Wolves Face Crunch Time As Games Run Out

Nottingham Forest 3-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

(Lansbury 31, 67, McGugan 90, Doherty 65)

Bakary Sako fires in the free-kick that hits the crossbar

Wolves ended a disappointing afternoon at The City Ground with 10 men as in-form Nottingham Forest blew them away. Saunders started by making only one change from the team that started at Millwall, with Sigurdarson coming in for Jake Cassidy. Wolves started brightly though, with Sigurdarson and Ebanks-Blake looking lively for the visitors. Dave Edwards had the first clear-cut chance, but he mis-hit his volley from the edge of the box and it flew wide of the post. And 5 minutes later, Forest went ahead as Wolves gave Guedioura time to pass the ball across to Lansbury who then had plenty of space to put his shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards. Minutes later, Wolves came agonisingly close to levelling matters. They won a free-kick on the edge of the box and Sako lined up to hit it. The Frenchman saw the ball smash against the underside of the bar and bounce just in front of the line, before Sigurdarson poorly skied the rebound.

Doherty celebrates equalising for Wolves

The second-half started much like the first, with Wolves pressing forward looking for a goal. They had to wait a while for it though, but Matt Doherty's brilliant header back across goal was worth the wait. Karl Darlow even got a touch to it, but he simply couldn't keep it out. It was the young defender's first goal for the club and it looked like it would spur Dean Saunders' side on to push for another. But with Wolves barely touching the ball after the restart, Forest regained the lead just 90 seconds later as they waltzed through the Wolves defence and again gave Lansbury the freedom of Nottingham on the edge of the box. He made no mistake and gave Ikeme no chance.

Stephen Ward is sent off late-on at the City Ground

Having already made rather defensive changes (replacing Henry and O'Hara with Doumbia and Davis respectively), Saunders then brought on Kevin Doyle in place of the impressive Sigurdarson. As Wolves began to sit deeper in a 4-5-1 formation, Forest pressed forward and had several chances to seal the points - McGugan particularly proving a handful. But with 10 minutes remaining, Wolves won a corner and threw men forward. The corner was poor and Danny Collins cleared it and as the ball moved quickly upfield, it became a foot-race between Stephen Ward and former-Wolves man Greg Halford. Halford knocked the ball past the Irishman who then body checked him and was shown a straight red card. At first glance it looked slightly harsh as it appeared Ward merely lost his footing, but the decision stood and, with Wolves having only 10 men, Forest soon stretched their lead - McGugan this time finishing matters off from long range.

Poor defending again from Wolves allowed Lansbury to score twice

The difference in scoreline was really just a matter of a gulf in class. Forest are flying under Billy Davies and look a sure bet for the Play-Offs, so this was always going to be a monster task. The important thing is not to let it knock their confidence after the first win under Saunders at Millwall. The manager actually did well with his team selection, not drastically changing a winning team. And it showed as Wolves started the game well. The partnership of Sigurdarson and Ebanks-Blake again showed great promise and it would be wise of Saunders to keep them two together for the remainder of the season. As always though, it is simply basic defensive errors that are costing Wolves and, with time running out, they have got to be eradicated if we are to stand any hope of Championship survival.

My Wolves MOTM: Matt Doherty. Yet again, he looked assured at right-back, and took his goal well too. The youngster is getting better by the game.

Wolves In A Word: Outclassed

And so Wolves come to the mother of 6 pointers. With Wolves sitting joint-bottom of the Championship alongside Bristol City, it is The Robins who visit Molineux with both sides needing a vital win in the battle against relegation.

