Derby day is nearly upon us and its back to concentrating on the really important big game coming up, now that the FA have finally seen sense and sacked the poorest ever England manager, writes Wolves blogger Nathan Lloyd.
So, how will it pan out? Both teams go into Sunday’s game in decent form, especially the Baggies who have thumped Coventry and Watford in recent weeks.
But this is a Black-Country derby and the form guide tends to be chucked out the window.
I mentioned in my video get-together with Jarrod that I couldn’t really see a chink in the Albion armour, but I think I might have found just a small glimmer of hope.
To watch Nathan discussing the derby with Albion blogger Jarrod Hill click
The Albion side is radically different in personnel from last season’s and this may work in Wolves favour.
Kiely is still there from his heroics last season, but in front of him in defence, only Robinson remains with Clement currently out and with a knee injury and Curtis Davies absconding to Villa.
The ever-present Greening remains from last season, as does Gera, but they have now been joined by the impressive duo of Koren and Teixeira.
Up front they have the pacey Ishmael Miller on loan from Man City who tends to play as a lone-striker with Kevin Phillips out until at least Christmas.
Gone are the likes of Koumas, McShane and Kamara from last season.
So before I sound like I would like to don the colours of Tesco and start boinging around the streets of Wolverhampton, I do think we have a good shout on Sunday.
I may be clutching at straws, but there will hopefully be some nervy Albion players who are getting their first taste of a Black-Country derby.
In particular the likes of Leon Barnett, who will be filling in at centre back and has already confessed to some pre-match anxiety.
Wolves are not firing on all cylinders, but we do possess some gems of our own to give Albion a right good battle.
We have in the main part a good solid unit.
Defensively, Ward, Craddock, Foley and the goal machine Collins should be able to hold their own and if it does turn into a battle then I fancy the quartet of Henry, George, Kites and Ward to have the mental and physical edge over the continental flavour of the Baggies 4 or 5 in midfield.
It will be interesting to see if MM sticks with Bothroyd and Freddy up top or plays Keogh in a deeper role to combat the likely five that Albion will stick in Midfield.
Whatever the selections, I think we are in for a much tighter game than last season and I fancy a 1-1.
And optimistically who knows, perhaps a Freddy hat-trick and a reversal of the 3-0 last season?
Oh Stevie Bull’s a tatter, he wears an England cap, he plays for Wolverhampton and he’s a lovely chap, he scores with his left foot, he scores with his right and when we play the Albion, he’ll score all (blumin’?) night….. COME ON WANDERERS!
Wolves fans, what do you think? Have your say below
10 Comments
COME ON THE WOLVES, LETS TANK THE ALBION!!!!
….em off! Get into them!
I share the ‘optomism’ of a 1-1 draw.
Wolves players will have the advantage of having been together in this type of match before and that advantage needs to be pressed home by getting at the Baggies from the kick-off.
Even if we get an early goal, the noise levels will not subside ( Unlike other away matches) so Concentration in all parts of the field and in particular, the defence will be key to getting a result.
Can’t wait to see the starting line-up.
Like you, I’m not sure who MM will go with up front.
Whatever happens, lets hope that football wins and the papers can only talk about the match.
I think a 2-2 draw seems a good bet, with Phillips in the baggies team i would be expecing nothing though.
A draw would be a good result. the baggies will expect to score two goals and we, regardless of previous weeks, will have to match that. Tough order and ulikely.
We must try and hang in there but Albion are a good side and if they play to their potential they will be better than us.
However the Wolves have got guts and determination and keogh is surely due a goal or two. What a time to make his name…
I hope for a good game but games are only good for me if we win. A bit childish yes but I would hate to lose to Albion - I am sick of them.
Nice blog! I’m not expecting anything from the game from a Wolves perspective, so anything we get will be a Brucie Bonus!
I WAS BORN UNDER A WANDERERS SCARF!
glad to see ther are wolves fans who do no stuff about football i think it will be a close game just hope your fans dont try to cause to much trouble for the sake of young kids up there with parents
4. G&B
Phillips in the Albion side?
He is out until Xmas with a knee injury.
Well predicted blogger! A draw it turned out to be!
Hasn’t the game been and gone now?
Thought there was a new blog on a Tuesday or has this been changed?