Date: Wednesday 19th August 2015
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Venue: Molineux
After Wolves recorded their first draw of the season at home to Hull on Sunday, we welcome yet another recently relegated Premier League side with QPR visiting Molineux.
Wolves have started the season with a solid four points from the opening two games but have benefited from a stroke of good fortune in both results.
A dubious David Edwards winner saved us away at Blackburn while James Henry was aided by a huge mistake from Hull goalkeeper Alan McGregor in Sunday’s clash. Despite two good performances, the fact that Wolves have had to rely on good fortune to rescue points from games is a cause for concern so early in the season.
Good chances were created in the Hull game with Edwards, Benik Afobe and Nouha Dicko all going agonisingly close, but it is clear something is missing from the current system.
An element of width was lacking for a lot of the game with Iorfa and Golbourne seemingly acting as wing backs and the strikers having to continually come out wide. Sheyi Ojo, Rajiv van La Parra or Jed Wallace, once fit, would be a welcome addition to this side and would offer much support.
Although, the Hull result did mark only the second time in the past eleven league games that neither Afobe nor Dicko have not found the back of the net.
Controversially Kenny Jackett dropped Carl Ikeme for the Hull game and replaced him with Arsenal loanee Emiliano Martinez. It appears the Spaniard will continue in goal against QPR, with Ikeme being forced to wait for his chance to prove himself again between the sticks. The pressure is on Martinez to impress, as comparisons with Ikeme will be inevitable.
Our opponents QPR have had a poor start to the season losing to London rivals Charlton on the opening day and surrendering a 2-0 lead against Cardiff to draw 2-2 in their first home game. Similar to Afobe, QPR striker Charlie Austin is linked daily with moves to the Premier League but should still be at the club for Wednesday’s game.
Dicko and Afobe should by all accounts have a field day with the erratic QPR defence that has only kept one clean sheet in their last 27 away league outings.
Predicted line-up
Martinez, Iofra, Stearman, Hause, Golbourne, Henry, Coady, McDonald, Edwards, Afobe, Dicko
Fancast predictions
Rich Wolves 2-2 QPR
Adam Wolves 2-1 QPR
Ry Wolves 1-0 QPR
Rob Wolves 1-2 QPR
Craig Wolves 3-3 QPR
Danger Men
Wolves
Two league games into the new season and Wolves fans have already fell in love with Connor Coady. The centre midfielder looks calm and composed in each game he plays and should form a great partnership with Kevin McDonald, who he played also with during his time at Sheffield United. Coady has proven he is also not afraid of taking a shot from range and should be on the scoresheet within no time.
QPR
Matt Phillips is another QPR player who seems destined to end up in the Premier League before the end of the transfer window. The tricky winger was a bright spot in an otherwise traumatic season for the Hoops and will cause major issues for the defence if given the room.
This game also sees the return of former captain and championship winner Karl Henry. Despite eight years with the club there’s no doubt Henry will receive a mixed reception from the home support following comments made after his departure.
Head to Head-At Molineux
Match Odds
Wolves 11/10
Draw 12/5
QPR 12/5
First Goal Scorer
Benik Afobe 9/2
Nouha Dicko 11/2
Adam Le Fondre 6/1
Charlie Austin 11/2
Jay Emmanuel Thomas 15/2
Matt Phillips 8/1
Leave a Comment