Wolves

Manchester United V Wolves

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 10 December 2011 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Old Trafford

Preview

Embarrassed by Crystal Palace, humbled in Basel. What next for the reigning Premier League champs? Surely they won’t sink to such depths as losing at home to lowly Wolves? But with numerous key players out injured – the latest being Nemanja Vidic – perhaps the upset is a genuine possiblity?

Personally, after watching Wolves’ pitiful display away at Chelsea recently, the upset looks extremely far-fetched. Nevertheless, few could argue that this weekend is a better time than any to face United, who within the space of a fortnight have bowed out of two separate competitions and now face the ignominy of spending the second half of the campaign in the Europa League.

Europe’s second tier tournament may await United but the Championship is fifth from bottom Wolves’ likely destination, that is unless they add some continuity to their results. Last week’s narrow win at home to Sunderland was only their fourth of the term, a term littered with eight defeats; only the bottom two in the table – Blackburn and Wigan – have racked up more losses.

Manchester United

League Position: 2nd

League Form: WWWDW

Responding to adversity is what Manchester United do better than most; it’s one of main reasons why they’ve dominated English football ever since the inception of the Premier League back in 1992. The other being the manager. Sir Alex has seen tougher times so he’ll know exactly where to go from here, and he will be telling his players to go out and prove a point at home to Wolves on Saturday.

United bowing out of the Champions League before the knockouts has come as a shock to us all, but to the team it will feel an awful lot like humiliation. So there will be a fair few bruised egos in that dressing room before Saturday’s hugely significant fixture with struggling Wolves, significant for the simple fact Man City go to Chelsea on the Monday, meaning there’s every chance of the trailing pack – United especially – reducing the arrears on the long-time leaders.

As if exiting the most exciting club competition in the sport wasn’t demoralising enough, United must also come to terms with being in the Europa League. That means a lot of games, a lot of travelling and plenty of fixture congestion. On top of this, it would appear they’ve lost the services of their best defender, with Nemanja Vidic set for yet another lengthy spell on the sidelines after injuring his knee in Basel.

So much doom and gloom. There isn’t a whole lot to be excited about, that’s why. Even in the league, where they have actually been enjoying a decent spell of form – winning four of their last five in an unbeaten sequence, folk are still to be convinced. That’s because all four triumphs were by the narrow margin of one-goal, 1-0 to be more precise, while they haven’t conjured more than one goal in any of their last seven.

Combine their lack of cutting edge in the final third with the absence of unquestionably their most accomplished defender in Vidic, and what you could very well have is a recipe for disaster over a hectic festive period.

Wolves

League Position: 16th

League Form: LWLLW

Although their record at Old Trafford is horrific, losing all seven league and cup matches there since their last triumph back in 1980, Wolves have rarely left disgraced. It took a last-gasp winner from Park Ji-Sung to deny them what would have been a deserved share of the spoils there last season, while no Wanderers fan will ever get their team’s stunning fightback in the reverse encounter at Molineux.

Goals from George Elokobi and Kevin Doyle sealed a fine win over the soon-to-be champions back in February. Wolves fought tooth and nail, worked tirelessly all over the pitch, and in the end earned their just rewards. They did nothing of the sort away at Chelsea recently, but they did do something very similar at Liverpool in September and a repeat performance could see them give the defending league champions another run for their money in Manchester.

However, based on form alone, Wolves will consider themselves fortunate if they avoid a hiding. Their 3-0 loss at Stamford Bridge to Chelsea at the end of November was their fifth straight away defeat in the league, and the third occasion they failed to locate the back of the net on their travels. Only three teams have actually scored fewer goals away from home this season than Mick McCarthy’s toothless travellers, who have netted five themselves.

Jamie O’Hara missed the defeat at Chelsea a fortnight ago through suspension, and boy was his absence obvious. The Wanderers midfielder pulls all the strings in the middle of the park and without him, Wolves struggle. Full-back Kevin Foley remains on the sidelines, as does the experienced Jody Craddock. Steven Fletcher should spearhead the Wolves attack with the Scot searching for his sixth goals of the campaign, having netted both his team’s goals in last Sunday’s pivotal win over Sunderland.

Match Pointers

- Wolves haven’t won away at United since 1980, with Manchester United winning the previous seven competitive meetings at Old Trafford.

- United have lost only once at home in the Premier League in 28 games, winning 25.

- The Red Devils sit second in the table having won 10 of their opening 14 league games (W10 D3 L1), going their last five unbeaten (W4 D1).

- Each of United’s last four league wins were by a 1-0 scoreline; they’ve not mustered more than one goal in a single Premier League game since beating Norwich 2-0 on 1 October (7 games).

- Wolves climbed up to 17th in the league (W4 D2 L8) after their hard-fought 2-1 win at home to Sunderland.

- Wanderers have lost their last five consecutive away games, three of which were at Chelsea (3-0), Liverpool (2-1) and Man City (3-1).

Betting

United have often been described as a ‘wounded animal’ in similarly testing times, but back then they knew how to bite back. They’ve been toothless for the best part of two months now, scoring precisely one goal in each of their previous seven league matches, and so all it takes is some clinical finishing from their opponents to really put them on the back foot – and as we realised on Wednesday, that is when United are at their most vulnerable.

The thing with Wolves is, they do have a gritty performance in them. However, I haven’t had the best of luck opposing the overwhelming favourites this season, particularly of late, so a lack of courage has swung my tentative vote in the direction of the hosts, a United side who simply must register maximum points what with league leaders City facing Chelsea on Monday night.

I suspect Wolves will make a fist of things yet again though, and With Nemanja Vidic out injured, a commanding presence in the air as well as a natural leader, it could pay to take a chance on the in-form Steven Fletcher continuing his purple patch.

Prediction: Manchester United to WIN – 2/9 Bet365

Value Bet: Steven Fletcher (Wolves) to Score – 5/1 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Manchester United – 2/9 Bet365

Draw – 11/2 StanJames

Wolves – 16/1 VictorChandler

Wolves V Sunderland

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 4 December – 16:00 GMT

Venue: Molineux

Preview

A mammoth encounter take places at Molineux this weekend between Wolves and managerless Sunderland – and it’s a repeat of last season’s classic, when Sylvan Ebanks-Blake scored an 89th minute winner to complete a memorable comeback for Wolves. We’re unlikely to witness another five-goal thriller, but what we will be treated to is an abundance of passion, heart and plenty of endeavour as two teams struggling near the foot of the league do battle for three precious points.

The phrase ‘six-pointer’ does get thrown about very easily these days, but that is exactly what we have on our hands here. Locked on 11 points, Wolves and Sunderland hover precariously above the relegation places, in 17th and 16th respectively, having both struggled to establish any winning consistency this season. There will be scenes of jubilation in the winners’ dressing room, but contrastingly emotions of despair for the losers who could, depending on how those below them fare on the Saturday, drop into the dreaded bottom three.

No shortage of motivation then, for both sides, as the pair prepare to slog it out in the Midlands, in front of the Sky Sports cameras. It will be Sunderland’s first match since the departure of Steve Bruce, who shown the door on Wednesday after two-and-a-half-years at the club, and caretaker manager Eric Black will be hoping his side can end a run of four games without a win. Meanwhile Wolves, who go into the game on the back of consecutive away defeats to Everton and Chelsea, will look to record their second straight win at home following their 3-1 victory over Wigan last month.

Wolves

League Position: 17th

League Form: DLWLL

Wanderers manager Mick McCarthy is boosted by the returns of Jamie O’Hara and Stephen Hunt, with the midfield duo missing last week’s 3-0 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge through suspension. Wolves found themselves completely overrun in midfield without Jamie O’Hara in the side, whose calm and collective approach when in possession – as well as being the best passer in the Wolves team – means he’s a huge asset and will be welcomed back with open arms by both his manager and team-mates.

