Mick McCarthy’s side go into their double Gameweek fresh from shattering Man United’s unbeaten record with last weekend’s 2-1 victory at Molineux. That fine result and performance again demonstrated how Wolves have raised their game against the big sides this season, having already earned 1-0 wins over Chelsea and Liverpool. It’s against relegation rivals and mid-table mediocrity that Wolves have struggled; that’s the reason behind their lowly position in the table.
Despite confidence gleaned from the United win, Fantasy Managers are unlikely to give more than passing glance at what’s on offer from McCarthy’s squad. With a trip to the Emirates coming this weekend however, one can’t help but wonder if Wolves can capitilise on a fragile Arsenal defence, with Arsene Wenger’s side likely to have one eye on their Champions League with Barcelona four day’s later.
The daunting trip to North London is followed by a Black Country derby match against managerless rivals West Brom – a totally unpredictable scenario if ever there was one.
The Prospects
Wolves have the worst away record in the division with just a single win, 9 goals scored and 24 conceded. That makes pretty chilling reading going into two consecutive away matches.
Their one victory did however come against Liverpool at Anfield, a result that was surely a significant nail in Roy Hodgson’s coffin and a victory that Wolves will surely cling to as they approach the clash with the Gunners. Wolves have lost the four away trips that followed the Liverpool win, conceding 10 goals in the process. The omens don’t look good for the visit to Arsenal then, given that Wenger’s side have won 4 of their last 5 home matches and have averaged 2 goals a game in that spell.
Arsenal’s Champions League ambitions may well be a distraction and we could see rest and rotation in practice. Wenger could still field the likes of Nicklas Bendtner and Marouane Chamakh however – players who will be eager to impress and who will be expected to have the talent to inflict damage on a suspect Wolves back four.
The derby match with West Brom eight days on surely offers a better prospect. Goals look likely here, with the Baggies having scored 10 and conceded 10 in their previous 5 home matches. West Brom will face West Ham the week before and much will depend on their confidence following that encounter, plus of course, the impact of a new manager – should he be in place by February 20.
One factor to consider before losing total interest in Wolves as a prospect – they are one of three sides who follow their double fixture with a home match. Wolves will take on Blackpool at Molineux in Gameweek 28, a fixture that promises attacking returns for those brave enough to take the gamble.
The Likely Lads
Matt Jarvis has been Wolves’ biggest Fantasy earner this season, but his simmering form has completely wilted of late and his assist for George Elokobi’s goal against United was his first Fantasy points since Gameweek 15. A return to form? Maybe, butNenad Milijas looks the stronger goal threat from midfield. The Serbian international regularly contributes a couple of goal attempts a game, as our Members can see via their OPTA stats. He is also a major factor at direct free-kicks.
Kevin Doyle is as close as you get to a form player amongst McCarthy’s squad – his 2 goals and 4 Bonus Points in his last 4 league starts hints that, if anyone is to emerge from the double Gameweek with profit, it will be the Irishman. Whether Fantasy Managers will find room for the 5.0 investment up front is another matter entirely.
While potential looks limited going forward, defensively Wolves look a bleak prospect. Any investment in this area would need to hope for attacking points, and with Jody Craddock still sidelined through injury and Kevin Foley also fighting back to fitness, there’s no obvious candidate. Ronald Zubar has posed the biggest goal threat of late, although it was George Elokobi who proved decisive in the win over United.
Cheeky Punt
Jamie O’Hara has arrived at Molineux on loan and, although he’s short of match fitness, he chipped in with a goal attempt on target against United and 2 blocked efforts in a 58 minute appearance. With 2 goals, 4 assists and an impressive 25 Bonus Points to his name at Portsmouth last season, O’Hara has pedigree and could be a factor over the two games.
