Well a repeat of the amazing 4-3 victory at the Molineux earlier this season would be very welcome tomorrow. Given the 4-4 scoreline Leicester were involved in at Spurs last weekend anything it seems, is possible.
We all know the importance of this game. Sure another three points against Fulham was crucial but we once again have to avoid defeat at a relegation rivals. Considering the way we fell apart at Leeds it remains to be seen whether we are capable of holding on for a point or more.
Leicester’s current form is only slightly better than Leeds in the last eight league games. Of those eight matches, five have resulted in draws. Having only won two home games all season, the Foxes are better on their Premiership travels than they are on home soil.
But we can expect a real blood and guts encounter tomorrow.
There’s never been any love lost between the two sets of teams and supporters and given the high stakes associated with three points for either team, extra fuel has been thrown on the fire.
Last season, I was there to witness Paul Dickov blatantly dive to earn the penalty that won the game for Leicester. He successfully repeated his diving trick at the Molineux in the F.A. Cup later in the season but we thrashed them 4-1 in the end.
All the defence will have watched the Porto v Man United game as pre-cursor to how not to try and tackle Dickov. At Spurs last week he was throwing himself all over the place when clashing with Tarrico.
However, whereas Dickov resorts to cheating to get his goals, Les Ferdinand has the aerial ability that really will test the defence in legitimate terms.
Scoring ten goals to date, he might be old, but he certainly can still leap like the proverbial salmon. Butler and Craddock might be better-placed putting springs in their boots.
From what I saw of Leicester’s midfield last week we can certainly win that area of the pitch. It then remains to be seen whether Miller and Cort can take any chances that come their way. Cort for me still seems only partially fit. Sure he scored last week but he seemed seriously unathletic. Miller’s finishing is erratic and it seems likely Leicester will score so we need to get at least one goal. Perhaps Ganea would be a better option giving his oustanding work rate in the games he’s played?
As to what formation Jones decides to play we will only discover nearer kick-off. For me, when I’ve seen Wolves on their travels the 4-4-2 and 4-5-1 formations don’t work due to the personnel.
4-4-2 seems the likely starting formation but I think we need to sacrifice one of the naturally wide players for a more orthodox midfielder. For me, I’d drop Kennedy, switch Camara to the left and play Cameron on the right to cover Irwin.
Camara’s pace, not his control, certainly unhinged the Fulham left back last week. Even if he, nor anyone else, knows what he’s doing the uncertainty will play on the defender’s minds.
Having Ince back will ensure there is no repeat of the Leeds debacle. Coupled with Rae again last week, they got on top of any real threat Fulham posed.
It’s going to be tense, high-octane game with plenty of incident as there’s plenty at stake.
I expect Portsmouth to beat a tired Newcastle on Sunday so we’ve got to make sure that the bottom three aren’t just fighting it out for 18-20th places.
Fingers crossed!
Come on the Wolves!
E-mail me with any comments/feedback to: dave@wolves-mad.co.uk