vitality-stadium

The Opposition Preview: AFC Bournemouth

by with No Comment NewsOpposition Preview

Wolves face Bournemouth on Wednesday as Wolves still chase their first league win of the season. We spoke to Craig from Up The Cherries In All Departments who gave us the low down on Bournemouth.

 

How has the start of the season gone for you?

I didn’t expect us to beat Villa on the opening day because of our defence but we played really well. However, the wheels fell off against Arsenal. We were poor defensively and didn’t control the midfield which has been the problem for us. I have tried to phase the Liverpool game out of my memory.

 

Are you happy with the transfer business that’s been conducted by your club?

Two of our new signings are currently injured which doesn’t help but Neto is a good signing from Barcelona. I expect him to come in over Travers. Tavernier played really well against Villa but has since not performed well.

 

What is your opinion on your manager?

Last week I would have said he’s done a decent job but since that Liverpool defeat, I think my opinion is changing. We are starting to see the cracks appear that we saw last season. My concern is that the decision he’s making, especially around substitutions doesn’t make any sense at all. I don’t think he has the knowledge or the willpower to turn it around.

 

What is your team’s typical formation and style of play?

We’ve switched between playing a five at the back to also playing a 4-4-2. Last season we played with the back five but the wingbacks would actually get forward – however this year they aren’t. Our strength is in midfield but most things going through Lewis Cook. I think for our game, we will revert to the five at the back.

 

Which player do you tip to have a big season for your team?

Lewis Cook. He is an outstanding player but he’s also very injury prone. He’s the heartbeat of our team and I just pray he has an injury-free season.

 

How do you think you will do this season?

My heart says I think we could stay up and could probably finish 16th or 17th. My head says we will finish 19th. Everton will finish rock bottom below us.

 

What are your thoughts on Wolves?

We’ve played them a few times already in the Premier League and I think the side under Nuno was a better team but Wolves still have a lot of quality. I’d say that Wolves have a better team than Bournemouth on paper. I think you’ve been playing well but there are still frailties there but you can see the qualities, too.

 

Who from Wolves are you worried about playing against?

Ruben Neves. He would walk into most Premier League sides and I hope you keep hold of him.

 

Score prediction for our game?

I’d take a point but based on what I saw at Anfield on Saturday, I think it will be a Wolves victory.

Craven Cottage

The Opposition Preview: Fulham

by with No Comment NewsOpposition Preview

Wolves face Fulham on Saturday in what will be the first game at Molineux this season. We spoke with Cameron Ramsey from the Fulhamish podcast who gave us the low down on Fulham.

How has preseason gone for Fulham?

Pre-season was fairly tough as we travelled to the Algarve to take on OGC Nice, Benfica and Estoril. We beat Nice 2-0, and then also in a bizarre penalty shoot-out, but then we were spanked 5-1 by Benfica. We rounded the tour off with a 3-1 win against Estoril and a week before the season’s start, we drew 1-1 with Villarreal, which was unexpected. So, a mixed pre-season for sure and we’ve learnt a lot about what we have at our disposal.

 

Are you happy with the transfer business that’s been conducted by your club?

Unlike previous seasons, our business so far has been considered and those we’ve acquired have definitely bettered the squad. Joao Palhinha is a ridiculously solid addition, as is Andreas Pereira, and we’ve also strengthened out wide with Manor Solomon and Kevin Mbabu. We’re still fairly light defensively, although with Shane Duffy coming in on loan from Brighton and Bernd Leno joining from Arsenal, I’d say I’m thrilled.

 

What is your opinion on your manager?

Marco Silva’s worked wonders. After 18-months out of the game he’s evidently refined his philosophy and Fulham won’t change their approach for any team. He’s gotten the very best out of Mitrovic, there’s a tangible unity within the squad and on the pitch, we’re fearless. That’s all down to the gaffer, he trusts his troops and hopefully the positive results will continue to materialise.

 

What is your team’s typical formation and style of play?

We play with a flat back four opposed to a three with wingbacks, a midfield double pivot with a ten just in front, your typical wingers on each flank and big Mitro up top. So, 4-2-1-3, or however you want to categorise it, I suppose.

 

Which player do you tip to have a big season for your team?

Mitrovic. It’s an obvious choice but he has his doubters to silence and he’s did a remarkable job of hushing his critics against Liverpool. I think he’s going to smash the Premier League and he’ll bag a minimum of 15 goals.

 

How do you think you will do this season?

I think it’ll be a tough slog, of course, but I think we’ll stand up to the task. Who knows, I’d like us to finish 15th but let’s face it, abutting above the bottom three will be a success. 15/16th final position.

 

What are your thoughts on Wolves?

Bruno Lage’s spell has been patchy, but he’s definitely the right man to steady Wolves and truthfully, Wolves are a club Fulham should want to emulate. They’ve bedded themselves into the Premier League and are always striving to develop and improve. In short, I like Wolves and wish them well – just not on Saturday.

 

Who from Wolves are you worried about playing against?

Pedro Neto’s a baller, a scary one. Full-flight, getting at defenders, he’s terrifying. If he can stay fit, he’ll carry Wolves on the charge and if he shows up against us, we have to be completely switched on. He and Neves are quality.

 

Score prediction for our game?

I think it’ll be closer than people think. If we can grab another draw, 1-1 perhaps, I’ll be more than pleased. Mitro to equalise in the 85th minute after a Neves banger.