Date: 22nd August 2015
Kick-off: 5:15pm
Venue: Cardiff City Stadium
Following on from Wednesday’s shocking collapse against Queens Park Rangers, Wolves head to Cardiff City hoping to get back to winnings ways in front of the Sky TV cameras.
Despite thoroughly controlling the first 35 minutes of Wednesday’s game, Wolves succumbed to their first loss of the season in bitter circumstances.
Benik Afobe and a sublime strike from Kevin McDonald put the home side 2-0 up, until QPR striker Charlie Austin powered in a poorly defended header just before half time.
From the second half whistle, Wolves looked sluggish and out of ideas and even with the score at 2-1, it was apparent that the tide was turning QPR’s way. Two goals from Matt Phillips eventually condemned Wolves to a disappointing 3-2 defeat, with few positives to take from the second half display especially.
Emiliano Martinez continued in goal ahead of Carl Ikeme and despite some decent shot stopping towards the end of the match, he was unconvincing and largely at fault for both of Phillips’ goals. Experienced Ikeme is able to organise our young back four, something Martinez has been unable to do. This leaves them looking both erratic and unreliable. Kortney Hause especially struggled for long periods coming up against the pacey Austin and Phillips.
Whether Kenny Jackett decides to bring back in Ikeme against Cardiff or alter his defence so early into the season remains to be seen, but he will most likely keep the faith in his original selection.
Adam Le Fondre played the full second half against QPR but will be unable to play against his parent club Cardiff, who he is on loan from.
Our opponents Cardiff may be one of the few unbeaten teams left in the Championship, but they are also without a win, so far drawing all three of their opening games. They were left disappointed midweek when an 88th minute equaliser from Blackburn Rovers denied them of all three points.
Wolves hold a decent record over Cardiff City having come away with a least a point in nearly 75% of all their meetings in the Welsh capital. The Bluebirds (now back playing a blue strip) have only won three of their past 15 home league fixtures.
Predicted line-up
Martinez, Iofra, Stearman, Hause, Golbourne, Henry, Coady, McDonald, Edwards, Afobe, Dicko
Fancast predictions
Rob Cardiff 1-1 Wolves
Ry Cardiff 0-2 Wolves
Adam Cardiff 0-1 Wolves
Rich Cardiff 0-1 Wolves
David Cardiff 2-1 Wolves
Craig Cardiff 1-1 Wolves
Danger Men
Cardiff
Goalkeeper David Marshall stuck with the club following relegation from the Premier League, despite gaining many plaudits from Premiership pundits. The experienced Marshall has been at the club since 2009 and is an excellent shot stopper.
Wolves
McDonald has been a constant in the side since he was brought in from Sheffield United over two years ago. Forming effective partnerships with Lee Evans, Jack Price and now Connor Coady, the midfielder scored his first goal of the season against QPR with a well struck volley past Rob Green and is sure to continue to add to his tally as the season progresses. Now the interest from Fulham has cooled down, McDonald can hopefully concentrate on playing for Wolves and eventually put pen to paper on a new deal.
Head to Head-At Cardiff City
Match Odds
Cardiff 13/8
Draw 23/10
Wolves 13/8
First Goal Scorer
Alex Revell 6/1
Eoin Doyle 6/1
Joe Mason 7/1
Benik Afobe 5/1
Nouha Dicko 6/1
David Edwards 13/2
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