Having Karl Henry out suspended is a minor blow, though it shouldn’t hinder their chances, although defenders Richard Stearman and Kevin Foley are both out injured. But all in all, Mick McCarthy has his key men fit and raring to go for yet another six-pointer. Their last being last month’s clash with Wigan, on 6 November, also at Molineux, and if the result then was anything to go by, with Wolves cruising to a 3-1 victory, then the Midlands could be in celebratory mood come Sunday night.

Turning up in the crunch games, against their rivals for survival, was a real issue for Wolves last season. Not this season, though. So far they’ve recorded huge wins over Blackburn (1-2), Fulham (2-0) and Wigan (3-1), though they did crash to defeats at West Brom (2-0) and at home to QPR (0-3). Moreover, losing their last two, regardless of who it was against – Everton and Chelsea – is far from ideal in terms or preparation.

A mixed big then really, with Wolves rarely lacking spirit and endeavour but producing quality when it really matters is a definite grey area. Jamie O’Hara will doubtless bolster the levels of creativity in the final third substantially, but for me strike duo Kevin Doyle and Steven Fletcher have to do so much more, as industry alone won’t win matches. Wolves have only scored 13 goals this season, home and away – only Swansea and West Brom have netted fewer.

Sunderland

League Position: 16th

League Form: WDLDL

On the back of a miserable run of four games without a win, Sunderland were already lacking betting appeal. Now they’re without a manager, following the club’s decision to sack Steve Bruce, with Eric Black set to take charge of first-team affairs until a permanent successor can be found. So will anyone be courageous enough as to back some stray Black Cats delivering a winning performance at a ground they’ve not won at since 1998?

I suppose it was inevitable in many ways, with Sunderland seriously struggling for form. They had only won two games all season before the club took drastic measures by sacking Steve Bruce earlier in the week, and in fairness there weren’t too many occasions where they didn’t win and probably should have. So perhaps a change was needed, even though I was bitterly disappointed to see Bruce go.

Last week however, at home to Wigan, Sunderland definitely should have won. With the chances they created and the manner in which they controlled the game, particularly in the first half, it is truly remarkable how they lost. Even a draw would have been a dismal result, but to lose, and in that manner, with Wes Brown having a right mare, literally was the last straw as far as Ellis Short was concerned, the club chairman.

Ironically, a similar performance to that which should have seen them take maximum points at home to Wigan would be enough to take something from this crucial fixture. It’s one they can ill-afford to lose, that is for sure, as defeat could result in them spending the next week languishing in the relegation zone – without a manager, too. Fortunately, Black doesn’t have any fresh injuries or suspensions to deal with in his first match in charge, so it may actually be the same eleven which lost at home to Wigan which starts at Molineux.

Match Pointers

- Wolves are on a three-match winning streak versus Sunderland in the league, winning last season’s encounter at Molineux 3-2 after coming from 2-1 down. Kevin Foley, Stephen Hunt and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake with the goals for Wolves, while Darren Bent and Danny Welbeck, who are no longer at the club, were on target for the Black Cats.

- These two sit side by side in the table, with Wolves (W3 D2 L8) in 17th and Sunderland (W2 D5 L6) in 16th.

- Wolves have lost their previous two league games, going down 2-1 at Everton and 3-0 at Chelsea, but have taken four points from their last two matches at home: 2-2 draw with Swansea and a 3-1 victory over Wigan.

- In their last three home league games, Wolves have conceded a combined sum of five goals – but what’s strange is that all five were conceded in the opening 45 minutes.

- Sunderland are without a win in their last four (D2 L2), and have suffered defeats in three of their last four away from home.

- Sebastian Larsson (2), Stephane Sessgnon and Nicklas Bendtner are the only Sunderland players to have scored away from home this season.

Betting

I’m still baffled as to how Sunderland lost last week’s game with Wigan. I’m sure Steve Bruce will have spent much of the week building up to his departure thinking the exact same. An encouraging performance nonetheless, but the result was all that mattered, with Bruce’s shock sacking speaking for itself.

As for Wolves, they were deservedly, and thoroughly, beaten at Stamford Bridge by a Chelsea side lacking in confidence and form, yet still managed to score three in a comfortable 3-0 success. Quite simply, Wolves never turned up, which has been the case on a couple of occasions this season. They don’t normally do it two games in a row, and rarely at Molineux, but worrying nonetheless.

Few would argue that Steve Bruce acquired quality in the summer, with this Sunderland team packing the necessary invention and craft to create chances and score goals, but they’re taking an absolute age to click.

You’ll struggle to find a side more united than Wolves, who are rarely spectacular but almost always dogged and determined. But they too have lacked cohesion going forward, scoring just 13 times in as many games, and so could struggle to break down a Sunderland defence which, while it was poor last weekend, has generally been rock-solid this season.

A dour draw for me, so in stark contrast to last season’s epic 3-2 3encounter. A 0-0 correct score is my value pick, but be warned as I don’t remember the last time I successfully predicted a goalless draw.

Match Outcome: Draw – 12/5 SkyBet

Value Bet: 0-0 Draw (Correct Score) – 10/1 Ladbrokes

Match Odds

Wolves – 64 WilliamHill

Draw – 12/5 SkyBet

Sunderland – 85/40 VictorChandler

Everton V Wolverhampton Wanderers

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 19 November 2011 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Goodison Park

Preview

Wolves failed to record a Premier League victory in the months of September and October, going seven matches in all without recording a win, but are targeting back-to-back victories in November when they travel to Everton this weekend hoping to build on their 3-1 trouncing of rock-bottom Wigan before the break. That win catapulted Mick McCarthy’s men out of the relegation places, and another could see them surge into the top half of the table for the first time since the beginning of September.

The hosts for this fixture are an Everton team currently in disarray following a torrid period of fixtures. Five defeats in six was to be expected in many ways considering who they were up against, but that hardly softens the blow. Now the Toffees find themselves tittering above the relegation places, with defeat to Wolves on Saturday, coupled with a Bolton win elsewhere, enough to consign them to spell in the bottom three.

The result has a large bearing for both teams then, who have hardly been accustomed to winning matches this season. And that leads me rather nicely onto my next golden nugget: the previous two meetings at Goodison both ended in 1-1 draws – though Everton, who have played one game fewer than most, did win the last fixture between these two sides handsomely; goals from Phil Neville, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Jermaine Beckford sealed a comfortable 3-0 success for David Moyes’ men.

Everton

League Position: 17th

League Form: LLWLL

There won’t be many sides who can claim they’ve had it tougher over the past month or so than David Moyes’ Everton, whose team came face to face with just about every team worth their salt between the end of September and early November. So they’ll appreciate a visit from Wolves this weekend, a team which has won only one of its previous eight league matches and whom last beat Everton on Merseyside way back in 1979.

The ideal fixture in which to mount a revival then, as Everton could certainly do with an upturn in fortunes. A 2-1 reverse at Newcastle just before the recent break for internationals was their fifth in six games, having previously suffered defeats at the hands of Chelsea (3-1), Liverpool (0-2), Man City (2-0) and Man Utd (0-1), leaving them occupying the last position of safety above the dreaded relegation zone.

However, Everton have failed to get the better of Wolves in each of the previous two Goodison meetings, though they did spank Mick McCarthy’s side 3-0 as recently as April. They’ll also take a lot of heart from their battling display versus Manchester United last time out, even if it was in vein in a 1-0 loss.

Plus the emergence of Jack Rodwell on the international stage, who was accompanied by team-mate Leighton Baines in the starting line-up on Wednesday for England in an international friendly with Sweden at Wembley, should inject some confidence and vigour into a team urgently in need of a boost, after collecting just three points from a possible eighteen.

Scoring remains Everton’s achilles heel, though. Jack Rodwell’s solitary strike at St James’ in the 2-1 defeat to Newcastle was only their fifth in six games, failing to net in half those games. With an ageing, injury prone Louis Saha posing as their one and only recognised striker, a lack of goals hardly comes as a surprise.