Wolves enjoyed a fantastic day out at Ashton Gate in December

Dean Saunders would love a repeat of the last time these two sides met, the day at Ashton Gate being a highlight in his predecessor's reign. With Wolves struggling for form, they started December with a trip to Bristol knowing they needed a win. And Stale Solbakken's side blitzed City away with 4 goals in the first half including a double for goal-shy Kevin Doyle - the 2nd of which was an incredible 70-yard run up the pitch, similar to George Ndah's at Preston back in 2003. Although they took their foot off the gas in the second-half, they still had chances to increase their lead. But in the end Wolves had to be satisfied with a 4-1 win - City's late consolation coming in the form of a late Neil Danns screamer. Their last visit to Molineux was also a good day for the Wanderers, with a freak Michael Kightly free-kick and a Sylvan Ebanks-Blake overhead kick proving decisive in a 2-0 win for Wolves back in their title-winning season. Indeed, The Robins have a very poor record at Molineux - having only won twice in 27 League visits, the last of those victories being back in 1931. Bristol City haven't actually beaten Wolves in their last 9 League meetings, since beating them 2-1 at home in December 1993. All in all, Wolves have scored 100 goals past The Robins in all competitions, with 50 of them coming at Molineux. The records all point to this being a fantastic chance for Wolves to end their recent Molineux hoodoo.

Bristol City have conceded more goals than any League club in England

Despite sitting bottom of The Championship, Bristol City's form over recent matches has actually improved. They are unbeaten in 4 games (winning 2 and drawing 2), and haven't conceded a goal in their last 3 games. But all their good work under Wolverhampton-born (and thus Wolves fan) boss Sean O'Driscoll - who was favourite to replace Stale Solbakken before taking the Bristol job - has come at Ashton Gate. On the road, City are a very different side. They are actually the worst away side in the division, and they haven't won away under O'Driscoll. Indeed they only have 3 away wins all season, with their last away success being a 3-2 win over Sheffield Wednesday back at the start of December. They're not frequent away scorers either, with only 16 away goals this season - a tally better than only Ipswich in this division. In general, defensive strength is not something associated with Bristol City. They have conceded 65 League goals this season - more than any other League club in England. However, their recent 5-3 home win over Barnsley will give them belief that they can go up against the sides around them and win these must-win games. They could be missing firepower, with Jon Stead a potential absentee, although 9-goal striker Sam Bladock is expected to be fit to make his 150th career League appearance. At the back, City will be boosted by keeping 3 clean sheets and returning defender Louis Carey will be a big asset to their side if he is given the nod at Molineux.

Moments like SEB's miss against Cardiff have frustrated Dean Saunders

This game is very much must-win for Wolves. Sitting 2 points from safety and having teams around them start to pick up results, the margin for error for Dean Saunders' side is getting smaller and smaller by the game. The Wolves manager has already spoken to the press this week about how he feels small margins are going against his side - including Jamie O'Hara's shot at Barnsley that looked to have crossed the line, and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake's miss from 6 yards against Cardiff. It is time for Wolves to start making their own luck, and Saunders will see this as a fantastic chance to get a first home win. He will be eager to see his side not fall behind, as Wolves are still one of only two sides in the division who are yet to win having gone behind. In terms of team selection, Wolves are unlikely to be changed from the defeat to Nottingham Forest - with only Jack Robinson coming in for the suspended Stephen Ward.

With the international break coming up, this is a fantastic chance for Wolves to start their push for Championship safety and leave the table looking a lot better for the next 2 weeks. There can be no excuses, no slip-ups in this game. With Bristol City's away woes, this could finally be the day Dean Saunders gets his first Molineux win.

Prediction: Wolves 2-1 Bristol City

Saunders Gets First Win As Wolves Move On To Bigger Test

Millwall 0-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers

(Edwards 9, Ebanks-Blake 61)

At the 10th time of asking, Dean Saunders finally tasted success as Wolves manager, as his side overcame FA Cup Quarter-Finalists Millwall on a relatively comfortable night in South-East London.

Dave Edwards celebrates giving Wolves an early lead

Wolves started brightly, with Sako almost scoring a freak goal from a corner. But the game was barely in its infancy when Dave Edwards struck a smart volley to beat 'keeper David Forde. Indeed Edwards, whose selection in the team was widely criticised pre-match by fans, was causing Millwall all sorts of problems and almost doubled his tally for the night when another volley of his was blocked by Shane Lowry. Millwall looked like they had their eyes solely on their FA Cup tie with Blackburn at the weekend, as they lacked urgency in testing Wolves. Chris Taylor tested Carl Ikeme with a header, but in truth it was a rather comfortable half for Wolves. Even the introduction of Andy Keogh early in the first-half didn't seem to make an impact, the striker struggling to recapture the form he showed in his early days at The New Den.

