Sheff Utd Vs Wolves Preview
Talk about deja vu.
Barely two months after losing at Bramall Lane with the final kick (or header in this instance) we’re back there doing it all over again.
It’s even the same terrible kick-off time on the same channel. But at least Mike Dean’s refereeing this time, so that’s something.
Wolves should view it as an opportunity to right a wrong after turning in their most disappointing post-lockdown performance on the last visit.
There wasn’t much between the teams, but it was always the Blades pushing forward in that second half and building up to a big moment.
That one stuck in the craw, so even with precious little preparation time, I’m hoping we see a more energetic, adventurous effort from the boys in old gold.
Sheff Utd
9th wasn’t representative of how well Chris Wilder’s team did last season. It was still a fantastic achievement but they should have finished higher.
They’ll know second season syndrome is a real thing. The element of surprise is no longer in your favour. You’ve been sized up, broken down and the opposition’s gameplan is that much more refined.
Still, it’s one thing knowing how to take on this intimidating Utd team and quite another to nullify their considerable threat.
I am surprised they didn’t prioritise bringing in a striker given that their tally of 39 goals scored was the fourth lowest in the division.
Perhaps Chris Wilder believes that to inject more venom into their attacking they need pace in the wide areas, which would explain why full-backs Max Lowe and Jayden Bogle were drafted in from Derby for a combined £15 million.
How those two are integrated into one of the most efficient defensive machines in the league will be interesting to see.
Bournemouth keeper Aaron Ramsdale is the other notable addition, replacing Dean Henderson who returned to Man Utd at the end of his headline-grabbing loan.
The home end
Some views from a pre-match thread on a Sheff Utd forum.
Hadn’t realised they have had no Pre season games. Will they be rusty? Loss of Doherty a factor? He always plays decent against us.
Clearly a positive that they had an unusual pre season, not that confident given that we’re normally slow starters under Wilder at the start of the season. Might level the playing field. 2-1 United, Mcburnie to score first.
Rusty or not they still have a hell of a good side so I am surprised how many negative comments there were. I would happily take a point from this one.
Mike Dean. Oh great. shouldnt his name be at the top in much bigger letters than everything else? He may refuse to come out of his dressing room if he hears about this slight.
Wolves
Despite signing three new players, it’s conceivable none of them will feature on Monday.
Of the trio, Marcal is probably the most likely given his experience. But despite reports linking Vinagre with a move away, there’s still every chance he could be preferred.
I feel that Nuno will go with the tried and tested as much as possible and maybe look to introduce Fabio from the bench.
Our record signing along with fellow Porto alumni Vitinha give us robust attacking weaponry and, assuming the above XI is correct, we’ll also have Podence and Neto in reserve. Options galore.
Traore at right wingback is never ideal for me and I hope Wolves go all out to bring in a really top-notch replacement for Matt Doherty before the window shuts. I’m confident they will. Porto must have somebody knocking around.
Predictions
As always, it would be great to see as many people as possible joining in with the Wolves Blog Prediction League for 2020/21.
If you’d like to join in, simply leave your prediction as a comment in the official preview to each league match (cup games don’t count), which will usually be posted the day before the game itself e.g. this one.
You get 3 points for guessing the correct score and 2 points for predicting the correct outcome. A note of caution: You must always use the same email address to comment and leave your predictions in every preview. Your email address is what ties you to your overall score in the table.
That’s in bold because 99.9% of the emails I receive from people claiming their score isn’t correct are down to them using different email addresses to play.
My best guess for this one is down below in the comment’s section.
Up The Wolves!
If anyone wants to join the Wolves Blog Fantasy Premier League, here’s the code: 5z2ksh
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