Wolves

League Position: 13th

League Form: LLDLW

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy is hopeful of having top scorer Steve Fletcher available for Saturday’s trip to Goodison to face out of sorts Everton. The striker had been suffering with a calf problem but return to first-team training earlier in the month and is now primed for his first start in over a month.

The return of Fletcher is a massive boost for Wanderers, who have found goals scarce to come by in his absence. Before their 3-1 victory over Wigan, with goals coming from David Edwards, Stephen Ward and Jamie O’Hara, Wolves had conjured just five goals in a eight-game winless run that contained six defeats.

Banishing their drought was of huge importance, as Wolves were running the risk of becoming stranded at the foot of the table had their rut continued. Mick McCarthy had every confidence his team would do so at home to Wigan in their last match, and his players repaid his faith with a timely win over survival rivals Wigan at Molineux.

Now Wolves are within a win of potentially leaping back into the top half of the league, though they’ve not won a competitive match at Goodison Park for over 40 years. Moreover, there is still the not so small matter of having a three-match losing streak away from home hanging over them, having lost at Liverpool (2-1), Man City (3-1) and West Brom (2-0).

Mick McCarthy’s side have been victorious on the road this season, but it’s up to you how much you read into their 2-1 victory away at struggling Blackburn on the opening day of the season. Their performance away at league leaders Man City at the end of last month was certainly eye-catching, with the Wolves manager gutted at the end of the game that his team didn’t at least take a point away from their visit to Manchester.

Match Pointers

- There has been nothing to choose between these two teams in recent meetings, with three of the previous four ending in draws. The last two meetings staged at Goodison Park both ended 1-1.

- Everton did win their most recent league meeting with Wolves though, winning 3-0 at Molineux back in April.

- Not since September 1979 have Wolves recorded a league win over Everton on Merseyside, with Everton winning three of six since.

- Everton (W3 D1 L6) have lost five of their previous six Premier League matches, including the last two at home without scoring.

- Wolves (W3 D2 L6) ended a run of seven games (D2 L5) without a win when beating Wigan 3-1 at home right before the international break.

Betting

Few have frustrated me more over the years than Everton. This fixture in particular ignites terrible memories, seeing as I tipped the Toffees to triumph in each of the previous two seasons at home to Wolves. Both encounters finished 1-1 and it could pay to back the hat-trick on Saturday.

While Everton are languishing just above the relegation zone after a dire sequence of results, Wolves are invigorated after winning their first league game in over two months at home to Wigan last time out. So I expect to see a rejuvenated Wanderers produce a typically dogged display at a ground where they do have a knack of grounding results, in recent times anyway, despite not actually winning at Goodison Park in 42 years.

Wolves hadn’t won at Anfield in God knows how long, but then they went and capitalised on the Reds woes by winning 1-0 back in December of last year. Could they pull off something similar just a mile down the road? It’s certainly worth chancing, in my opinion.

Match Outcome: Wolves to WIN @ 11/2 Ladbrokes

Value Bet: Steven Fletcher to Score @ 4/1 Unibet

Match Odds

Everton – 4/7 StanJames

Draw – 14/5 VictorChandler

Wolves – 11/2 Ladbrokes

Wolverhampton Wanderers V Wigan Athletic

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 6 November 2011 – 13:30 GMT

Venue: Molineux

TV Coverage: LIVE on SKY SPORTS 1

Preview

A monumental meeting at the bottom of the Premier League this Sunday sees a Wolves side without a win in eight host hapless Wigan, who are currently on run of seven straight defeats in the league. The reward for the victorious party will be just three points, but it will feel like the proverbial six as two nailed-on relegation candidates go head-to-head at Molineux – which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1 as part of Super Sunday’s double bill.

Usually in these types of fixtures, where two struggling teams meet both eyeing up each other as a means to an end – and in this case a means to their dire streaks, the onus will fall on the home side. However, Wigan aren’t in a position where they can afford to rest on their laurels, because they have none. Their current state of affairs are critical to say the least; Martinez’s Latics prop up the table in 20th, after one win all season, and are already three-points off safety.

On the topic of safety, Wolves are clinging onto the last position that doesn’t scream ‘DANGER’. Wanderers sit just two-points above the drop zone in 17th, three points better off than rock-bottom Wigan but just one bad result away from slipping into that dreaded bottom-three. In fact, defeat in this fixture for them, provided it is by a two-goal margin or greater, and they would be leapfrogged by the Latics.

So where’s your money going – on a Wolves side without a win since 21 August, or do you fancy Wigan to collect their first points since 27 August? It has been such a drought for both that you wonder if either actually remember how to win a game of football.

Wolves

League Position: 17th

League Form: LLLDL

Last season it was Wolves’ inability to take points off their survival rivals which almost cost them their Premier League status. This season, however, it’s been their inability to take points off anyone which is jeopardising their two-year reign in the top flight. Since the middle of August, which was when they last won a league game, Wolves have registered a meagre two points from 24 that went on offer. But they can at least take enormous heart from the fact one team has been just as abysmal as themselves – and it just so happens they face them this weekend.

A 3-1 loss away to Man City last weekend stretched Wolves’ winless run to eight in the league, six of which were defeats. So you can kind of see why some supporters aren’t happy with the current regime, and why Mick McCarthy has come in for some stick of late – even though he was instrumental in guiding the club back to the promised land, as well as the small matter of keeping them there for the past two years.

The last time Wolves were at home it was against newcomers Swansea, and it was also shown live on Sky Sports which meant we got a first-hand perspective of what McCarthy is dealing with. The hostility around Molineux right now is highly detrimental to the team’s chances of ending their dismal sequences of results, so you do wonder how the crowd will react should their team fall behind on Sunday at home to rock-bottom Wigan, who have suffered seven consecutive defeats.

Wolves’ fixtures at home this season haven’t been too difficult, which I suppose doesn’t entirely bode well for Sunday. They were winners first time out, versus Fulham, but it’s been a downward spiral ever since with defeats to Newcastle (1-2), QPR (0-3) and Tottenham (0-2), though their 2-2 draw with Swansea in their match in the Midlands felt like a victory considering they trailed 2-0 going into the final ten minutes. That comeback draw coupled with their valiant performance away at Man City last week, in which they almost came from two-goal down but ended up losing 3-1, could be the telling signs of a Wolves renaissance.

If Wolves are to kick-start their faltering season on Sunday, they will have do it without top scorer Steven Fletcher. The Scotland striker has been ruled out with a calf problem, meaning Kevin Doyle will once again have to work tirelessly up front on his own.

Wigan

League Position: 20th

League Form: LLLLL

Win, lose or draw – relegation or survival – it would appear Wigan chairman Dave Whelan will keep faith with manager Roberto Martinez no matter what the outcome. That has to be of huge relief for the Spaniard, who is a talented manager in my honest and humble opinion, because any other manager in his situation – at the helm of a team which has lost its previous seven league matches – would have more than likely faced the music by now.

So without feeling any added pressure from the board, Martinez can focus on what really matters, and that’s the football side of things and what happens on the pitch this Sunday. Ideally, Wigan would have liked this match at home, even though the DW Stadium is hardly a fortress these days, but Molineux isn’t a bad venue either. The home fans have been quick to turn on their team of late and an early Wigan goal would certainly work in the Latics’ favour.

Just like their opposite numbers, some green shoots of recovery can be seen in some of Wigan’s recent displays. Away at Newcastle in their last away fixture, Wigan were dogged and resilient, tidy on the ball, and although they didn’t offer too much going forward, had chances. To lose 1-0 was a massive blow and incredibly unjust. Then, at home to Fulham last time out, Wigan were beaten 2-0 despite enjoying the Lion’s share of possession and creating the better opportunities – but yet again it was their lack of cutting edge in the final which cost them dear.

