Wolves hoping to ditch inconsistency with trip to Brighton and Hove Albion

Unfortunately Walter Zenga's team have remained consistent only in their inconsistency, with both performances and results being hard to predict.

Zenga wants that to change – starting against Brighton.

Goalkeeper Carl Ikeme said Wolves 'set the standard' in their second-half performance at Villa.

But Wolves need to start producing those standards on a regular basis. Defeat against the Seagulls would mean they've picked up just one point from four matches.

"My mentality doesn't change, the important game is the next one," Zenga said of tonight's south coast clash.

"This is a good chance to confirm what we did in the last period (against Villa)."

After exerting so much energy in a frenetic West Midlands derby, Zenga must wrestle with the dilemma of continuing with the players who impressed, or bringing in fresh legs from his considerable squad.

"This is the main question for the coach – give rest for someone, or because they played very good you continue with them?" Zenga pondered.

"Statistics say that on Tuesday we never play a good game... so I have to evaluate in training and with the medical staff and players.

"I have one relationship with the players, very open and honest. Of course if I ask are they tired they say 'no I want to play'.

"But now I feel honesty is the best challenge for us. I'm going to talk to them and we're going to see.

"After two months I know when they say 'good morning' if they are good or not good. Sunday we did a recovery day, on Monday I checked the players and I hope that we have the same spirit, the same attitude, the same courage and the same philosophy of that (Villa) game, especially the second half."

Joe Mason hasn't travelled to Brighton owing to a slight knock picked up on Saturday, while Lee Evans isn't yet considered ready for a return to action.

Zenga has seen plenty of Brighton. Certainly enough to know that it'll be another big test for his team as they look to edge closer to the top six.

He said: "Brighton is not a small team. Last year they finished very high in the table and play very nice football, which they still do.

"They're now in the play-offs and we are not.

"It's a very important game for us to confirm what we did in the second period.

"Derbies are very important of course, but Brighton is in front of us. Villa is behind us.

"This game is not a normal game because Brighton did a great job last year and this year has confirmed they are a very good team.

"They have very interesting players, they're a very good team.

"Tell me where is one easy game in the Championship? There are none, I know that perfectly now.

"I've looked at their last two or three games. Last year they had an amazing season and lost the play-off against Sheffield. If I don't remember badly in their play-off the keeper of Sheffield, Westwood, make amazing saves. If not they probably go up.

"They have a good team, play nice football, they have character and style. They're a nice team, I like them."