Wolves hit 6 in last 2, including 1 a game in the 95th!

Wolves preview

By Gavin Mapstone

Form Guide: Wolves' Last Six

Last week's game went horribly wrong for City, who it seems simply failed to turn up, and whilst Gary Johnson’s decision to keep the same starting XI that beat Norwich was commendable, ultimately it proved, in my view, the wrong decision on the day. Wolves, meanwhile, look to have one of the buys of the season in Ebanks-Blake and will be confident of scoring goals. For City it's hard to see where goals will come from, although if Elliott is now fully rested and raring to go, then he’ll be like a new signing, and McIndoe will be keen to put on another good show in front of Mick McCarthy. I think a draw seems the likeliest result.

This week's responses come courtesy of the ever helpful Richard Wilford from BBC West Midlands and Peter Bartlett of London Wolves.

So guys, what kind of form are Wolves in at the moment?  

RW - They have suddenly burst back to life after a very stodgy start to the year. I can't pretend they are very easy on the eye, but they look a good bet to squeeze into the last play-off place, and that was unthinkable only a month ago. Ten points from the last twelve available changes things dramatically in this strange Championship.

PB - Still a bit unsure defensively in spite of a great young keeper - Wales' #1 - Wayne Hennessey - 3-3 v QPR and a 3-2 win at Charlton.  Our 3rd goals in each match both came in the 95th minute.  They all believe they can make the play-offs and go up.   S E-B has made a real difference up front.
 
How does Mick McCarthy have Wolves play?  

RW - Slowly on the whole - their major problem has been the lack of pace in midfield since the injury to Michael Kightly at the end of March, and the passing is so laboured it's not funny.  But the unlikely emergence of Michael Gray as a serviceable goal scoring right-winger (no, seriously) has re-balanced the team, while Andy Keogh is finally showing his potential with greater consistency. It's is almost always a 4-4-2 with various square pegs in strangely shaped holes. 

PB - It's becoming 4-5-1 away with Sylvan up front.  Fast moving, ball to feet.   Expect 3 or 4 strikers on at the end though if we've not won it by then.  Freddy Eastwood always makes some impact and makes defences nervous but he's only being used late.  Kevin Kyle is a big lad - usually on for the last 10 - and has confounded his critics at Molineux with a stylish goal at the Palace, nearly getting a match winner at Charlton then laying on the winner for Karl Henry. The squad looks a little more settled with Mick's January signings, with injuries keeping other contenders out and earlier injuries such as Mickey Gray back. 
 
What are Wolves' strengths & weaknesses?  

RW - The strength is their sheer bloody-mindedness, the McCarthy trait that has most rubbed off on his squad. This season looked like fizzling out, but they have shown the mental strength to pull things back together. The weakness is the lumbering defence - McCarthy has any number of slow but solid performers to slot into the back four, but they don't like people running at them. 

PB - The team spirit is quite extraordinary.  They do really work for each other.  6 of them ended in the crowd after the 95th minute winner at the Valley. However, we are conceding too many goals so expect a few (that should make it a 0-0!!).   Apart from Craddock (and Breen) they're all very young, so have the stamina for 99 minutes.  The fans' support should be strong - game sold out before general sale.  Better atmosphere than at Molineux.

Who are your most influential players and why?  

RW - Notionally it's the spine - Hennessey in goal, Craddock in the centre of defence, Olofinjana the central midfielder, and Ebanks-Blake up front. The first three have suffered from inconsistency though, and Craddock has been unlucky with injuries. Ebanks-Blake has been a breath of fresh air, and his partnership with Keogh is starting to blossom.

PB - Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (striker) - 7 goals in 7 matches in March including that back heel through the defender's legs and turn and shot at Charlton.  Deservedly player of the month for March.  Seems to have built up a great working relationship with Andy Keogh. Wayne Hennessey (GK) - Wales' #1 at 20 and all-time debut clean sheet league record holder.  Has 16 clean sheets this season. Seyi (pronounced Shay) George Olofinjana (midfield) - since coming back from the African Nations Cup he's been man of the match most games, running midfield and recovering last season's form. Jody Craddock (centre back) is still probably our best defender and Mick made a big mistake sending him out on loan.

Our star player - Michael Kightly (winger) - has been out since the Baggies match in November with an ankle injury that turned into a long term problem.  Ironic that Michael McIndoe couldn't be promised a start, so left, and we've been short of wingers all season. London Wolves sponsor Neill Collins (centre back, sometime right back and left back) who has given a few penalties away, but also scored a couple of match winners and has developed very well this season. 

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City & Wolves cancelled themselves out at Molineux, what were your views of that game?  

RW - I was very impressed with City who have continued to show that good organisation and playing as a genuine team are habits that will take you a long way in this league. Gary Johnson should be the Championship manager of the year for what has been achieved. And it wouldn't have been fair for Liam Fontaine's maiden goal to end in defeat would it?

PB - Well, McIndoe had to make an impact didn't he? But it wasn't a free kick that led to your equaliser, nor were just about all of the "backing in" offences against both sides, so I hope Mr Friend is not reffing on Saturday.  Thought our strikers were goal shy in the first half and could have put the game away.  Fair result in the end though and you had a couple of chances to nick it late in the match.

If not Wolves, which two teams would you like to see take the top two spots and why?  

RW - Well, it won't be Wolves in the top two, so I will settle for West Brom, the best footballing team in the division, and to be frank anyone but the unlovely Stoke and Watford. So why not Premier League football at Ashton Gate? 

PB - Stoke City and Hull.  Stoke ought to have a season back in the top flight, so sentimental reasons - and Hull have never been there - so also sentimental reasons - even if they've nicked our Old Gold colours.  (Bristol as runners up if we can't make it!)  Can't see anyone who goes up staying up, but they won't be as bad as Derby.
 
Describe the rivalry between Wolves & West Brom?  

RW - It's pretty intense to say the least, and you certainly don't see a lot of football played when the two teams meet. I certainly know Wolves fans whose weekend isn't complete with just a win for their team, they genuinely crave a heavy defeat for the Baggies. And my experience of midweek matches between the two teams does make a strong case for the Sunday noon kick-off that the police understandably prefer!  The prospect of the two teams meeting in the play-offs for the second season in succession is both mouth-watering and slightly frightening. Deep down though, most Black Country fans would like to see both teams in the top flight - something that hasn't happened since the early eighties.

PB - Long running!  High point - Steve Bull (transferred to Wolves because he "hadn't a good first touch" but managed 306 goals!).  One of the low points was 2002-3 when we were clear by 12 and they overtook us.   Lot of split families in the West Midlands so, apart from the usual nutters, it's not vicious.

 

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