Wigan have now scored just three times in their last seven league games, all of which were defeats while only one of those goals were scored whilst out on their travels. Now that’s some damning statistics if you ask me. It gets worse, though. Two of those goals were scored by midfielder Mohamed Diame, both crackers as well, and he’s a major doubt for Sunday. Meanwhile captain Gary Caldwell is suspended.

Match Pointers

- Four of the previous five league meetings were won by Wigan, who did the double over Wolves last season by winning 2-0 at home and 2-1 at Molineux.

- Wolves (17th; W2 D2 L6) are without a win in eight games in the Premier League, losing six and drawing two; they also managed just five goals during this dismal run.

- The Molineux outfit have conceded two goals or more in each of their previous Premier League home games, and on three occasions it was precisely two.

- Wigan (20; W1 D2 L7) have lost their last seven league games, by an aggregate of 3-15.

- The Latics have scored just one goal away from home this season, failing to score in four of their five awau league encounters.

Betting

Perhaps I’m being biased; I suppose I am seeing as I’m tipping them, but I’m rooting for Wigan this weekend, even though there’s little on paper which would suggest an away victory is even plausible in this fixture. The Wolves team does look better from an attacking point of view, with Mick McCarthy boasting a lot more creative outlets than his opposite number, who will once again rely on the quick feet of Victor Moses. Defensively, though, both are as poor as each other.

To be brutally honest, I wouldn’t want to back either side at short odds, so there’s no way I’ll be touching Wolves at the Evens mark. So I’m basically putting all my faith in Roberto Martinez masterminding a whirlwind of a Latics performance at Molineux, possibly inspired by Victor Moses, the 21-year-old who will be buoyed by his recent call-up to the Nigerian senior side; he’s also had more attempts on goal than any player in the Barclay’s Premier League this season without scoring. Something tells me he maybe due.

Match Outcome: Wigan to WIN – 7/2 Ladbrokes

Value Bet: Victor Moses to Score – 5/1 Unibet

Match Odds

Wolves – EVENS Boylesports

Draw – 5/2 StanJames

Wigan – 7/2 Ladbrokes

Manchester City V Wolverhampton Wanderers

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 29 October 2011 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Etihad Stadium

Preview

It is round two of this hardly epic battle between Manchester City and Wolves and, if Wednesday’s League Cup tie was anything to go by, this could make for 90 minutes of brutal viewing. Roberto Mancini’s team ran riot at Molineux in midweek in the Carling Cup, slamming home five goals in a 5-2 success despite the Italian tinkering with his team-sheet and making wholesale changes to the side which spanked neighbours United 6-1 at the weekend. So is there any chance of Mick McCarthy and Wolves bridging the gap?

The signs are rather ominous from a Wolves point of view. They’ve won none of their last six matches in the league, losing five, plundering just four goals in that dour spell – and have never won a Premier League fixture away to the Citizens. In contrast, stark contrast that is, Man City have won eight of their opening nine league games of the season, have been scoring at almost a rate of four-a-game and have won thirteen of their last fourteen at home in an unbeaten containing ten clean sheets. Frightening stuff. No wonder the hosts are around a 1/5 shot.

Manchester City

League Position: 1st

League Form: DWWWW

They’ve plundered eleven goals in 180 minutes of football within the space of just three days, so I recommend we all have our abacuses at the ready as City’s third game in less than a week is Wolves at home – the team they put five past in midweek at Molineux, just days after hitting arch rivals Manchester United for six at Old Trafford. But with Villarreal to come in the Champions League on Wednesday – a must-win clash for the Citizens – we will see some restraint, a more efficient display from a City side who are averaging almost four-goals-a-game in the league this season.

Quite simply, there is just no stopping Roberto Mancini’s free-scoring charges. Wednesday’s trouncing of Wolves in the Carling Cup was almost comical, only because fans had their hearts set on another six-goal haul. The fact they notched five didn’t even come as a surprise, with goals-a-plenty the norm with Manchester City these days. In the league alone they’ve netted 33 times – an average of 3.66 per game – six of which were scored in last weekend’s demolition derby at Old Trafford.

City’s 6-1 demolition of Manchester United will forever be remembered as Sir Alex Ferguson’s ‘worst ever day’ in football. The great man himself said that. City fans have spent the whole week gloating, and they’re still bathing in all that success. Who can blame them? It was a monumental result that reverberated right across the globe. It has struck fear into every one of their upcoming opponents, especially Wolves this weekend, who have already had a taste of City’s scoring prowess – and it did not taste good.

On the face of it, if City can put six past United at Old Trafford and five past Wolves at Molineux with a makeshift XI, surely a double-figure scoring is on the cards this weekend? The City fans will doubtless dream of another goal-glut at the Etihad Stadium, where City have won 13 and lost none of their last 14 in an unbeaten sequence boasting ten clean sheets. But I suspect Roberto Mancini may have one eye on Wednesday’s pivotal Champions League encounter in Spain with Villarreal, so the Italian could hold a few back with that trip in mind.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

League Position: 16th

League Form: LLLLD

Someone has to do it, right? After watching the Citizens flex their attacking muscles twice within the space of a week, no team in their right mind would want to face a free-scoring Manchester City at this precise moment in time. So you feel for Mick McCarthy, whose Wolves side – without a win in five in the league – must somehow go to the Etihad Stadium and not merely make up the numbers.

Wolves are 20/1 shots this weekend, which speaks volumes about their chances in Manchester. Mick McCarthy made several changes from the team which came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw with Swansea last week for Wednesday’s League Cup clash with Saturday’s opponents, City, with the likes of Wayne Hennessey, Roger Johnson, Karl Henry, Matt Jarvis and Kevin Doyle sitting out the 5-2 drubbing dished out by an irrepressible Man City at Molineux. The aforementioned players should all return but can they really make any dent in the deficit?

Last Saturday’s 2-2 draw at home to Swansea stretched Wolves winless run in the league to six games, although it could, and probably should, have been six straight defeats for Mick McCarthy and his team, who are being heavily scrutinised by their own supporters. McCarthy was even jeered at Molineux by fans he described as ‘mindless idiots’. So it isn’t as though Wolves lack motivation, as they’ll be fired up to prove all their doubters wrong, namely their own supporters but pundits and punters too.

There has, though, been a lack of quality to their play in recent outings, hence why they’re currently a team in free-fall. Their two goals against Swansea were only their fourth scored during this dismal spell of theirs, having plummeted from first place right down to 16th, just two points off relegation. Playing away from home may have its benefits, though, as at least they won’t have Wolves fans baying for their blood – no, just the City fans demanding their team show no mercy on Saturday.

Match Pointers

- Second clash in three days, with Man City running riot at Molineux on Wednesday as the Citizens racked up five goals in a 5-2 rout.

- Wolves have never won a Premier League match away to Manchester City, drawing one but losing three of their four visits.

- Man City top the Premier League with 25 points registered from 27 that went on offer (W8 D1 L0), scoring 33 times along the way (avg. 3.66)

- Striker Mario Balotelli has five Premier League goals in his last four appearances; however, Edin Dzeko has plundered seven of his eight goals away from home.

- Wolves (W2 D2 L5) are just two places off the relegation zone in 16th, losing five and winning none of their last six in the league.

- The Midlands side have conceded two or more goals in each of their last four home league games, conceding precisely two on three occasions.

Betting

This can only go one way, surely? Wolves have actually been a problematic opponent for Man City in recent years in the Premier League, with City winning two of the previous three home encounters by a solitary goal – Wolves scoring three goals on both those visits. But this City team have really come into their own this season; not only are they looking formidable going forward but errors are few and far between elsewhere, especially in defence, one which has kept ten clean sheets in its last fourteen Premier League home games.

Just about every attacking player in the City team is currently a rich vein of form, whereas Wolves are still feeling the affects of a six-game winless run. It could be another whitewash, similar to how their Carling Cup clash went on Wednesday, when City thumped Wolves 5-2 at Molineux, but Roberto Mancini may well preach caution and demand a more efficient display ahead of this coming Wednesday’s Champions League match in Villarreal. It should still be an easy afternoon’s work for Man City, mind.

