Wolves fans predict derby day victory – but nerves are building ahead of Molineux clash

Wolves fans are cautiously optimistic ahead of the big derby at Molineux, with supporters backing their side to secure victory despite admitting to feeling the nerves ahead of the eagerly anticipated clash.

With their rivals making a strong start to the season and Wolves set to be without injured striker Raul Jimenez, supporters believe the game could be a closely fought affair.

However, the Molineux faithful are hoping home advantage and the backing of a passionate crowd will help their side claim the Black Country bragging rights.

Adam Smith, a season ticket holder in the Steve Bull Stand, believes Wolves have the quality to come out on top, but admits he has been feeling the pressure all week.

"It's a really big game. Player for player we should probably win the game, but it doesn't work that way does it," he said. "I think we're going to win, but I'm not confident. It'll be a tough game because they're a good side and have started well, but we should have enough.

"I've been nervous all week, toing and froing about whether it's going to be them or us, but you just never know.

"Their history here is good which makes me nervous, but I'm sure they'll be nervous as well."

Fellow supporter Dan Hulme, founder of The Old Gold and Chat, also expects a tight encounter but believes Wolves' strength in depth could prove decisive, despite the absence of Jimenez.

"I think it's going to be tight. They've started well to be fair and made some really good signings in the summer, but undoubtedly we should win the game," he said. "We've got a lot of quality and depth in the squad, but we'll be missing Raul. He's a big loss for us."

Dan believes playing the derby at Molineux could give Wolves a crucial advantage, with supporters expected to create an electric atmosphere.

"It's massive to have the game at Molineux, and the atmosphere is going to be rowdy," he added. "We have the upper hand having it here first, because if it gets to later in the season and we aren't performing well we all know what the Molineux atmosphere can be like when we're struggling."

For Brody Wilson, from Stafford, the derby represents a huge occasion, although he is hoping to avoid a repeat of the ugly scenes that marred the closing stages of the sides' FA Cup meeting.

"It's a massive game for us, it really is massive," he said. "I'm hoping it doesn't end up like the FA Cup game did towards the end because we don't need any of that.

"I genuinely think we can get a win, but I'm not happy about Raul being injured. For me I don't think he should have played against Everton on Wednesday, but even without him we've still got lots of talent.

"If we turn up with the fans behind us we can get a result, I think the support will be massive."

While thousands of supporters will be packing into Molineux for the derby, Brody will be following the action from home after missing out on a ticket.

"I wasn't able to get a ticket so I'll be watching at home with the little one, which is probably not a bad thing to be honest with you because it's going to be manic."