Match thread: Spurs v Wolves 13.2.22 2pm KO

A case of Kane v Raul?
By Ivybridge Wolf
February 13 2022

After two 1-0 home defeats in a week against Norwich and Arsenal, Wolves travel to Spurs today in the hope of reversing most recent fortunes. Bruno Lage won the January Manager of The Month with four wins out of four (one FA cup, three league), but the curse of that award appears to have since taken grip with the Wolves attack rarely seriously troubling the opposition goal in 180 minutes of football.

Goals for Wolves have been the problem all season, now standing at just 19 in 22 premier league fixtures, with the January ‘goal glut’ of 9 goals seemingly drying up. The defence made mistakes for both the Norwich and Arsenal winners, nevertheless, collectively, they have been exceptionally good all season and the odd off moment at the back should really be supported at the other end by our attacking players, particularly when at Molineux. How much will we miss Traore, will Podence, Trincao and Hwang be able to provide the creativity (and on a consistent basis), is Rauls dip in form due to a drop in confidence, poor supply, or both, who is our marauding midfielder, can Fabio fill the number 9’s boots, how quickly can Neto be returned to the starting line up? Lots of questions concerning Wolves scoring more goals! Irrespective of the answers, we have proved that we can be a match to any side in this league, which is perhaps why the last week has been so frustrating.

Enough of that! Today we take on Spurs, close to 50 years since these two sides played out the UEFA cup final! We won our first ever visit to the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (do they still call it White Hart Lane?) 2 years ago by 3-2, a match that was utterly gripping with goals from Doherty, Jota and Jimenez. Sadly, we haven’t beaten Spurs since, but we did at least play well at Molineux earlier in the season, losing to a dodgy penalty in one of the famed first three matches of the season …. Outplaying the opposition, an inability to score and losing all three 1-0.

Today’s match must be viewed as an opportunity for Bruno and the players, an opportunity to apply further pressure on Spurs who are themselves up and down in form. Our opposition have lost their last two league matches versus Chelsea and midweek at home to Southampton, a result which should hearten all associated with Wolves. Indeed, a Wolves win would provide a mini record of the first run of 4 away topflight wins in a row since 1980!! Now, wouldn’t that be welcome?! Having said that, despite recent defensive frailties, any side with Kane and Son have the capability of hurting us ….. we know that.

How will Bruno shape up? Whilst Toti was unlucky to be dropped midweek, there is no need to change the three central defenders in my view, however I’d bring in Ait Nouri for Marcal. In midfield, will Moutinho have recovered from the calf strain that kept him out versus Arsenal? I hope so. Will Hwang be fit to push either Podence or, more likely Trincao for a place? I am clear that we should keep with Raul ahead of Fabio, nevertheless, there is a greater onus of the likes of Podence and Trincao for much better quality of supply (some of the crosses last Thursday were very poor) and to try to vary the of style of attack. For me it has to be quicker, more assured and put the last line of defenders under greater pressure …… take them on down the channels too!! The young lad Chiquinho seems like a raw and promising talent, albeit in a couple of cameos, so I expect we will see him again, likely from the bench.

It’s a big match for Wolves. A chance to extinguish a flat and frustrating week, what better way to do it than with a fighting and positive performance at Spurs.

The match kicks off at 2pm though is not covered by broadcasters. However you are able to follow, enjoy the match, please feel free to contribute to the thread, and UTW!!

Match thread: Spurs v Wolves 13.2.22 2pm KO

Posted by: Wolves (IP Logged)

Date: 13/02/2022 09:04

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:03:04:14:50:28 by Ivybridge Wolf.