Date: 21st October 2015
Venue: Molineux
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Competition: Sky Bet Championship
Wolves are back in action midweek with the visit of Brentford, who come to Molineux hoping to pick up their first win here in 22 years.
This week could prove to be an important one for Wolves, who will look to get back on track with two homes games in a week, following the mauling at the hands of Derby County on Sunday.
Much has been made about the defensive capabilities of Kenny Jackett’s side this season after the sale of Richard Stearman and the decision to drop fan favourite Carl Ikeme for Arsenal loanee Emiliano Martinez.
The return of Danny Batth from injury was thought by many to be the turning point where the back four could return to a much more solid unit, but alas the performance against Derby showed it not going to be that simple. Derby forward Chris Martin was able to get the better of Batth on too many occasions, with Batth losing his marker multiple times and giving away a penalty just before the break. Batth was not the only one at fault on Sunday, with Dominic Iorfa, Kortney Hause and Martinez are party at fault for Derby’s crucial second goal.
Incidents like this are something Wolves fans may have to get used to. With a back four and goalkeeper having an average age of just 23, mistakes are bound to occur with such inexperience in the side.
Jed Wallace had a poor game against Derby and overall has made a disappointing start to his Wolves career. It’s too early to say that he can’t make the step up to Championship level, but he needs to rapidly improve to keep his place in the side.
We were outdone by a strong, no nonsense Derby side, who really should have eased to promotion last season, but there is no excuse for a similar display against Brentford.
Although they finished above Derby last season, Brentford are not close to the side they were previously, with their new additions seemingly not adequately replacing those who left in the summer.
Brentford picked up their first win in four games when they defeated Rotherham on Saturday, and new head coach Lee Carsley will be keen to prove he is the right man for the job.
Danger Men
Wolves
James Henry was one of the few bright spots from the Derby game, constantly causing trouble down the right hand side. His ability to beat a full back is second to none and showed a few moments of brilliant skill before putting balls in dangerous areas. If Wolves can continue to get the ball to him, he can create a host of chances for Benik Afobe and Adam Le Fondre.
Brentford
Nicknamed “The Irish Messi” Alan Judge is a well-travelled player in the football league, capable of scoring a wide variety of different goals. Judge scored a brace in Brentford’s 2-1 win over Rotherham at the weekend and will be looking to continue his run.
Fancast Predictions
John Wolves 2-1 Brentford
Luke Wolves 2-0 Brentford
David Wolves 2-1 Brentford
Craig Wolves 2-1 Brentford
Match odds
Wolves 19/20
Draw 13/5
Brentford 13/5
First goalscorer
Benik Afobe 4/1
Adam Le Fondre 5/1
Bright Enobakhare 6/1
Lasse Vibe 7/1
Marco Djuricin 7/1
Alan Judge 10/1
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