Date: 5th December 2015
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Venue: New York Stadium
Competition: Sky Bet Championship
Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Rotherham it’s fair to say there is not a good feeling around Molineux.
With just one win in the space of two months and the departure of successful loan signing Mike Williamson, Wolves fans have had little to cheer about, with the club now sitting closer to the relegation zone than the illusive top six.
Saturday’s 0-0 draw with struggling MK Dons summed up what has been a recent poor run of results for Wolves. The game lacked any sort of cutting edge and in the final minutes it looked as if MK Dons were the ones who would walk away with 3 points.
One major positive to come out of the past two months has been the inclusion of Jordan Graham to the starting line-up. Despite the wealth of wide players Kenny Jackett has had available this season, none have matched the gap left by Bakary Sako as much as young Graham has done. His ability to cross a ball is like no other in the side and he has little fear taking on defenders.
Many Wolves fans have been left scratching their heads as to why it has taken up to late November for Jackett to include him in the side. The decision to take him off an hour into the draw with MK Dons was also met with a chorus of boos from the home support.
Players like Graham and Jack Price signify the spirit and hunger Wolves fans want from this young side and they should be the first names on the team sheet each week.
The back four of the side is looking extremely thin due to the departure of Williamson. Jackett has confirmed that Ebanks-Landell will be fit enough to play on Saturday, but the fact the defender hasn’t featured since picking up an injury in September is concerning. The lack of competition among the back four has been a problem all season, and because of this the decision to let go of Richard Stearman, this is still a hot topic of discussion over three months after his controversial move to Fulham.
The thin defence could mean yet another goal heavy game against Rotherham. The last four meetings between Wolves and the Millers have seen an impressive 22 goals, including 5-0 romp for Wolves last season and a magical 6-4 win in the League One campaign that all but secured us promotion.
It would be harsh to call this game a must win, but with heads dropping and fans feeling disheartened with the way things are going both on and off the pitch, a positive injection is thoroughly needed. 3 points and a good performance would go a long way.
Danger Men
Rotherham
Former Wolves target Danny Ward has yet to bag a league goal this season, but with Rotherham’s good recent results will be spurred on to keep his place leading the line.
Wolves
Years after leaving Rotherham, Adam Le Fondre is still a modern legend with the Millers. Racking up an impressive 54 goals in 96 appearances, Le Fondre is sure to get a good reception in front of the home fans if he does feature for Wolves on Saturday. It’s no surprise we pose a much more attacking threat with two up top, and with this game being almost must win, expect Le Fondre to play a part somehow.
Fancast predictions
John Rotherham 1-1 Wolves
Graham Rotherham 0-1 Wolves
David Rotherham 1-2 Wolves
Craig Rotherham 2-1Wolves
Match odds
Rotherham 12/5
Draw 23/10
Wolves 23/20
First goal scorer
Jonson Clarke-Harris 6/1
Matt Derbyshire 6/1
Danny Ward 7/1
Benik Afobe 9/2
Adam Le Fondre 6/1
David Edwards 8/1
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