelumo up front who won absolutely nothing in the air. Aside from one good chest down he might as well not have been there.

Hahnemann - 7

Zubar - 7
Craddock - 7
Berra - 6
Elokobi - 7

Foley - 6
Jones - 6
Mancienne - 8
Edwards - 7
Jarvis -7

Doyle - 7

Subs: Guedioura - 6, Milijas - 6, Iwelumo - 5.

Still, one defeat from seven. That's the sort of form that keeps a team out of the relegation zone. A win against Blackburn could all but see us safe.

Here is a link on the observer website from 'The Verdict' which I participated in:  http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/17/fulham-wolves-premier-league

Don't agree with my observations, or my markings for the players? Comment and tell me.

Fulham v Wolves Preview

Doyle heads the way to victory against Fulham

We've had some very good times and some very bad times in London. Two of our best performances came in London (Spurs and West Ham) and our very worst came at Crystal Palace. I have quite a good feeling about this game, and I hope it will be a more memorable game this season.

Fulham have had a great season so far, and a long one to add to that. This will be their 56th match this season, and have played most of their games with the same side so  Roy Hodgson might be forced to rotate his squad a little. They have many great players. Bobby Zamora has been brilliant this season (he might not be fit for this game), Damien Duff is a great signing and Danny Murphy has run the midfield all season.

Fulham rarely lose at home, but we have put out some good performances away. If we can keep up this good form (1 loss in 6) then we definitely stand a chance.

Mick will probably stick with the same side, unless something happens between now and three o'clock tomorrow.

Hahnemann

Zubar
Craddock
Berra
Elokobi

Foley
Edwards
Mancienne
Jones
Jarvis

Doyle

I'll go for a second two one win against Fulham this season. Kevin Doyle and Kevin Foley to score. What do you think?

I'll be sat in the neutral stand in a group of five (I'm the blond one). If you spot me, give me a wave.

Also, have a look in the Observer sport section on Sunday. If you have a look at 'The Verdict', I'm the one for the Wolves fan view.

Games you wish you'd stayed at home for.

After Sunday's lifeless game against Stoke, it got me thinking. Has there ever been a more boring game? Or even, a more boring Wolves game?

I've been to a couple of terrible games in my lifetime (not a very long time), and I'll tell you about them.


02, November 2002. Watford 1 Wolves 1
Everything in this day had gone wrong. The car had broken down on the way, we had to walk and watch the game in the pouring rain at Vicarage Road and the game we were watching was a terrible excuse for a match that we were losing. It was the second ever match that I had been too, and one of the things that stuck inside my head from that match were both the goals. Jones had decided to make a substitution at a Watford corner. Colin Cameron came off for Alex Rae. My Dad said to me as it was happening, 'They'll score now, you should never make a change at a corner'. Neil Ardley whipped in the corner and Cox scored. We then brought Sturridge on, who made quite an impact and played well. All had seemed lost and it looked like we would be going home miserable, but Kevin Cooper's shot was deflected home and we all went home a lot happier than expected.

15, December 2007. QPR 0 Wolves 0
This came to mind straight after the Stoke game. This was in the season that we missed out on the play offs by a point, Stephen Ward was keeping Matty Jarvis out of the team and we had a forward line of Stephen Elliot and Jay Bothroyd. And I wondered why we scored so little goals that season. It was awful to watch. The whole game seemed to be exactly the same. Pass it around the back and give it to Darren Ward to lump it up the field. We used Hennessey's kicking as our secret weapon to kick it even further. There were hardly any chances, and the single chance we did make still gives me nightmares today. On loan midfielder Darron Gibson swung a low cross to the back post where all Stephen Elliot had to do was roll it into the empty net but somehow he put it wide. It was another horrible away day inLondon and one I wish I could forget.

Had a bad experience yourself at a Wolves match apart from last Sunday's game? Comment and share it!

The Bore draw: Wolves 0 Stoke 0

This is the first match I haven't watched/listened to a match. And boy am I glad! Sunday league football had made it impossible for me to know anything of the score until I saw a whole load of texts after the game had finished. I saw the "highlights" on MOTD2.

First of all, it's good to hear we coped well with the missiles that are Rory Delap's throw ins. Many good teams have been made to look silly by these but we had a plan and stuck with it. Marcus Hahnemann commanded his area and Berra and Craddock hardly let anything past them.

As I had expected, the Molineux faithful saw the return of Dave Edwards. I didn't expect him to have a good game, as he hadn't looked fit at the Emirates but he was one of our best players.