Match Outcome: Manchester City to WIN – 2/11 WilliamHill

Value Bet: Man City to WIN 2-0 (Correct Score) – 6/1 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Manchester City – 2/11 WilliamHill

Draw – 7/1 VictorChandler

Wolves – 20/1 VictorChandler

Wolverhampton Wanderers V Queens Park Rangers

Date & kick-off: Saturday, 17th September 2011 – 15:00 (GMT)

Venue: Molineux

Preview

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy was surprisingly philosophical after his side’s first defeat of the season last time out, but the 52-year-old is unlikely to be as reflective upon a second successive reverse should his charges come unstuck at home to QPR this weekend.

The Midlands club had previously made an unbeaten start to the season following tidy wins over Blackburn (1-2) and Fulham (2-0), whilst a 0-0 draw in the Midlands derby against Aston Villa was a result not to be sniffed at. So, a second quick-fire defeat would be seen as a significant setback for McCarthy’s men against a team in Queens Park Rangers who while they have added some useful reinforcements, have only mustered one win from their opening games of the season, as well as conjuring up just the one solitary goal.

Will the new recruits in Blue and White leave Mick’s Golden boys seeing stars for the season week running – or can Molineux lift their team to record a third win of the season?

Wolves

League Position: 7th

League Form: LDWW

As I mentioned, I was pleasantly surprised with how well Mick McCarthy handled his team’s first loss of the season last week; a 2-0 defeat at home to Tottenham. If I was in his shoes, I’d be a little bit concerned as Wolves did have a habit of feeling sorry for themselves after defeats last season, while September in particular was a bad month – Wolves didn’t register a single point from their three league fixtures in the month of September last year. Could more September blues be on its way?

I’m sure straight-talking Mick doesn’t believe in omens, which is a shame, as Wolves have not lost a home match against QPR since 1998, winning five of the pair’s seven encounters since then. I suppose that means nothing, no? He could also take plenty of heart from the fact his side have lost just three of their previous nine league matches at Molineux, a venue where they recorded wins over Chelsea and Manchester United last season.

I have to say Wolves have made a wonderful start to the season, registering seven points from a possible twelve, but in the fixtures where a lot was asked of them – away to Aston Villa and more recently at home to Tottenham – they have come unstuck, and Saturday’s match-up with QPR at home falls into the same category, in my opinion. Rangers looked rejuvenated on Monday, which wasn’t surprising when you consider all the new faces and characters that have ignited the mood of the dressing room, and could be very dangerous.

Steve Fletcher was Wolves’ top scorer last term with ten league goals, seven of those coming at Molineux. However the 24-year-old Scotland international is facing a race against time to be fit for Saturday after injuring his groin during last week’s defeat to Spurs. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is still out injured with a knee problem meaning Mick McCarthy may change to a 4-5-1 formation with Kevin Doyle playing up front on his lonesome, something he has done to good affect for Wolves previously. Still, it does reign in some of their attacking threat.

Team News – Steven Fletcher is a doubt with a groin problem and is rated as ’50/50′ by Mick McCarthy to face QPR on Saturday, but David Edwards, Kevin Foley and Adlene Guediora should all be in contention following injuries. Striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is definitely out with a knee injury.

QPR

League Position: 11th

League Form: DLWL

Prompted to spend in the final few days of the summer transfer window by new Queens Park Rangers owner Tony Fernandes, Rangers boss Neil Warnock didn’t waste any time bolstering his ranks – but he was prudent about his business, bringing in individuals with invaluable experience of the Premier League, but also characters, lads who will illuminate the dressing room, and the early signs are encouraging!

A 0-0 draw at home to Newcastle wasn’t the perfect way to welcome in what fans hope is a bright new era and the start of a prosperous future, but the performance from QPR had everyone talking after the game. All four of Warnock’s deadline day signings started, and the majority put in eye-catching displays. Both Luke Young and Anton Ferdinand began with a clean sheet, so they could do no better, while Joey Barton was solid without really being a major threat going forward, which was a shame considering he was making his debut against his former club and would have loved nothing better than to play a prominent role in a winning result.

However, the star of the show was former England midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips. Eager to get his career back on track after falling down the pecking order at Manchester City under Roberto Mancini, SWP excelled out on the right-wing, skinning Newcastle full-back Ryan Taylor all night long. Only Jay Bothroyd’s lack of sharpness denied him a couple of assists, while a last-ditch goal-line clearance from Steven Taylor denied him a goal on his debut. A player reborn!

I was thoroughly impressed with Rangers’ display on Monday, and a repeat performance would make them difficult to beat at Molineux. Neil Warnock’s new-look team bossed proceedings from start to finish, creating chance after chance, while there was never a point where they didn’t look threatening. The defence also restricted the Magpies to just one meaningful attempt, at least from what I could remember, so it really was a solid, all-round performance from a team with plenty of scope for improvement who can only get better as time wares on.

Team News – Anton Ferdinand, Joey Barton and Shaun Wright-Phillips all made their debuts in the 0-0 draw with Newcastle on Monday at Loftus Road and will retain their places in the starting line-up, however Armand Traore, who also made his Rangers debut at full-back, is a doubt after he was substituted early in the second half with a groin problem. Kieron Dyer, Rob Hulse and Jamie Mackie have are all ruled out of the trip to Molineux, but defender Bradley Orr could come into contention after spending the last month on the sidelines.

Match Pointers

These two clubs have never contested a fixture in the Premier League.

Wolves have not been beaten in any of their last seven matches versus QPR at home, not since September 1998, winning five.

The Midlands club have lost three of previous nine home league games (W4 D2 L3).

A 2-0 home reverse at the hands of Tottenham was Wolves’ first loss of the season (W2 D1 L1).

QPR have amassed just one goal from their four league games in 2011/12 so far, although their only win did come on their travels, away at Everton (0-1).

Betting Verdict

Wolves were far from disgraced in defeat to Tottenham last week. In fact they were a match for a team that last season were competing against Milan finest in the Champions League. I just wonder how much the loss will affect the mood of the dressing room, as it did bring their encouraging start to an abrupt end. I’m sure McCarthy will drum it into his team that they were beaten by a class act, but that may be of scant consolation to the players. The likely absence of star striker Steven Fletcher is also a big negative.

QPR were crying out for reinforcements after a sluggish start to life back in the Premier League, and without them they were destined to struggle in the lower reaches of the league. However, the arrivals of Ferdinand, Young, Barton and Wright-Phillips has breathed a new leash of life into this team, who were sensational, I thought, at home to unbeaten Newcastle on Monday. Whether they can sustain it remains to be seen, as it could just have been a case of the new boys being eager to impress on not only their club bows but also in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

If Rangers continue where they left off at Loftus Road, Warnock’s men will be a match for Wolves at Molineux, who will be as spirited as ever in front of their home fans. If I’m honest, though, I can’t tear them apart and the odds on a stalemate has allowed me to take the coward’s way out with this one.

Match Prediction: Draw – 12/5 Bet365

Value Bet: Draw/Draw (HT/FT Betting) – 9/2 888Sport

Match Odds

Wolves – EVENS Totesport

Draw – 12/5 Bet365

QPR – 10/3 VictorChandler

Tottenham Hotspur

Manager: Harry Redknapp
Stadium: White Hart Lane
Star Man: Luka Modric
2010-2011 Position: 5th

Summer Transfer Activity (Notable Transfers)

Arrivals – Brad Friedel (Aston Villa)

Departures – Steven Caulkner (Swansea; Loan), Kyle Naughton (Norwich; Loan), Jamie O’Hara (Wolves), Jonathan Woodgate (Stoke)

Overview: After failing to finish inside the top-four for a second successive season, with it missing out on Champions League football, fans were hoping White Hart Lane would once again be a hive of activity over the summer. It has been anything but. At the time of publishing, goalkeeper Brad Friedel is Harry Redknapp’s solitary signing of the entire summer, an experienced keeper who has signed on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers, probably as cover for the usually error-prone Heurelho Gomes.