Ebanks-Blake's spectacular bicycle kick

The second-half was largely similar to the first. Wolves were clearly not in a mood to suffer a repeat of the Barnsley game 2 weeks before when they capitulated after half-time. And after they'd survived an early scare, with Keogh just failing to connect with Taylor's cross, they pressed Millwall, looking hungry for the second goal. And when it came, it was worth the journey down from the Midlands that some 700 Wolves fans had made. A cross from the left was headed clear by the Millwall defence but Jamie O'Hara headed the ball straight back into the box to keep the pressure on. The ball fell to Ebanks-Blake who, from 12 yards out, pulled off the most audacious bicycle kick and planted his effort into the bottom corner. At 2-0, and with Millwall not really threatening, Wolves felt this was a game they could go on to win. In the end, they had to be settled with just the two goals, not to mention a priceless clean sheet that will do wonders for confidence.

Saunders gets a deserved thumbs up from Steve Morgan at Millwall

In all honesty, it would be dangerous to read too much into this result. Millwall are all but guaranteed safety, and their players were focused on the chance of getting to a Wembley Semi-Final. But what it does do is give confidence and belief to a shaky squad. It gives the fans hope that maybe all is not lost in their quest for survival (not that a 'quest for survival' is good enough, but given our current predicament it'll have to do). Credit must go to Saunders who, despite drawing much criticism for his team selection at the time, made sure his side went out there and did the job required of them. Such a comfortable win like this could see Saunders' side go on a mini-run - much like the comfortable victory at Bristol City saw Wolves win 2 of their next 3 games back in December. Bigger tests will come in the remaining 10 games, but a comfortable win at one of the most uncomfortable places in the Championship cannot hurt Wolves' survival prospects.

My Wolves MOTM: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Made one and scored one, meaning he was pivotal in Wolves' success in Bermondsey. But it was the all-round nature of his performance that stood out. Arguably one of his best this season. Another South-East London wonder-goal too - it's simply becoming the norm for him.

Wolves In A Word: Comfortable

The first of those big tests come at The City Ground, as Wolves travel up the M42 to face a resurgent Nottingham Forest side - currently flying under the re-stewardship of Billy Davies.

Wolves celebrate a happier visit to the City Ground in 2009

When these two sides last faced each other, back in November, they both had different managers. Back then Stale Solbakken's Wolves were defeated 2-1 by a Forest side managed by Sean O'Driscoll. Having taken the lead through Sigurdarson within 5 minutes, Forest hit back 10 minutes later through Billy Sharp. The East Midlanders sealed the points on the hour thanks to a 30-yard screamer from former-Wolf Adlene Guedioura. Wolves will be hoping for a result similar to their last visit to the City Ground when, during much happier times, Michael Kightly's late winner set Mick McCarthy's side on the way to promotion. That was a rare success, as Wolves have found recent League trips to Nottingham really tough. In their last 10 trips to Forest, that 1-0 win in 2009 is their only success. Given the positions of the two teams this season, it's unlikely that record will change tomorrow.

Billy Davies has returned to Forest with great effect

They say you should never go back, but clearly Billy Davies has never heard that saying. And, indeed, Forest fans are thanking their lucky stars that's the case. Having guided the club to 2 previous Play-Off Semi Finals, the Scot (nicknamed 'King Billy' by the Forest faithful) returned at the start of February to replace the recently resigned Alex McLeish. Since returning, his side are unbeaten (winning 4 and drawing 1) and this is in fact their best winning streak since winning 6 in a row back in 2011 - ironically when Davies was in charge the first time round. They have actually won their last 5 games and kept 3 clean sheets - whilst also sticking 6 past Huddersfield at The City Ground just over 2 weeks ago. Alarmingly for Wolves, in the 15 games Forest have scored first in, they haven't lost once. There is a bit of a blow for them as Billy Sharp and fellow frontman Darius Henderson are doubts for tomorrow's game. There will also be fitness tests for defenders Daniel Ayala and Dan Harding, with Davies maybe having to shuffle his pack to field a team against Wolves. A bright note for Wolves fans may be the appearance of Greg Halford - who missed the reverse fixture at Molineux - set to be back from a 2 match ban. His presence is sure to be something to add some fuel to a typically fiery cross-Midlands derby.

