Premier League - Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Ipswich Town Preview & Matchday Thread

[Frosty]

Wolverhampton Wanderers V Ipswich Town



Saturday 14th December 2024 – 15:00



Molineux Stadium








Pre-Match Thoughts - Bluemike



Sometimes it's hard to find the right words when writing a preview after a negative result and this One definitely comes into that category. Last weeks defeat to Bournemouth was tough to take, it really hurt at the time and a few days later it still doesn't feel any easier. lots has been written and much has been said on the subject but the way we contrived to capitulate right at the death once more is something that has to be addressed and needs to stop now if we are to have even the smallest chance of surviving in this most brutal of leagues.

What makes it even harder to take is the fact we played pretty well in the opening half of the game and could have been even further ahead had lady luck shone on us for once. Everything had been pretty positive with town trying to take the game to Bournemouth with some decent enough Football, when Conor Chaplin finished off a nice passage of play it was no more than we deserved and at the time everything just felt right, that it was finally going to be our day at Portman Road.

As we all know only too well we probably always need a second goal and it looked like we had grabbed it when the impressive Cameron Burgess headed home but alas the referee felt otherwise and blew up for whatever it was he deemed to be illegal, I am still not sure if I am honest as to why it wasn't given. Still Town tried to play their game and it was pretty comfortable for much of the first half and to go in ahead was a nice change.

What followed after the break concerned me on so many levels, first off it appeared to me that we were sitting back more than we had before the break, why ? we just needed to keep doing what we had been doing, it didn't appear at first glance that Bournemouth had changed too much as to how they were going about it. My biggest concern however was just how quickly we appeared to become tired and jaded, players looked pretty done in around the Hour mark, Liam Delap in particular was running on empty, it cried out for change, that change wasn't forthcoming.

I have read in several places that there is concern as to just how vigorous we go about our training regime, are we hammering it too much ? Is it having a detrimental effect on the team when it enters the latter stages of games ? Clearly the stats seem to back this up, it was posted on here earlier in the week our second half stats and it makes grim reading, is it just a coincidence or something that needs looking at and addressing ?

Despite looking second best during the second half we were oh so close to seeing it through until a moment of absolute madness form our keeper changed the whole afternoon. yes others maybe could have done better too but the rush of blood and subsequent kamikazi surge from the goal line was ridiculous and was going to prove to be very costly. You could visibly see Town heads drop in some areas and it came as little surprise that the Cherries who were now smelling blood went on the grab the winner to break Town hearts once again.

Numerous questions come to mind and it has nothing to do with hindsight because it has been raised numerous times previously. Why so late with changes ? We didn't even get them at 65 Minutes when of all days we actually needed them, why go to 80 ? Why no CB on the bench when we were crying out for someone to shut up shop defensively, why bring on Jack Clarke & Al-Hamadi to see a game out ? Why are we not able to coach these costly individual errors out of players ? The list goes on.

The fallout from this defeat is clearly yet to be felt but with a run of games coming up that look less than appealing it could well be a mortal blow to our chances. Wolves (A), Newcastle (H), Arsenal (A), Chelsea (H), Fulham (A), I am not gonna lie that fills me with dread, where do you realistically see points, something from Wolves maybe ? A point against Newcastle ? Other than that it looks very hard and by the time those five games have been played we could well be cut adrift. Maybe we can come up with another Spurs shock because that would help us no end.

There were some positives if you dig deep enough, Cameron Burgess for instance, he was colossal and deservedly got his MOTM award, Darragh O'Shea beside him proved an able partner, Conor Chaplin looking lively and getting his first Premier league goal, and of course some of the attractive Football we played in the opening Forty Five Minutes which sadly counted for nothing by the close.

I hope we see change in the Town line up in One or Two areas, I think Muric needs a rest, the criticism can't be helping but it's hardly surprising given how often things go wrong, whether it's Walton or Slicker matters not, we need to try something different. I also think the old chestnut about Formations need to be tinkered with too, half a season nearly gone and we don't win playing the way we do, try an alternative.