Despite the lack of new faces at the club, though, Harry Redknapp still firmly believes that his current crop are capable of mounting a title challenge. We think he’s mad! Spurs only just managed to pip a slow-starting Liverpool to fifth, and they’ve strengthened substantially during the summer, but yet arch rivals Arsenal ended the term eight-points above them in fourth while champions United were a resounding 18-points better than Redknapp’s charges.

Several quality additions are needed before Spurs are even considered title contenders, in my humble opinion, especially in their problem area, up front. I’m not even sure how competitive they’ll be in this intriguing battle for the Champions League places.

Furthermore, there is no guarantee that one of their star performers over the last two seasons will even be a Spurs player come September, with Luka Modric eager to switch allegiances and join Spurs’ London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge before the transfer window slams shut. Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart are two who could fall into the category of ‘world-class’, but there are question marks hanging over the pair of them after their form declined dramatically in the closing stages of last season.

You have to admire the club’s ambition, however Spurs could be found wanting over the forthcoming season, as several of their rivals have added to their ranks since the 2010-2011 season came to a head, in contrast to what’s been going on at Tottenham, which is basically not a lot.

TOTTENHAM TOP-FOUR FINISH: 7/2 BWIN

West Bromwich Albion

Manager: Roy Hodgson
Stadium: The Hawthorns
Star Man: Peter Odemwingie
2010-2011 Position: 11th

Summer Transfer Activity

Arrivals – Ben Foster, Billy Jones, Gareth McAuley

Departures – Scott Carson, Abdoulaye Meite, Boaz Myhill (Loan), Borja Valero, Gianni Zuiverloon

Overview: One of the more remarkable sights last season was Roy Hodgson accepting the vacant manager’s job at The Hawthorns, just months after he was sacked by Liverpool. However, it was a move which West Brom bore fruit from, as the 63-year-old instantly transformed the team’s fortunes on the pitch; he made the Baggies an incredibly organised, resolute outfit to play against, and in turn successfully kept them in the division with games and points to spare.

Now fans, after seeing the amazing turnaround last season, are in optimistic mood ahead of the new season, with the hope being that West Brom can go one better than their 11th-place finish of last season and finally break into the top-half. If their form in 2011-2012 is anything like it was during Hodgson’s fourteen games in charge last season, when the Baggies lost just two of fourteen, then a top-ten finish isn’t beyond the realms of possibility – especially as Hodgson has been able to add to his squad over the summer.

Billy Jones (Preston), Gareth McAuley (Ipswich) and Zoltan Gera (Fulham) all arrived on free transfers, while Ben Foster will be an astute signing on a season-long loan from Birmingham City. In the opposite direction went Borja Valero, Boaz Myhill, Gianni Zuiverloon and former Number. 1 Scott Carson.

Although supporters can’t help but get a little excited with how they finished the previous season, survival is once again the club’s top priority.

WEST BROM TO BE RELEGATED: 5/1 SKYBET

Wigan Athletic

Manager: Roberto Martinez
Stadium: DW Stadium
Star Man: Hugo Rodallega
2010-2011 Position: 16th

Summer Transfer Activity

Arrivals – Ali Al Habsi (Bolton)

Departures – Steven Caldwell, Charles N’Zogbia (Aston Villa)

Overview: The Latics are set to embark on their seventh consecutive season in the Premier League, but once again expectation levels around Wigan are low following a typically quiet summer in Greater Manchester in which Roberto Martinez staying on as manager was undoubtedly the club’s biggest coup.

A stunning victory away at Stoke on the final day of the season ensured  Wigan prolonged their stay in the Barclay’s Premier League. Unfortunately, Martinez is an outstanding player down after Charles N’Zogbia finally got his wish – a move away from The DW. The talented French winger joined Aston Villa for £9.5M in a move which could favour both parties, provided the Wigan manager finds a suitable replacement with the money gained, something he hasn’t yet been able to achieve.

Goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi, who was voted Player of the Season by both his peers and the Wigan fans for his superb displays between the sticks while on loan at the club last season, is Wigan’s only summer signing thus far.

Robert Martinez rejected a proposed move to Aston Villa so he could stay on at The DW, a bold decision which could be seen as suicidal considering Wigan will once again have their work cut out staying up. However, the funds are now in place for the Spaniard to bolster his ranks before the window closes at the end of the month, and if he could find a few goalscorer – a feat easier said than done – then Wigan could fare better than many people envisage.

WIGAN TO BE RELEGATED: 2/1 WILLIAMHILL

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Manager: Mick McCarthy
Stadium: Molineux
Star Man: Steven Fletcher
2010-2011 Position: 17th

Summer Transfer Activity

Arrivals – Jamie O’Hara (Tottenham), Roger Johnson, Dorus de Vries (Swansea)

Departures – Adrianno Basso, Greg Halford, Marcus Hahnemann, Carl Ikeme (Loan), David Jones, Steven Mouyokolo

Overview: Words could not describe the emotions that engulfed Molineux on the final day of last season, when Wolves somehow evaded the clutches of relegation courtesy of Roman Pavlyuchenko’s stoppage-time winner at White Hart Lane as Tottenham recorded a 2-1 win over Birmingham City, saving Wolves’ bacon in the process as Mick McCarthy’s men stayed up by a single point. Now the Midlands club are set to do it all over again in the most exciting league in Europe.

An ‘enigma’ was what Wolves were during last season; lousy against their relegation rivals but truly exceptional against the league’s elite. Victories over Chelsea and Manchester United at Molineux were something the supporters will never forgot, but their 1-0 win away at Anfield against Liverpool was truly remarkable. So it really is amazing that Wolves only just managed to fend off relegation by a solitary point, although it served as a massive eye-opener for Mick McCarthy, the Wolves manager who urgently needs to address his side’s lack of consistency if the club are to avoid relegation for a third straight season.

Reinforcements have arrived in the form of centre-half Roger Johnson and midfielder Jamie O’Hara, although the latter did spend the second half of last season at Molienux on loan. I suspect one or two more could join before the end of the transfer window.

Wolves amassed a handsome tally of 40-points during 2010-2011 and while that was only just enough to keep them in the division last season, I would bet my house on as many points being more than enough on this occasion.

WOLVES TO BE RELEGATED: 3/1 BET365

The battle to avoid the drop will go down to the very last day of the season and any one of five clubs could follow West Ham United through the trapdoor and down to the nPower Championship.

The Hammers’ six-year spell in the Barclay’s Premier League came to an abrupt end last Sunday as Wigan Athletic came back from the death to seal a quite stunning 3-2 victory to spark scenes of sheer jubilation in Greater Manchester, as the Wigan supporters rushed onto the pitch to congratulate the players who had pulled off a miraculous recovery – coming from 2-0 down at half-time to snatch all three points right at the death courtesy of Charles N’Zogbia’s stoppage time winner.

Now the Latics go into ‘Survival Sunday’ knowing they need maximum points from their visit to Stoke in order to enhance their chances of staying up, but even victory at the Brittania Stadium may not be enough to save their bacon. And the same applies to several of the clubs embroiled in this tantalising yet desperate fight for survival.

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The permutations are seemingly endless.

Wigan are second from bottom but level on 39-points with Blackpool and Birmingham, who are 18th and 17th respectively, while just above them are Wolves and Blackburn who are only one solitary point better off.

It couldn’t be any tighter, nor tense, as supporters of all five clubs – especially neutrals – gear up for what will surely be one of the more memorable final days in Premiership history.

Blackburn and Wolves will definitely stay up if they reign supreme on the final day. The one snag is that they face each other in a winner takes all contest at Molineux, home of Mick McCarthy’s resurgent Wolves side who are unbeaten in their last three – two wins and a draw – and have lost just two of eight at home in 2011.