Surprise midweek starter Cassidy looks set to keep his place

Wolves will be buoyed coming into this clash after the midweek triumph over Millwall. And they will need that spirit coming into such a difficult game - especially at a ground they have such a poor record at. However, the stats are really not in Dean Saunders' team's favour. Wolves have lost all 8 away games against the current top 11, and whilst Forest boast an impressive record of being unbeaten when scoring first, Wolves are one of only two sides (Brighton being the other) who haven't come back to win. They've instead gone on to lose 12 of the 15 games the opposition have scored first in. Wolves have actually only won 2 games against top-half sides all season (Blackburn and Blackpool, both away). Given their win in midweek, it's unlikely Wolves will see any changes to the side, so youngster Jake Cassidy is likely to start alongside midweek hero Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.

This is, potentially, one of the toughest games of the season on paper. With a revitalised Forest making a late surge for the Play-Off spots, and Wolves struggling to escape the clutches of the relegation zone, this looks to be a home banker and Wolves will do well to avoid a heavy defeat at the City Ground.

Prediction: Forest 3-1 Wolves

Watford Review / Millwall Preview

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Watford

(Sako 90+3, Abdi 41)

Abdi gives Watford the lead with a stunning free-kick

Wolves salvaged what could be a priceless point against high-flying Watford in front of the Sky cameras at Molineux on Friday night. It was a game that neither side really dominated in terms of clear-cut chances. Indeed it was Wolves who had the best chance of the first-half, after stand-in keeper Jonathan Bond denied Kevin Doyle before springing up to produce a remarkable save to stop the rebound from Sigurdarson going in. But after a tepid 40 minutes, it was The Hornets who took the lead. After Karl Henry stupidly tripped Matej Vydra on the edge of the box, Abdi stepped up and produced a free-kick worthy of Udinese that gave Ikeme no chance. The sinking feeling was back - after all, this was a Watford side who had the best away record in the division as well as being the top scorers in England.

Sako celebrates his late leveller against The Hornets

But the rout never materialised. Though Watford had the ability, they didn't have the urgency and instead seemed content to sit on their 1-0 lead and hit Wolves on the break. And, truth be told, they should've put the game beyond Wolves but they clearly left their shooting boots somewhere down the M1. The biggest miss was by Anya who inexplicably went with his left foot when the angle favoured the right foot. From 6 yards out, he managed to put the ball wide across the face of goal with Ikeme already beaten. That miss seemed to galvanise Wolves who pushed themselves onto the front foot - led by the inspirational Sako. He flashed several perfect crosses across the box without them getting the touch they needed. Then came Wolves' big chance - again Bond denied Sigurdarson before Robinson skied the rebound over the bar. But Wolves kept pushing forward and equalised late into stoppage time, as Watford failed to deal with a long throw into the box, nobody tracked Sako and he finished with his right foot past the despairing Bond. It was late into stoppage time, but there was still time for Wolves to almost blow it. Forestieri - who had already missed a brilliant chance to make it 2-0 just 5 minutes earlier - had the ball fall perfectly to his feet just 6 yards out. With space, and Ikeme exposed, he managed to send the ball over the bar to waste the perfect chance to win the game for Watford.