This weekends game is massive, a real relegation Six Pointer and dare I say it, another must win game, maybe One day we'll actually win One of them. Wolves look poor, there is no doubt about that, that's the annoying thing, we seldom look poor, we just have suicidal tendencies, we love to implode, we don't game manage anywhere near well enough for this division and as such are masters of our own downfall. It's not too late, it can be turned around but that won't happen if we insist on doing the same things, in the same way, with the same players, it really is either a sign of a lack of nous or just plain madness, we are approaching half a season now with one win, only a fool or someone in denial can't see we need to go about certain things differently. I hope we do, starting on Saturday at Wolves. COYB'S





The Opposition Wolverhampton Wanderers - Honours



League


First Division

Champions: 1953–54, 1957–58, 1958–59
Runners-up: 1937–38, 1938–39, 1949–50, 1954–55, 1959–60

Second Division / First Division / Championship

Champions: 1931–32, 1976–77, 2008–09, 2017–18
Runners-up: 1966–67, 1982–83
Play-off winners: 2003

Third Division North / Third Division / League One

Champions: 1923–24, 1988–89, 2013–14

Fourth Division

Champions: 1987–88


Cup


FA Cup

Winners: 1892–93, 1907–08, 1948–49, 1959–60
Runners-up: 1888–89, 1895–96, 1920–21, 1938–39

Football League Cup

Winners: 1973–74, 1979–80

FA Charity Shield

Winners: 1949*, 1954*, 1959, 1960* (* shared)

Associate Members' Cup

Winners: 1987–88

Football League War Cup

Winners: 1942


Europe


UEFA Cup

Runners-up: 1971–72

Texaco Cup

Winners: 1970–71




The Manager – Gary O’Neil








League Table as at 11.12.2024








Form Guide




Wolverhampton Wanderers



9 Nov Wolverhampton 2 - 0 Southampton

23 Nov Fulham 1 - 4 Wolverhampton

30 Nov Wolverhampton 2 - 4 Bournemouth

4 Dec Everton 4 - 0 Wolverhampton

9 Dec West Ham Utd 2 - 1 Wolverhampton





Ipswich Town



10 Nov Tottenham 1 - 2 Ipswich Town

24 Nov Ipswich Town 1 - 1 Manchester Utd

30 Nov Nottm Forest 1 - 0 Ipswich Town

3 Dec Ipswich Town 0 - 1 Crystal Palace

8 Dec Ipswich Town 1 - 2 Bournemouth





Head to Head








Match Referee – Simon Hooper







WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS 1 IPSWICH TOWN 2

[ITFC2024]

If nothing changes as far as starting players and formation we’ll lose. In fact, after I see the starting line up and formation I’ll know immediately what the outcome will be.

Wolves score goals, and we have to defend brilliantly and score on the counter attack if we get anything out of this match.

Sorry, I don’t see it happening. Muric will start, and it will be the same formation. Hope I’m wrong.

Wolves 2 ITFC 1

[marko69]

Yes, the pressure is now immense on the management & players. The online stuff over Muric has been relentless and to a slightly lesser extent on the boss, but boyo-boy ---->> (Freddie & David) PRRRESSURE!

I do not believe giving Muric a wee seat on the bench will do any damage to him whatsoever. Maybe an old school symbolic boot up the bahookie instead. Will do him good. And as said, there is only Walton or Slicker and either / or will be under the microscope.
Got to hope that what you paying fans see gets sorted in terms of defence and how things pan out in latter stages changes for the more favourable......, but going forward --->> keep that level of intensity up, (The 4 mins stuff that is on MOTD!) ..., with a bit more luck, goals will come.

Caption:

O'Neil: "Its "comb your hair to the right day", ref. What happened?"
Ref: "You takin' the pi$$?"

More on the Ref:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deIP91x67Zw

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

I don't see why we should rely on a bit more luck for goals to come, luck should never come into it but largely you make your own luck.

Wolves are poor this season but are still dangerous going forward, and this game is crying out for a tweak to formation and starting with 3 centre backs. Unfortunately, I can't see Mr Stubborn departing from the way he wants us to play, therefore I cannot see beyond a home win. Wolves 3 - Town 0.

[ATB]

From what I understand, Gomes has been one of Wolves' better performers this season and is suspended for the game against us which is handy.

I'm hoping Delap, Hutchinson and Morsy all stay out of the refs book for this game and then all 3 hack the bone against Newcastle, pick up a yellow and be suspended for our likely hammering at the Emirates to Arsenal!

[marko69]

Definitely agree that you make your own luck. Was meaning more along the lines of guys like Onana not having a MOTM performance.

You might not be 100 miles away from your 3-0 Prediction, Rossi. Ipswich do tend to struggle against the lower opponents and raise performance against the bigger guys. No idea why that is. Happens in many leagues across the UK.

After the Bournemouth “8 minutes”, going to predict that’s addressed and the TB’s put on a show AWAY from home for those travelling fans.
3-1 ITFC, Chappers with a couple, Delap with the other, and Walton nutmegged from the halfway line.