You would think a draw would suit both clubs down to the ground, seeing as they have a one-point margin of error to play with. To be honest, a point would probably suffice considering their rivals all face tricky assignments away from home, though stalemate in this fixture could have serious consequences for both teams should Blackpool, Birmingham and Wigan all collect maximum points.

The likelihood of Blackpool, Birmingham and Wigan all beating Manchester United, Tottenham and Stoke respectively is slim, however. So much so that you can get odds of 100/1 with VictorChandler on such a scenario.

However, if two of three were to come out on top in their fixtures, Wolves would be relegated, as they sit one place below Blackburn in the table, because of their inferior goal difference.

Any one of Blackpool, Birmingham or Wigan could win and be relegated, or lose and stay up, based on goal difference, which just about sums up how crazy a predicament all three find themselves in.

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Various Permutations:

Wolves V Blackburn

- Victory for either team in this fixture would keep them up regardless of what happens elsewhere.

- A draw would more than likely suffice for Blackburn, who would then only be relegated if Blackpool, Birmingham and Wigan all pick up maximum points elsewhere.

- If two of either Blackpool, Birmingham or Wigan win then Wolves would be relegated with either a draw or a defeat.

- Blackburn will only be relegated if they lose to Wolves and at least two of the teams directly below them pick up three-points.

Blackpool, Birmingham & Wigan

- If one team can better the result of the other two, say Blackpool beat Manchester United at Old Trafford but Birmingham and Wigan could only manage draws at Tottenham and Stoke, then Blackpool would stay up, and vice versa.

- The same applies should one team draw and the other two lose.

- If any of their results match (not in scoreline), whether it be two or three of the teams in question, then it will boil down to goal difference. In Blackpool’s case, should they be level on points and goal difference with either Birmingham or Wigan at full-time, they would stay in the division because they’ve plundered more goals this season.

- Should neither pick up a point on the final, goal difference and the margin of their defeat would come into affect to determine who goes down.

Blackpool GD: -21
Birmingham GD: -20
Wigan GD: -22

Disclaimer: I cannot guarantee that the information published above regarding the various permutations to be 100% correct. I apologise sincerely for any mistakes made or for any oversights.

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Betting

To Be Relegated:

Blackburn – 13.00 (12/1) WilliamHill
Blackpool – 1.40 (2/5) Unibet
Birmingham – 1.70 (7/10) bWin
Wigan – 1.80 (4/5) Boylesports
Wolves –  9.00 (8/1) WilliamHill

To Win (Their respective fixtures this weekend):

Blackpool – 6.00 (5/1) VictorChandler
Birmingham – 6.50 (11/2) Boylesports
Blackburn – 4.00 (3/1) Bet365
Wigan – 2.60 (6/4) VictorChandler
Wolves – 2.20 (6/5) BetFred

Enhanced Doubles & Trebles (with VictorChandler)

Wigan & Wolves both to WIN – 4/1
Blackpool, Birmingham & Blackburn all to WIN – 155/1
Blackpool, Birmingham & Wigan all to WIN – 100/1
All Four to end in Draws (Man Utd V Blackpool, Tottenham V Birmingham, Stoke V Wigan & Wolves V Blackburn) – 207/1

Wolves V Blackburn Rovers

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 22 May 2011 – 16:00 (GMT)
Venue: Molineux

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Preview

Had this fixture been scheduled for earlier in the season, this would have almost certainly been dubbed a relegation six-pointer. Because it’s the final game of the season, and with both teams embroiled in a desperate fight for survival, you could quite easily call this match a Premiership eliminator.

Wolves and Blackburn will go into ‘Survival Sunday’ sat side-by-side in the table, a solitary point above the relegation places meaning victory for either side, regardless of whatever drama unfolds elsewhere around the country, would be enough to guarantee the victor a berth into the 2011/2012 Barclay’s Premier League.

The permutations are endless, though, and should their be a loser at Molineux on Sunday, they may not necessarily go down – especially in Blackburn’s case.

While the pair are level on points and will head into the final day knowing the odds are stacked in their favour, seeing as defeat for either wouldn’t necessarily relegate them should those directly below them come a cropper as well, it is Blackburn with the larger margin for error simply because of their vastly superior goal difference. A draw would suit them down to the ground as it would then require wins from Blackpool, Birmingham and Wigan for Rovers to go down. So the onus is certainly on the home side.

Wolves, though, will fancy their chances of securing the win which would assure them of Premiership football next season. Not only has their record at Molineux in the league during 2010/2011 been eye-catching, having won more fixtures at home than any of their survival rivals but also losing just two of eight in 2011, Mick McCarthy’s men have hit a rich vein of form at just the right time. Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Sunderland on Wearside was their second in quick succession, stretching their unbeaten run now to three games, so they’ll return to their spiritual home full of confidence and with all the momentum.

Interestingly, Blackburn are also without defeat in their last three league games, albeit two draws and a win compared to Wolves’ two wins and one draw, but Steve Kean’s men have also built up ahead of steam ahead of Sunday’s crucial match whilst also establishing some self-belief that they can acquire the result they need at Molienux to stay up, which, in all probability, will be just a point.

Then again, Blackburn have been woeful on their travels in 2011. Apart from a couple of decent draws at Arsenal (0-0) and West Ham (1-0), the latter they really ought to have won, it has been a miserable state of affairs for Rovers boss Steve Kean away from home. Six defeats in their last eight away contests is more than just a little disconcerting, it’s critical ahead of Sunday’s ‘make or break’ trip to Molineux. Rovers have also won just three of their eighteen away fixtures, losing twelve.

Confidence levels should nevertheless be sky-high following last week’s exploits at home to the newly crowned Barclay’s Premier League champions, Manchester United – a match Blackburn should have won, they certainly created the openings to do so.

A combination of the woodwork and Paul Robinson gifting United the opportunity to draw level from the spot, which they did with aplomb, meant Blackburn spurned a glorious opportunity to not only record a win over the most consistent team in England this season, but also to add three vital points to their tally, which would have kept them up without any final day drama.

As it is, Rovers now need some form of a result away at Wolves to enhance their chances of staying up. Wolves, meanwhile, ideally need a win although, if truth be told, I reckon both teams will be doing their utmost to secure maximum spoils.

One player who could make the telling difference is Wolves forward Steven Fletcher. The Scotland international has five goals in as many games, including a couple in his team’s impressive 3-1 win at home to West Brom just two weeks ago. On current form, Fletcher could be the man to fire Wolves towards a third consecutive season in the Premier League.

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Form

Wolves – DLDWW (Wolves 1-1 Fulham, Stoke 3-0 Wolves, Birmingham 1-1 Wolves, Wolves 3-1 West Brom, Sunderland 1-3 Wolves)

Blackburn – LLWDD (Everton 2-0 Blackburn, Blackburn 0-1 Man City, Blackburn 1-0 Bolton, West Ham 1-1 Blackburn, Blackburn 1-1 Man Utd)

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Head-to-Head

Wolves wins: 0
Draws: 2
Blackburn wins: 3

Last 5 Seasons

2010/2011: Blackburn 3-0 Wolves
2009/2010: Wolves 1-1 Blackburn
2009/2010: Blackburn 3-1 Wolves

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Streaks & Trends

Wolves have never recorded a Premiership win over Blackburn Rovers in five previous attempts (W0 D2 L3).

Eight of Wolves‘ league wins this season came at Molineux (W8 D4 L6), where they’ve lost just one of their last six.

Forward Steven Fletcher has five goals in as many games for Wolves, with seven of his ten goals in the Premiership this season having been scored at home.

Blackburn have won just one of their last thirteen Premiership fixtures, and none of their last away away from home, losing six.

Away from home in total, Blackburn have mustered only three victories (W3 D3 L12), with only Bolton (11) having picked up fewer points on their travels this season than Rovers (12).

