Wolves make the long trip to Sunderland this Saturday, in search of the three points that could yet secure a third consecutive season at English football’s top table. Currently sitting in 17th place, a point above the relegation zone with two games to play, victory up at the Stadium of Light would be crucial in the quest for survival.
Mick McCarthy’s men go into this crunch game on the back of a vital and morale boosting 3-1 win over rivals West Brom. Following a string of poor performances, Wolves lifted themselves off the canvas to produce a stunning display of character, and no little quality, to secure three vital points in the pressure cooker of a Black Country Derby. A similar display will be required to topple the Black Cats this weekend. Mick McCarthy will surely keep faith with a winning side, even with the return to fitness of record signing Kevin Doyle. He may have to settle for a place on the bench, as will Matt Jarvis, who has gone off the boil in recent weeks. His replacement, Stephen Hunt, had arguably his best game in a Wolves shirt against Albion, and should retain his starting berth. The striking partnership of Steven Ward and Steven Fletcher looks very promising, with Fletcher in particular hitting his best form just at the right time. Wolves have shown that playing 4-4-2 can work, and this will hopefully be a winning formula on Wearside.
Sunderland also approach this encounter having won at the weekend, with a somewhat fortunate 2-1 victory at Bolton. The Black Cats have now secured their Premier League future, and it remains to be seen just how Steve Bruce will view their final home game of the season with the pressure off his team. Despite their win on Saturday, Sunderland have been in wretched form of late, taking 7 points from their last 12 games. This has not been helped though by a major injury crisis at the Stadium of Light, with key players like Asamoah Gyan, Titus Bramble, Lee Cattermole, Danny Welbeck, Craig Gordon, Kieron Richardson and Anton Ferdinand all on the sidelines. It is therefore likely to be something of a shadow side that take on Wolves this Saturday.
The Stadium of Light is never and easy place to visit in search of points, but now may be the perfect time to tackle Sunderland. Undoubtedly, Steve Bruce has quality in his squad but the loss of such vital figures is bound to hamper his team’s chances. It is for this reason, plus the confidence running through the ranks after Sunday, that I am tipping Wolves to snatch a vital victory against the Black Cats. It will be far from easy, and another huge shift will be needed, but Mick’s men are more than capable of taking the points from a weakened side who may well have their minds on the beaches.
Mick McCarthy’s men go into this crunch game on the back of a vital and morale boosting 3-1 win over rivals West Brom. Following a string of poor performances, Wolves lifted themselves off the canvas to produce a stunning display of character, and no little quality, to secure three vital points in the pressure cooker of a Black Country Derby. A similar display will be required to topple the Black Cats this weekend. Mick McCarthy will surely keep faith with a winning side, even with the return to fitness of record signing Kevin Doyle. He may have to settle for a place on the bench, as will Matt Jarvis, who has gone off the boil in recent weeks. His replacement, Stephen Hunt, had arguably his best game in a Wolves shirt against Albion, and should retain his starting berth. The striking partnership of Steven Ward and Steven Fletcher looks very promising, with Fletcher in particular hitting his best form just at the right time. Wolves have shown that playing 4-4-2 can work, and this will hopefully be a winning formula on Wearside.
Sunderland also approach this encounter having won at the weekend, with a somewhat fortunate 2-1 victory at Bolton. The Black Cats have now secured their Premier League future, and it remains to be seen just how Steve Bruce will view their final home game of the season with the pressure off his team. Despite their win on Saturday, Sunderland have been in wretched form of late, taking 7 points from their last 12 games. This has not been helped though by a major injury crisis at the Stadium of Light, with key players like Asamoah Gyan, Titus Bramble, Lee Cattermole, Danny Welbeck, Craig Gordon, Kieron Richardson and Anton Ferdinand all on the sidelines. It is therefore likely to be something of a shadow side that take on Wolves this Saturday.
The Stadium of Light is never and easy place to visit in search of points, but now may be the perfect time to tackle Sunderland. Undoubtedly, Steve Bruce has quality in his squad but the loss of such vital figures is bound to hamper his team’s chances. It is for this reason, plus the confidence running through the ranks after Sunday, that I am tipping Wolves to snatch a vital victory against the Black Cats. It will be far from easy, and another huge shift will be needed, but Mick’s men are more than capable of taking the points from a weakened side who may well have their minds on the beaches.
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