Although Stoke were all over us for the opening ten minutes or so, it was a pretty even game and neither side really deserved all three points. Kevin Foley came close again and Milijas free kick late on tested Sorensen. I hope we see more of Nenad.

What worries me is Doyle. Against Everton and Arsenal he looked tired. I don't blame him, he puts so much effort in but maybe he could do with a rest. Imagine if Ireland had gone to the World Cup, he'd be knackered!

Hahnemann - 8

Zubar - 7

Craddock - 8
Berra - 8
Elokobi - 7

Foley - 7
Edwards - 8
Mancienne - 7
Jones - 7
Jarvis - 7

Doyle - 7

Don't agree with my marks? I didn't see much so tell me where you think I went wrong.

Wolves v Stoke Preview

This is one of three home games we have to give ourselves another year in the premier league. Stoke haven't been a great team on the road. The proud home record kept them up last season, But have certainly improved their away form as they are yet to lose a premier league game away in 2010

When we went to the Britannia Stadium, we made one change off the back of a draw against Villa. We dropped Ebanks-Blake who had just scored and brought in Iwelumo to deal with the set pieces and long throws. Mick could easily do that on Sunday. We have to put someone in to replace Henry. He could:

• Stick Guedioura, like for like with a bit more attacking flair
• Put Dave Edwards in. Possibly at right midfield with Foley shifting across into the centre.
• Put a striker in, which would most likely be Iwelumo in to deal with the height, leaving Mancienne and David Jones in the middle.
• Put Milijas in, with Jones slightly more defensive.

 We have lots of options. I reckon that he will put Edwards in and Foley moving to the centre of midfield. He will give us a bit more than Foley would attacking wise and works his socks off to help out Zubar.

I think we have enough to beat Stoke. We can mix it up well. When we have to battle we can, and we can also pass it around and create chances. We need to be ruthless, as you don't get many chances against Stoke.

A big test will be to see how well we defend the throw ins. We conceded from a throw in against them because we weren't marking around the edge of the area. It's little things like those that can help you be a better team. One person I hope doesn't play is Ricardo Fuller. His lightning fast pace worries me against Berra and Craddock, and he has hit form. He has scored two in his last two games, both from the bench. He did pick up a knock in the last game and is also on nine bookings, the most of the premier league strikers.

I reckon the team will be:

Hahnemann

Jody saved us at  Stoke with two goals.

Zubar
Craddock
Berra
Elokobi

Edwards
Foley
Mancienne
Jones
Jarvis

Doyle

2-1 to Wolves. We will go two up and concede making it a torturous last twenty minutes.

Sickening: Arsenal 1 Wolves 0

It's hard to take.

It's hard to take that it's the second time Mariner has sent off one of our players unfairly away to a top four team, hard to take that it should not have been five minutes of added time and most of all, hard to take that they scored so late on.

We defended brilliantly, for ninety four minutes but a lot of things in the build up cost us. Keogh trying the shot from the half way line, nobody trying to block the cross and a mix up between the defenders of marking Bendtner.

I can't deny they deserved the win, but what angered me is that at any other ground that would not have been a red. It was because it was Arsenal and the way they react to being tackled. Rosicky's theatrics were disgusting, and the way they all surrounded Henry was disgusting. They were more interested in what colour card Henry received than if Rosicky was ok, which he was.

The best player on the pitch for me was our loan man, Mancienne. He worked so hard, and it summed up his game when he ran the length of the pitch to block a shot after they had scored. The other star for me was Hahnemann. He made at least three great saves and Wenger even mentioned how good he was.

There are plenty of positives to take from this game. More than the negatives, which there were few. We must be proud that for ninety four minutes we matched the best footballing side in the world.

Hahnemann - 8

Zubar - 7
Craddock - 7
Berra - 7
Elokobi - 7

Foley - 7
Henry - 7
Mancienne  - 9
Jones - 7
Jarvis -7

Doyle - 7

Subs: Keogh - 6, Edwards - 6, Ward - 6

If we defend like that every week we won't be losing many games. Let's hope we can carry on our good form into the Stoke game, which could be massive.

Arsenal v Wolves preview with an Arsenal fan.

As part of the preview for the match against Arsenal tomorrow, I was fortunate enough to find Carl Eldridge from ArsenalInsider and he kindly answered some questions.

Being an Arsenal fan, you get to see some of the best football played in the world week in week out, but what do you think of Wolves this season?

