Date: 25th August 2015
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Venue: Molineux
Saturday’s game against Cardiff will surely go down as one of the worst performances under Kenny Jackett’s management.
The game harked back to the tough November 2014 run, where Wolves succumbed to several humiliating heavy defeats, offering very little in way of attack. The poor performance and result against Cardiff rounded off a terrible week for Jackett’s men, where only three days earlier they let a two goal lead slip to lose 2-0 at home to Queens Park Rangers.
Wolves will now be looking to restore some belief in both themselves and the fans with a comfortable win over League Two Barnet in the Capital One Cup.
Jackett openly admitted he is still searching for the right mix of players, which is slightly concerning with the season now in full swing.
He will no doubt make severe changes to the side that played in the Welsh capital, with Matt Doherty, Jack Price, George Saville, Jed Wallace, Adam Le Fondre and Bright Enobakhare all expected to feature in some way. This is a fantastic chance for these players to stake their place in the side full time with so few coming away from the Cardiff game with any merit.
Carl Ikeme was placed back in goal on Saturday and unfortunately was at fault for the Bluebirds first goal, by failing to collect a cross which was ultimately dispatched by striker Kenwyne Jones. This was unfortunate for both Ikeme and Jackett as the Wolves boss has majorly struggled with the current goalkeeper situation. After Martinez’s several mistakes he openly backed the Arsenal loanee, only to drop him to Carl Ikeme, who himself went on to make that crucial mistake against Cardiff.
Whether Ikeme continues in goal, or Emiliano Martinez gets another chance in the cup to prove himself worthy now remains to be seen.
Similar to us, Barnet have also only picked up one win so far this season and languish in the bottom half of the table.
The only other time these two sides met at Molineux was a League Cup tie way back in 1998 in a match where the home side ran out 5-0 winners. A similar score would be a great way to bounce back from the two disappointing defeats to Cardiff and QPR.
Danger Men
Wolves
Following the Cardiff game is emerged that McDonald was struggling with a back injury, which may have been the reason he underperformed and was taken off just after the hour mark. It was surprising then that Jack Price was not given the nod to start against the Welsh side. Price was a key figure in last season’s team but has not been able to find a place in the starting line-up this season due to the form of new signing Connor Coady. A good performance against Barnet could see him included back in Jackett’s plans if McDonald’s injury worsens.
Barnet
John Akinde will be the Bees main threat going forward and the well-travelled striker will no doubt give little rest to the two centre backs. Scoring 31 goals in the Conference winning season last year, and notching three already this season, Akinde is an on form centre forward that should not be under estimated.
The game marks a Molineux return for goalkeeper Graham Stack. The Barnet keeper was part of the successful Championship winning side of 2008/09, although he did not make a single league appearance.
Match odds
Wolves 1/3
Draw 4/1
Barnet 15/2
First goal scorer
Benik Afobe 10/3
Nouha Dicko 4/1
Adam Le Fondre 9/2
John Akinde 9/1
Aaron McLean 10/1
Michael Gash 10/1
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