Date: 11th August 2015
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Venue: Molineux
The first competitive fixture at Molineux in the 2015/16 season sees Wolves entertain League Two outfit Newport County.
Following on from an impressive first day victory over Blackburn (albeit due to a dubious winner from Dave Edwards), Wolves look to keep the early momentum going with a victory over the Welsh side.
Despite Jackett’s previous cup successes, Wolves have actually not been able to record a win in any of Jackett’s League Cup and FA Cup outings during his time at the club. First round League Cup losses to League Two sides Morecambe and Northampton have been disappointing records on Jackett’s otherwise successful stay in charge. Similar to Tuesday night’s game, these games have all looked like routine wins on paper, but we have suffered bitter first round exits.
Major alterations to the side may have played their part in the previous League Cup defeats; however the squad is now at a healthier size and depth than ever before under Jackett and this season may be the year we don’t slip to lower league opposition.
New signings Adam Le Fondre and Sheyi Ojo will be keen to make their first starts for the club while players such as Matt Doherty, Ethan Ebanks-Landell, Tommy Rowe, Rajiv van La Parra and youngster Bright Enobakhare may also feature.
While the Championship is obviously a priority, all fans are itching for a major cup run. The last time Wolves can claim any success in a cup competition was when we reached the quarter finals of the FA Cup way back in the 2002/2003 season.
Burnley in 2009, who achieved promotion and reached the semi-final of the League Cup, and Bradford in 2013, who achieved promotion and reached the final of the League Cup are both testament to the fact both a cup run and promotion can be achieved in the same season.
Our opponents Newport County were thrashed 3-0 on the opening day by Cambridge United and will have at least six first team players out through injury. Manager Terry Butcher has even admitted that he has no idea what side to play on Tuesday night with so many players still needing treatment.
However after losing a major financial backer in the summer, Newport may treat this game as potential for a serious cash injection with the prizes for getting through each round a financial goldmine for clubs in tough situations such as this.
Danger Men
Wolves
Sheyi Ojo is in line to make his first start for the club since coming on loan from Liverpool. The tricky winger came on for the final six minutes against Blackburn and made a near instant impact by nearly winning a penalty in the 97th minute of the game. With Sako now plying his trade in the Premier League, there is room for the youngster to cement his place within a talented attacking side that will suit his game well.
Newport County
New signing Medy Elito began his Newport career by missing a penalty against Cambridge United on Saturday and will be eager to set some rights. Elito is experienced throughout the football league and will be a pacey threat along the forward line.
Head to Head-At Molineux
Match odds
Wolves 1/3
Draw 18/5
Newport 13/2
First goal scorer
Benik Afobe 7/2
Nouha Dicko 4/1
Adam Le Fondre 9/2
Alex Rodman 11/1
Scott Boden 11/1
Aaron Collins 12/1
Leave a Comment