They have matured as the season has gone on and now they are a credible top flight outfit. Wolves seem to have good spirit, good players and a good, sensible manager, all the ingredients needed to survive and then push on.

Arsene Wenger publicly criticised Wolves for fielding a weakened side. This seemed weird to me as Arsenal do this a lot in the league cup and even the champions league. How did you see the whole thing?

AW will not hold back on his views and when asked a question he will give his verdict. At the time he, like others, saw it as a leg-up for United who went on to win 3-0. But would Wolves have stood a chance with their strongest side? on the evidence of their recent run, possibly. No matter, it made sense for McCarthy and Wolves and surely he has to look out for you lot and not give a hoot what others think. And I hope Mick doesn't complain tomorrow when we play a weakened team because of all the injuries we have!  

If you could pick any, which Wolves player would you take to Arsenal?

Doyle, and I would be amazed if he doesn't leave in the summer -- that is no insult to Wolves I just think he is top four material

Many Wolves fans would agree with that. Arsenals haven’t won much in recent years, but are still in with a chance of champions league and premiership glory. How do you rate Arsenal’s chances in both of the competitions?

Well, it'll be a tall order to go to Barca on Tuesday and come away with a place in the semis, but after fighting back to 2-2 who knows. We should have been buried and Barca back on the plane to Spain after half an hour. As I said, be very tough because then we have probably Inter and if not them a team capable of beating them, CSKA, in the semis. As for the Prem, the draw at Brum could be crucial. I think we needed three points from every game left and the last-minute goal we gave them was a nightmare. Add that to the vital injuries we have and it might be asking too much of our squad to compete for the title in the latter stages of this season. Again, though, we are still in it.

Do you think Wolves will stay up?

No doubt whatsoever and I look forward to having a few pre-match beers in the Molineux pub next season.

And finally, what is your prediction for the game?

Wolves are in good shape and have confidence after a good run but I still fancy us. Doyle will score but we'll nick it 2-1...I hope!

Thanks Carl 

Arsenal slipped up last week and will look to bounce back against us. With Chelsea and Man United playing they could gain some points on one of them or even both. With an important game in three/four days time in Barcelona, Arsene Wenger will probably have to make a few changes too. Add that some injuries, this is probably the best time to be playing Arsenal. 

We have done pretty in London this season. Lost at Chelsea but beat Tottenham and West Ham away and let's hope we can carry on our good form and give them a proper game. We'll have to be very aware and if we can close them down into a similiar style that Barcelona did we could force them into some mistakes.

Likely team:

Hahnemann

Only 5 of last week's side played Arsenal in the 4-1 defeat

Zubar

Craddock

Berra

Elokobi

Foley

Henry

Mancienne

Jones

Jarvis

Doyle

I think I'll go for the same prediction as Carl, 2-1 but Jarvis with our goal.

Come on you Wolves!

Wenger's big dilemma

"We will have to compete with Manchester United over 37 games instead of 38,I believe it is a problem for the international credibility of the Premier League, but it is not my problem, it is a Premier League problem."

Are these the words that may come back to haunt Arsene Wenger?

Sandwiches between two tough ties with Barcelona in the champions league quarter finals, Arsenal face Wolves at the Emirates. Question is, will Arsenal be forced to rest their team in order to have a chance at the Nou Camp?

OK, he has to make three changes in Fabregas, Gallas and Arshavin who all got injured. But what about one of their best players this season in Song, and what about Vermaelan? Can he afford to risk injury, or tire them out before their biggest game of the season?

It will certainly be interesting to see what Mr.Wenger does. I think he has to make changes, their back up players may be good enough but what will he say after on Match of the Day?

There is only one possible reason he won't make wholesale changes to the side he played on Wednesday, and that is because it is Wolves. West Ham have already complained about Fulham making six changes, and if we get a point or three then they will be sure to make another complaint to the Premier League.

He has decide whether to play the likes of Song, Vermaelan, Nasri and Walcott with a game four days later or give some inexperienced youngsters a game in the Premier League. Wenger has given his youngsters lots of opportunities (in the league cup and also Champions League!). It's not like this game isn't important though, because with Man United playing Chelsea this weekend they could improve their chances in the title race. A draw puts them right back in it.


Prediction time: How many changes does he make? I'll go for 8. No Fabregas, Arshavin, Gallas, Nasri, Bendtner, Vermaelen, Sagna and Walcott/Song.