Scenario:
Having not had a fixture this week, with the Ipswich game having been postponed, Wolves find themselves down in 12th position with Reading just behind in 13th.
I don’t think that many of us, after the win at Derby not so long ago, would have predicted that we would be sitting in mid-table halfway through September.
However, we all know the reasons why but what can we expect, when we come back to the Molineux for the first time since the draw with Sheffield Wednesday, which seemed to spark the start of the defensive capitulation, on Saturday?
Well firstly, the home debut of Matt Murray or Ian Feuer.
Secondly, the distinct possibility of a change of formation. With the players voicing their discontent with Jones’s new tactics we could see a reversion to 4-4-2 or even 5-3-2 to give the leaky defence more support.
I also think that we could see the introduction of Edworthy as a replacement for Naylor and Pollet coming into central defence after his 45-minute outing for the reserves this week.
It seems strange that given the state of the defense at the moment that Wolves are prepared to let Sean Connelly go out on loan. Apparently in the reserves Connelly has looked to be playing quite well and last season played his part although not the quickest defender in the world, he knows what to do.
The midfield is also mis-firing. Ince seems to be struggling, Cooper has only been impressive when brought on from the bench, Newton patchy. Rae and Ivar have played well but their form is being affected by the performances of teammates around them.
Upfront neither Miller nor a disappointing Deano have really staked a claim for a permanent position alongside Blake so perhaps Proudlock deserves a chance as well?
What about the oppostion?
Well Reading haven’t scored for the last three games, which might come in handy!
However, they have got a decent forward line with Jamie Cureton and Martin Butler up front so our creaky defence will again be put to the test.
Three wins, at Walsall and at home to Burnley and Sheffield Wednesday aren’t exactly stunning and they have struggled against better opposition so far this season.
However, they will be aware that this is the perfect opportunity to put one over on Wolves and beating a ‘promotion favorite’ will certainly boost their confidence for the season ahead.
Soon to follow:
Preston on Tuesday offers no respite if things once again don’t go right on Saturday.
Then in the next three league games we have two massive tests against Leicester away and Portsmouth at home.
If we are still mis-firing at this time these two could really open up a gap of points that will take some clawing back.
Score Prediction:
I think the team has been lucky that they’ve played so badly away from home.
I don’t think they would dare do it at the Molineux.
Therefore, I think that we’ll grind out a 2-1 victory.
Come on the Wolves!