Scenario:
Well who knows what to expect on Sunday evening.
Wolves realistically, with respect to the opposition, are red-hot favorites.
We couldn’t have asked for a better draw.
Rochdale’s disappointment at the draw will be softened by the financial windfall that will result from the live screening and share of the gate receipts from an anticipated 24,000 crowd.
It’s a great opportunity for Wolves to get into the quarterfinals, a defeat, on TV, would be nothing less than an embarrasment.
What about the opposition?
Well bizarrely, Rochdale are my second team! Living in the northwest, I go along to Spotland when I can, fitting it in with my Wolves season ticket.
I was at Preston when they beat the hosts 2-1 in the 3rd round. I also saw them dispatch Bristol Rovers 3-2 in the second round replay.
Last Saturday, I was at Spotland when Rochdale beat Oxford 2-1.
Therefore, I’m better placed than most to call this one.
Dale are a team of battlers. The football at Division 3 level is harem-scarum with the football being like a hot potato at times.
They overcame Preston because the hosts on the day were short on confidence and Rochdale matched them 110% in terms of effort. The home victory against Coventry was a fabulous result but it’s a difficult place to play at Spotland.
There are injury doubts at this time about several key players and therefore it’s difficult to know who will play at Molineux.
Clive Platt, a local Wolves boy, is a tall bustling forward who should be contained by Jo Lescott.
Paul Simpson still has some quality passing left in his ageing legs and can provide inspiration on his day.
Gareth Griffiths, doubtful at this time, is a battling centre back.
However, realistically they don’t have the all-round team ability to overcome Wolves.
Soon to follow for Wolves:
Ipswich Town away – an important fixture with both sides challenging for the playoffs.
Score Prediction:
I can’t see Wolves losing this one – not at home.
We have the players in all areas to win the personal battles to turn the game in our favour.
As well, Rochdale will probably be fielding goalkeeper Matthew Gilks who isn’t as imposing or as good as regular choice Neil Edwards.
I do expect a physical game but we have too much pace up front and should get through several times.
Regardless of who occupies the forward positions we should create enough chances to win this comfortably.
For Rochdale it’s a great bit of publicity and it’s paid for new contracts to be offerred to players in the short-term so they having nothing really to lose.
Come on the Wolves!
E-mail me with any comments/feedback to: dave@wolves-mad.co.uk