Date: 19th September 2015
Venue: Molineux
Kick-off: 3:00pm
After the recent goings on at Molineux many fans have been left scratching their heads at some of the decisions, both on and off the pitch. A recent fans parliament, ahead of Saturday’s game against Brighton, gave the opportunity to get some answers.
In the meeting Kenny Jackett reinstated that he had not found the right blend of players yet and that he himself took full responsibility for the clubs current league position.
One interesting point made was that the sale of Richard Stearman was not motivated by money. In fact it was because he would have been replaced by the up and coming youngsters in the next few months anyway, so it only made sense to sell before his price diminished. That’s somewhat surprising given the fact Stearman swept the board of the player of the year awards last year and that at 28-years old was only just into his prime years as a defender.
Jackett expressed his fondness of his replacements saying Ethan Ebanks-Landell, Dominic Iorfa and Kortney Hause all have premier league potential but need game time to reach that potential. He admitted that “at times there is a certain greenness about the side and an imbalance because people are finding their feet”.
The greenness was evident at last Saturday’s game against Bolton with both of our conceded goals coming from defensive mistakes. The first Bolton goal came from a mix up between Hause and Golboune failing to deal with a long ball, leaving Liam Feeney the chance to shoot low past the returning Emiliano Martínez. The second came from the penalty spot after a shocking challenge from Ebanks-Landell just before half time.
It’s understandable to give promising youngsters a chance in the side but without an experienced head alongside them, the young players will no doubt find it hard to cope in this cut throat league.
After struggling against a low-firing Bolton side, the inexperience among our back four will be tested even further with the visit of top of the table Brighton.
Currently unbeaten in the league, Brighton earned their fifth win in six league games by beating Rotherham, after Israel international Tomer Hemed’s third goal in two games.
Brighton have scored first in each of their league games this term, and their ability to keep strong and hold onto that lead is their main threat.
More competitiveness, especially among the back four and midfield will be needed if we want to take anything away from the game. The addition of new signing Nathan Byrne would add some much needed width to the side, while bringing in Jack Price or even George Saville could enhance some extra force to the centre.
Predicted line up
Martinez, Doherty, Ebanks-Landell, Hause, Golbourne, Ojo, Coady, Edwards, Henry, Afobe, Le Fondre
Fancast Predictions
Graham Wolves 1-1 Brighton
Alex Wolves 1-1 Brighton
Rich Wolves 2-1 Brighton
Luke Wolves 3-2 Brighton
David Wolves 1-2 Brighton
Craig Wolves 1-1 Brighton
Danger Men
Wolves
After much rotation between goalkeepers, it appears that Emiliano Martínez is now Jackett’s first choice for the moment at least. The Arsenal loanee had a decent display against Bolton and could do little about the two goals we gave away. Consistency is key in the goalkeeping department so dropping Martinez for Ikeme would ultimately hurt the side, despite many fans belief that Ikeme is the better keeper.
Brighton
Kazenga LuaLua missed the midweek game against Rotherham due to the fact he had already picked up five yellow cards but will be available for Saturday’s game. Lualua scored both the goals for Brighton on the fateful day we were relegated from the Championship in 2012/13 season.
Match odds
Wolves 6/5
Draw 21/10
Brighton 15/8
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