Wolverhampton Wanderers entertain Hull City tonight, with a win possibly taking them back into the play off spots, but a loss could see Hull leapfrog Wolves in the table.
Manager Mick McCarthy will soon be getting tired of saying his men have an ideal opportunity to put a poor result behind them.
Defensive frailties are starting to take their toll on Wolves promotion push, even this early in the campaign.
After significantly strengthening his forward options, it is the area that McCarthy knows best that now desperately needs his attention if Wolves are to improve on last seasons position.
Vital Quotes:
‘Just win, baby’
Wolves Team News:
McCarthy has more than a couple of selection headaches ahead of tonight, and not the kind he will have been hoping for 6 weeks ago.
Defensively, Wolves have looked all at sea several times this season, and that will not make the Gaffer sleep easy. Whether that translates to changes in the line up remains to be seen.
With limited options, McCarthy may well opt to perservere with his back line, or simply may have to until reinforcments can be brought in on loan, and that could prove very costly.
Up front, his options are slightly brighter with Jay Bothroyd near to full fitness, and Freddy Eastwood back in contention for a start following last weeks International travels.
With Matty Jarvis still out injured, Stephen Ward looks set to continue in the left wing berth, with Michael Kightly, Karl Henry and Seyi Olofinjana likely to complete the midfield quartet.
Player to watch: Seyi Olofinjana
Wolves need a massive performance from the big man tonight when he comes head to head with his former Super Eagles partner Jay Jay Okocha.
Hull City Team News:
Phil Brown looks set to drop Dean Windass in favour of Jay Jay Okocha following his subs appearance at the weekend.
Bo Myhill should continue in goal, Caleb Forlan looks set to retain his place up front, while Ian Ashbee remains a doubt
Player to watch: Jay Jay Okocha
He may not be in his prime, and have been away to the oil rich arab states for a handsome pension fund, but Okocha isn’t ready to be written off just yet
Match Facts & Stats
Over the years, starting in 1906, Hull have just had the edge over Wolves, winning 23 games to Wolves 22, with 11 draws.
With only three nil nils in the last century, this fixture usually throws out its fair share of goals, and with both sides desperate for a win, that trend looks set to continue
Next Fixtures:
Next up it’s Norwich away!