Hunt and Doyle were surprise starters on Friday

In truth, this wasn't a classic. The watching nation, and the 18,571 crowd (Molineux's second lowest crowd in the League this season), won't remember this one for long. And yet the point gained could be huge, as could the lateness of the equaliser. With results somewhat going in Wolves' favour over the weekend (the only 'bad' ones being Peterborough's 3-2 win over Blackburn and Ipswich beating Leicester 1-0), they still find themselves just a point off safety - despite dropping to 23rd. Saunders' comments that his side "deserved to win the game" are, again, very misguided given that, if Watford had brought their shooting boots, it could easily have been 4-1. But it was his team selections that again bemused his public. He switched back to 4-4-2, but opted to play Johnson instead of Batth, Doyle instead of Ebanks-Blake... and weirdest of all, he gave Stephen Hunt his first League start of the season - shifting Sako to the right-wing where he was largely ineffective. Again his substitutions redeemed him slightly, with the introduction of Ebanks-Blake in the 64th minute changing the game and putting Wolves on the front foot.

He's got to hope the late equaliser will be a boost for his team, as they have a tricky run of crucial games coming up. The side that finished against Watford must surely start against Millwall on Tuesday if Wolves are to have any hope at The New Den.

My Wolves MOTM: Bakary Sako. Once he was moved back to the left, he twisted and turned the Watford defenders inside out and always provided a key threat. Got the goal he deserved.

Wolves In A Word: Lucky 

And so to Millwall we go next. A game that is very much must-win for Dean Saunders' side as time begins to run out on their Championship stay.

Keogh strikes to consign his former club to defeat

Millwall away is a trip that hasn't been so fruitful for Wolves in recent years. The Midlanders have only won 2 of their last 10 trips to Millwall - the most recent of those wins coming in 2005 when a last-minute Seol Ki-Hyeon goal gave Glenn Hoddle's team the 3 points. Wolves will be looking for revenge for an earlier-season defeat at home to The Lions at Molineux. That night, former-Wolves striker Andy Keogh struck to consign the home side to a 1-0 defeat that cranked up the pressure on Stale Solbakken. Their last trip to South Bermondsey saw a very forgettable 0-0 where Mark Kennedy came closest when he hit the bar with a free-kick.

Millwall suffered a shock defeat at home to Peterborough

Millwall are actually in poor form - they only have one win in their last 8 games (a 2-1 success away at Middlesbrough) and had the embarassment of suffering a 5-1 defeat at home to Peterborough United 2 weeks ago. There's no indication as to a preference in match location either. Their home and away records are very similar - picking up 23 points at home and 21 away. They're not the most prolific of teams, however, scoring only 44 goals in the League this season whilst at the other end they've conceded a total of 50. All the signs about Millwall point to a mid-table finish - something nobody saw coming back when they visited Molineux at the end of November. Back then, Kenny Jackett's side were on an 11 game unbeaten run that had seen them pick up 23 points. That run, plus the win at Molineux and a subsequent 0-0 draw with Charlton, saw people talk about Millwall as real promotion contenders. But a shock 3-0 defeat away to Mick McCarthy's Ipswich saw that change and since then The Lions just haven't looked the same. Since then they've won only 4 of their 13 League games. Kenny Jackett may also have one eye on the FA Cup Quarter-Final against Blackburn this coming weekend, so some of his key players may be rested with Millwall all-but-guaranteed Championship football next year.

Saunders' tactics at Barnsley backfired heavily

As for Wolves - well there's not much that needs to be said. This game is must-win. With other teams around Wolves picking up results, they cannot go much longer without getting maximum points from a game. That is why it is worrying to see that Dean Saunders say he will "drop the flair players bar Sako" in favour of more solid, slightly defensive-minded players. I fear this will see David Edwards on the right and, potentially, David Davis or Tongo Doumbia replacing O'Hara (who has, in fairness, been poor in recent weeks) in midfield. Similar to the second-half set-up at Barnsley, it looks like Saunders will be playing not-to-lose rather than go out and win. That is simply not an option - as there is a very real chance Wolves could go bottom of the League if we fail to win and Bristol City beat Brighton. With a tricky trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, this is a really good chance for Wolves to pick up a vital 3 points to help kickstart a push for safety. There simply cannot be any slip-ups.

Prediction: Millwall 1-2 Wolves