It's win or bust at Molineux

Nothing less than a victory today will see Wolves’ season effectively end today.

Already six points behind their nearest relegation candidates, who are also the visitors; this is a game with massive importance for us.

Sure a 3-0 defeat at Arsenal was expected, the difference in class is too wide but Leeds at home is the sort of game that we’ve got a chance in.

However, Leeds’ position, I feel, is a false one as they still have some class players and in recent weeks have put together a mini-rival, just in time to face us – typical!

With Wolves now white-hot favourites for relegation and on poor run of form then it’s hard to see where the victory will come from.

Given that Alex Rae, not only top-scorer, but most on form player in recent weeks is missing through suspension makes the task even harder. Also we carry too many players. 4-5-1 doesn’t work when two of the midfielders contribute nothing defensively and very little going forward. The defence is making mistakes but this is inevitable given the constant pressure they are under.

Leeds will see this is a chance to get out of the bottom three. A deserved victory at Charlton shows they can get results on their travels and they will see this as an easier game.

With Jones admitting that some of the players in the squad aren’t good enough for the highest level and others haven’t come on as expected, it’s hardly a morale boosting Christmas present for the fans.

I also have a feeling that very little will happen in the January transfer window. We might get the odd loanee but doubt that major money will be spent on reinforcements. This leaves the way open for a massive rebuilding job in the summer and certainly no instant return to the Premiership at the end of next season.

So I think that Wolves fans, with our famous lack of patience, are going to have to learn to sit back and enjoy seeing Man United, Liverpool and Arsenal play at the Molineux. I doubt that they’ll be coming back for at least three years if not more.

As for this afternoon read the usual script. Wolves start brightly for fifteen minutes. Leeds get to grips with Wolves limited threat and gradually take control and class tells. Ince gets booked for frustration of playing in such a poor team, the home fans go quiet with resignation.

I really do hope I’m wrong but we just don’t have enough quality or bottle throughout the team. As for how the wage bill is so high you have to ask the new Hayward about that one.

At best we can get another 1-1 draw, which is of no real use, at worst, well we’ve seen that twice at home already but don’t think Leeds are playing that fluently to hand that out to us at Christmas.

Come on the Wolves!

E-mail me with any comments to dave@wolves-mad.co.uk