Humberside next for Wolves

After a slump in results, Wolves head to Humberside on Tuesday evening hoping to get some points on the board against Hull City. Its only 2 points from the last 12 for Wolves now and the question will soon be being asked if this is a sign that it will not be a successful season, or whether its a temporary blip in a season that started well under new manager Stale Solbakken.

After a run of games under an unchanged team that have not delivered the results, Solbakken would be justified in making a few changes on Tuesday but there is the feeling that the options are limited with the squad he has. If changes are to be made then the players that look at risk of losing their places are Foley, Johnson, Pennant and Ebanks Blake.

Foley was not at his best on Saturday but has generally performed better this season than his competitors for the right back shirt, Zubar and Stearman. Johnson was not convincing against Charlton and had a stinker at Burnley and it may be time for Danny Batth to get his chance. He was outstanding for Sheffield Wednesday on loan last season in their promotion season and looks ready to make the step up. Pennant has been a disappointment since arriving on loan from Stoke and may not be suited to the tucked in role that Solbakken prefers. Forde has been lively for the reserves and in his short appearance as a sub on Saturday and may offer a livelier option than Pennant. And it may be time for us to see what Sigurdarson can do with a run in the team. Neither Doyle nor Ebanks Blake have been scoring fluently but Doyle offers more in his all round game and would likely be preferred to partner Sigurdarson.

Their opponents Hull have climbed up to 5th in the table after a run of 4 wins in 5 games. They have tightened up defensively in recent games conceding only 5 in the last 5 after some high scoring games in September. They have met Wolves 8 times this century with 3 wins to each team and 2 draws. So an even game is on the cards although recent form favours the home team.

On Monday, Wolves reserves met Liverpool at Molineux and after an even first half Wolves ended the period in style and might have scored 3 in the last 15 minutes. After a good run From a McAlinden cross Ismail scored but was just offside. Then after a good run by Ismail on the left his cross found McAlinden but the keeper made a good block from his close range effort. But from the next attack after good work on the left by Cranston his cross found Kostrna on the far post who headed down for McAlinden to put Wolves ahead. Liverpool leveled ten minutes into the second half after an almighty goalmouth scramble where four or five shots were blocked before finally being driven into the net. Wolves immediately hit back and three times went close to regaining their lead. A McAlinden effort was kicked off the line and from the resulting corner the ball fell to Ebanks Landell whose chip back across the area bounced off the bar. Then the impressive Gorman sent in a dangerous cross that the Liverpool keeper just got to ahead of Ismail. But it all went pear shaped for Wolves from that point onwards. A deflected shot put Liverpool ahead before a Tank mistake let the reds in for a third and then a poor Hennessey kick presented the chance to make it four. Liverpool’s best player Ngoo made it 5 late on.

But attentions are focused on whether the first team can get back on track on Tuesday evening both in terms of results and hopefully some brighter football. Its a long journey to make on a Tuesday evening, and the loyal Wolves fans will be hoping it will be a happier trip home than they faced on Saturday after Wolves worst performance of the season.

Category: Team News