Ryan Nelsen has two goals in his last two appearances against Wolves.

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Match Prediction: Wolves to WIN – 2.20 VictorChandler

Two teams who appear to have found form at the perfect time, right at the business end of the season. But there can only be one winner and while many fancy the odds on a stalemate contest; after all, a point-a-piece would more than likely suffice for both parties, I’m taken by the home side.

Blackburn were mighty impressive last Saturday, when holding a full-strength Manchester United to a 1-1 draw at Ewood Park. Steve Kean’s side also put in a shift away at West Ham the time before. However, Rovers are seriously exposed away from home – losing six of eight in 2011 and having won just three of their eighteen away matches all season – whereas Wolves have taken the vast majority of their points at Molineux, where they’ve beaten the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United this season and have lost only two of eight in 2011, and they really have hit a purple patch.

Three goals in each of their last two games has propelled Wolves up the table, out of the relegation places before Sunday’s fixtures burst into life, and with the team scoring goals a plenty – Steven Fletcher especially – I’m willing to take my chances on the hosts, who know a point may not be enough whereas for Blackburn a draw should suffice.

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Match Odds

Wolves – 2.20 VictorChandler
Draw – 3.20 Boylesports
Blackburn Rovers – 4.00 Bet365

Sunderland V Wolves

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 14 May 2011 – 12:45 (GMT)
Venue: Stadium of Light

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Preview

An interesting match-up here between Sunderland, who you could argue are in resurgent mood following two wins from their last three matches, and Wolves at the Stadium of Light as the visitors aim to build on last week’s Black Country derby triumph by putting further breathing space between them and the dreaded relegation places.

There is even the possibility of Wolves reserving a spot in next season’s Premier League with victory on Wearside, though that would also be dependant on results elsewhere. But Mick McCarthy’s men are high on confidence at the minute following their magnificent performance in Sunday’s Black Country derby, when emphatically beating local rivals West Brom 3-1 at Molineux as the Midlanders leaped out of the bottom-three and in turn put their Premiership fate in their own hands with just two games to go.

Wolves are now one-place and a single point above the drop zone in 17th, so their position is still a precarious one. That said, they are now in a fantastic position to defy the drop heading into their final two games of the season knowing victory in either would, in all probability, be enough, and both of which are very much winnable on paper.

As for Sunderland, they have done what was expected of them, nothing more and nothing less, and that’s avoid relegation with plenty of room to spare. The Black Cats are currently 12th on 44-points – eight-points above the relegation places – so they’re safe, that’s assured now. However, although their season is effectively over in terms of serious targets and any former aspirations of acquiring European football, the club could yet finish in the top-half of the table and that is certainly the aim for Steve Bruce and his players, who have endured a disappointing second half to the season but would love nothing better than to end the season on a high, if not for themselves then for the fans, those who have left so many games in 2011 disgruntled.

Speaking of those Sunderland fans, those Mackens haven’t had an awful lot to cheer about of late. Last week’s 2-1 win at Bolton was their second in three games, a sign perhaps that the team are beginning to thrive now that the pressure shackles of relegation have been released, but their record at the Stadium of Light in recent weeks, months even, has been atrocious. Last time out, Bruce’s men were emphatically beaten 3-0 by a Fulham side who had previously won just one of their last 35 away Premiership matches, and there have been plenty more where that came from. In fact, that was their fifth home defeat in their last six, and during this dismal spell of home form their defence has shipped an alarming 16 goals.

So it almost goes without saying that Steve Bruce and his under-performing squad owe to the supporters in what is their final home game of the season. Fortunately, it will be against the poorest travellers in the Premier League this season, Wolves.

No team has registered more points away from home this season than Wolves, who have recorded just two victories on their travels in eighteen (W2 D3 L13). Furthermore, nobody has scored fewer away goals this season than Wolves (13), who also have the worst away goal difference of -22. Couple all this with the fact they’ve won only one of their last nine away encounters, six of which were defeats, and Wolves, who aren’t far off being favourites for Saturday’s clash, possibly because they need the points more as they certainly don’t edge this contest on paper, begin to look an appalling piece of business at the odds.

But will victory over rivals West Brom have had a galvanising effect on the dressing room? Steve Fletcher has also been in clinical form in front of goal, the Scotland international notching up four goals in as many appearances. Plus, star forward Kevin Doyle, who isn’t renowned for his goalscoring expertise but is as industrious and committed as they come, is also set for a return after a seven-week lay-off.

So there positives regarding the visitors, but you have to see past all their nasty-looking statistics in order to take any real confidence or belief from them.

Then again, Sunderland are still shorn of a host of stars and will once again be without a recognised forward for Saturday’s game, not that it harmed their chances at The Reebok last weekend, when goals from Zenden and Sulley Muntari sealed an impressive 2-1 victory. Asamoah Gyan and Danny Welbeck are among those who are unavailable for Saturday, as is goalkeeper Craig Gordon, defenders Titus Bramble and Kieran Richardson, while key midfielder Lee Cattermole faces several months on the sidelines with a back injury.

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Form

Sunderland – LLWLW (Sunderland 2-3 West Brom, Birmingham 2-0 Sunderland, Sunderland 4-2 Wigan, Sunderland 0-3 Fulham, Bolton 1-2 Sunderland)

Wolves – LDLDLW (Wolves 0-3 Everton, Wolves 1-1 Fulham, Stoke 3-0 Wolves, Birmingham 1-1 Wolves, Wolves 3-1 West Brom)

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Head-to-Head

Sunderland wins: 1
Draws: 0
Wolves wins: 2

Last 5 Seasons

2010/2011: Wolves 3-2 Sunderland
2009/2010: Wolves 2-1 Sunderland
2009/2010: Sunderland 5-2 Wolves

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Streaks & Trends

Sunderland have now won two of their last three games (Sunderland 4-2 Wigan, Bolton 1-2 Sunderland).

However, the Black Cats have lost five of their previous six matches at home, shipping 16 goals in the process.

Wolves have won just one of their last nine matches away from home, when beating Aston Villa 1-0 at Villa Park on 19 March.

Not since losing 4-3 at Man City on 15 January have Wolves scored more than one goal on their travels in a single game, failing to do just this in their last seven away league games.

Striker Steven Fletcher now has four goals in as many games for Wolves.

No teams has scored fewer goals (13) or picked up fewer points (9) on their travels this season than Wolves, who also have an away goal difference of -22.

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Value Bets

Steven Fletcher to Score @ 3.25 StanJames

The Wolves forward has been sensational of late, notching up four goals in as many games at a time when his manager, Mick McCarthy, is struggling for forward numbers.

Wolves to Score Exactly 1 Goal @ 2.40 PaddyPower

In their eighteen away league games this season, Wolves have scored precisely one goal ten times.

Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.10 SkyBet

All three previous Premiership encounters have produced a minimum of three goals. Plus, this is a must-win game for the visitors, who come up against a Sunderland defence which has conceded 16 goals in just six matches at the Stadium of Light.

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Match Prediction: Sunderland to WIN – 2.60 BetFred

I’m not at all enticed by a bet on Wolves, especially at the odds available. Not only are they frustratingly inconsistent, Mick McCarthy’s side have been woeful away from home this season, losing thirteen of eighteen, plus they were spanked 5-2 on their last visit to the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland are missing a whole host of players but those who are fit, and they are in short supply, rallied round one another last week and ended up securing three hard-earned points at Bolton, a result which has now left them on the cusp of the top-ten. The Black Cats displayed a tremendous amount of character at The Reebok to ground out a 2-1 victory, and I was encouraged by all the happy faces at the final whistle. I reckon they’ll edge this in a fixture Steve Bruce will be drilling it into his players the importance of repaying the home faithful for their support during a frustrating campaign in their final home game of the term.

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Match Odds

Sunderland – 2.60 BetFred
Draw – 3.40 Bet365
Wolves – 2.90 PaddyPower