[Bluemike]

From what I understand, Gomes has been one of Wolves' better performers this season and is suspended for the game against us which is handy.

I'm hoping Delap, Hutchinson and Morsy all stay out of the refs book for this game and then all 3 hack the bone against Newcastle, pick up a yellow and be suspended for our likely hammering at the Emirates to Arsenal!

Yes indeed, makes perfect sense to have those Three suspended for Arsenal, or indeed Chelsea, I hope we are aware of it.

[valleyroad]

No idea how this match is going to go.
Watched Wolves on Monday and they were unlucky against WH and look like they are playing for O'Neil.
Huge game for O'Neil as i think anything less than 3 points and he's gone.

For me Ipswich have been doing ok and are competitive all season and "the process" is just a phrase that people are getting hung up on.
Need to stop gifting goals and i think they can win this game but it could go either way on the day.

[hallamblue]

Town win. There you go, I've said it.
1-0

[Shed on tour]

Hope I’m wrong but just can’t see us winning this game. As already has been said Wolves certainly seem to score more goals than us although defensively they concede more. However, I just don’t think we will capitalise on this.
Whether McKenna will change formation and drop certain players is open for debate but imo I don’t think he will. Will be there giving the team my support and hope like the Spurs game where I was convinced beforehand that we would suffer a heavy defeat I am totally wrong with my prediction.

Wolves 2 Town 0

[Bluemike]

Well this is my preferred line up......

.......................Walton or Slicker.................

............O'Shea.......Greaves........Burgess.......

Johnson........Cajuste.........Morsy..........Davis....


Hutchinson............Delap...............Szmodics......

[Dubai Blue]

I k ow I'll get stick for this but I wouldn't be changing the keeper for this game. Maybe for the Arsenal or Chelseagame but not this one. Formation wise I think we might see some changes based on how KM assesses Wolves strengths.

They will see this as a 6 pointer also, especially at their place.

Should be a good game to watch.

[Shed on tour]

From McKenna’s pre-match conference it sounds like he is very reluctant to make a goalkeeping change at this moment in time.

[hallamblue]

Judging by McKenna's press comments today, it looks like Muric is going to keep his place....oh well what will be, will be.

Edit: snap! Sorry I didn't read any posts here b4 I posted this. You've picked up the same " message" as me then Shed!

[Shed on tour]

Judging by McKenna's press comments today, it looks like Muric is going to keep his place....oh well what will be, will be.

Edit: snap! Sorry I didn't read any posts here b4 I posted this. You've picked up the same " message" as me then Shed!

Just my opinion but I do feel it may be better for Muric if he is taken out of the firing line at this moment in time. Can you imagine the reaction if he makes another error of judgement again on Saturday. I just think, like some of our other players, his confidence is at a low ebb at this moment in time and also wonder how much confidence our defence have in him.

[Bluemike]

Why is he different to other players who have been dropped for much less ? If he plays and makes another error KM deserves everything that goes his way I'm afraid.

[mendipblue]

I have backed KMck % but if plays that clown on Saturday, im sorry my faith in him will start to waver?

[valleyroad]

From McKenna’s pre-match conference it sounds like he is very reluctant to make a goalkeeping change at this moment in time.

Obviously has no real faith in his backup goalkeepers as I can't imagine any other reason for sticking with Muric. Only way Muric would lose is place is through injury. Given the amount of errors coming from him this season that doesn't look a good place to be.

[ITFC2024]

Judging by McKenna's press comments today, it looks like Muric is going to keep his place....oh well what will be, will be.

Edit: snap! Sorry I didn't read any posts here b4 I posted this. You've picked up the same " message" as me then Shed!

Just my opinion but I do feel it may be better for Muric if he is taken out of the firing line at this moment in time. Can you imagine the reaction if he makes another error of judgement again on Saturday. I just think, like some of our other players, his confidence is at a low ebb at this moment in time and also wonder how much confidence our defence have in him.

Muric comes across as arrogant to me, so I don't think his confidence is the issue. He just doesn't have a football brain, and he probably ended up as a professional goalkeeper because of his size. All speculation of course.

[marko69]

Judging by McKenna's press comments today, it looks like Muric is going to keep his place....oh well what will be, will be.

Edit: snap! Sorry I didn't read any posts here b4 I posted this. You've picked up the same " message" as me then Shed!

Just my opinion but I do feel it may be better for Muric if he is taken out of the firing line at this moment in time. Can you imagine the reaction if he makes another error of judgement again on Saturday. I just think, like some of our other players, his confidence is at a low ebb at this moment in time and also wonder how much confidence our defence have in him.

Muric comes across as arrogant to me, so I don't think his confidence is the issue. He just doesn't have a football brain, and he probably ended up as a professional goalkeeper because of his size. All speculation of course.

24, for the past few weeks on here, everyone has been offering opinions into the firing line…….. Is there room for speculation?!
Jest of course!


Re Muric. Got to assume “The incident” will have been discussed to the Nth degree and gone over and over. Maybe he’s been given mental tasks on how to control himself right before he loses his sh*t and storms out of the 6yd box. If he plays, it will be very interesting indeed.

And agree re CW & Slicker……. They’re maybe blatantly obviously not EPL class. (Keep wigs on; not saying Muric is) ….. just mean it could be proper disastrous to a level worse than shitty Bournemouth.

[Cabanas Blue]

It does not look like KMc will look to strengthen in the goal keeper department in January and it seems Muric will play Saturday, but there is illness in the camp

[ITFC2024]

24, for the past few weeks on here, everyone has been offering opinions into the firing line…….. Is there room for speculation?!
Jest of course!

I don’t wanna get shot!

[Blue Wilf]

I can't see KM changing course. He will play Muric regardless and do exactly what he has done all season. If we take our chances and defend well, we win 1-2 but if it goes as other games have this season, its gonna be 2-0 Wolves.

[Dubai Blue]

I don't have the stats to hand but I would be unsurprised if Davis has not been 'responsible' for a similar number of goals to Muric but we are not asking for him to be dropped. By a similar token I can remember a couple of awesome tackles and defending runs that Davis has made as well as some top rate saves that Muric has made.

A lot of our players are finding their feet in this division and against the higher level of player and we need to just keep our hair on. Both of these players have inferior understudies and we need to remember that they are developing to the level they need to match this league whilst many of the teams we play are full of players that already went through that evolution.

[Bluemike]

On the official "errors leading to goals chart" Muric is out by himself at the top with 4, the only other Town players to feature are Burns & Greaves with one each, no other Town players on there.

[hallamblue]

I think Muric would have been dropped by now , had he only cost us a couple of million. But because he’s cost a helluva lot of money for a keeper ( in my view), McKenna is sticking with him , I think, in the hope he comes good. I don’t think he will though. He s still making the same mistakes he did when at Burnley and the6 dropped him and got in another keeper. They’ve seen us coming and stitched us up like kippers.

[ITFC2024]

I remember raising my eyebrows when I saw how much we paid for Muric, and that was when I knew nothing about him. I think we could have gotten a much better goalkeeper for a lot less money, but that's water under the bridge now. Walton's probably not the answer either, and I know nothing about Slicker's capabilities to judge him.

I really can't see us recruiting another goalie in January. I'm afraid we're stuck with Muric unless he gets injured.

[Dubai Blue]

On the official "errors leading to goals chart" Muric is out by himself at the top with 4, the only other Town players to feature are Burns & Greaves with one each, no other Town players on there.

THat's interesting but I wonder how that statistic is built. Presumably it excludes things like not tracking back effectively or missing a tackle against a winger to prevent a cross.

Keepers make mistakes which are usually very obvious while the mistakes of others are often less so.

BTW every time I watch that goal it looks offside at the time of the long ball forward......

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

On the official "errors leading to goals chart" Muric is out by himself at the top with 4, the only other Town players to feature are Burns & Greaves with one each, no other Town players on there.

THat's interesting but I wonder how that statistic is built. Presumably it excludes things like not tracking back effectively or missing a tackle against a winger to prevent a cross.

Keepers make mistakes which are usually very obvious while the mistakes of others are often less so.

sorry DB, but that makes no sense whatsoever - I mean, how can a defender missing a tackle against a winger be classed as a mistake? An winger runs with the ball at defender - using your logic, if the defender makes the tackle then the winger has made a mistake; if the winger beats the defender then the defender has made a mistake. No room in your logic, then, for skill?

[Bluemike]

I accept keepers are highlighted more than anyone else and at times Muric has been very good, its the big BUT here though, its purely the frequency with which we have these keeping errors, its way too often. Add to that the really poor distribution, this is why there is so much negativity towards Muric, I'm sure none of us like a witch hunt, I certainly don't but it is definitely making a very tough job even harder and we simply cannot afford it.

I mean from my recollection Burns, H Clarke, J. Clarke, Burgess, Johnson, Phillips, Chaplin, Woolfenden and Ogbene have all been dropped/rested at some point this season, I just think we have to try someone else for a bit.