It is always difficult when playing teams that have just come up from the Championship away, especially early on in the season. You might say we are a fair way into the season having played eight games but it is still early but Wolves will still have a little optimism left, despite sitting 16th in the table and this will be their biggest game at home for some.

As such and as is the case with all Premier League games these days, it isn't going to be one that should be taken lightly, but can you hand on heart, as an Aston Villa fan, see any other result than an away victory?

It will be tough and much will rest on how we set ourselves out to play but three points is where the smart money will go and while nothing really surprises me any more in this game, I'd be surprised if we were not in fourth place come 3pm tomorrow.

Marky Mark thinks we can only play one way and he maybe isn't wrong but at the same time that way has served us well this season and if it is just a case of finding out how to play the other way, attacking teams, keeping the ball and passing along the floor, then it might not be that long before we start doing it.

I hope we see it this season as it is what we need to start doing and with a new player or two coming in January, we might see it, but it could also happen before then.

It sort of has to happen tomorrow but the onus is on Wolves to attack as they are the home team and they should want to get something from this game. If they play like Blues did at home, looking for a point or to not concede then it will be more difficult, but surely, our quality should shine through over 90 minutes and with 75% of our goals this season coming from set pieces, if we get three or four in 90 minutes, which you would hope we would, then you have to fancy we might get a goal.

At the other end, defensively, we are as solid as I think we have been since O'Neill took over and all good teams are built from the back, so I'm not actually that worried about that department, but I do want to see us pass better and hold on to the ball more.

We might have beaten Chelsea last week but that was very much because they came at us. We need Wolves to come at us tomorrow and if they do, they'll get beat. If we go out all guns blazing and get the early goal I can see us scoring a few and I think that is what it comes down to.

We need to go out their and make Wolves play like they need a goal. Sounds strange writing it, but if they do, our frailties in midfield or lack of a real play-maker is probably the better term, then we will over run them.

If we sit back waiting for them to attack us then they might just be as cautious as us and that could then turn into a very boring game. But I have a feeling it won't be boring and I have a feeling we will get the three points.

that is where my money is going anyway. Predictions below and the winner wins a t-shirt. If more than one of you get it, your names get put into a hat.

Comments (93)

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Edward Riordan said:

... 1st!!!!!!!

Comment 1, made on October 23, 2009 at 9.49 am

Edward Riordan said:

... I predict a 0-1 win to villa. They look good with E-B and Doyle up front but I think our defence is too strong at the moment and it would take something special to score. I fancy gabby to get the winning goal in the 2nd half. UTV!

Comment 2, made on October 23, 2009 at 9.53 am

PAUL WARREN said:

... Got a sinking feeling in my stomach over this one and think wolves might just surprise us. Having said that I cannot go for a wolves win on the prediction as must surely have faith in what is looking like a very good Villa team this year. Wolves 1 - 3 Villa. (milner and a gabby brace)

Comment 3, made on October 23, 2009 at 9.59 am

Mike said:

... 3-1 Villa

Comment 4, made on October 23, 2009 at 10.00 am

SmellyVillan said:

... Score draw for me, the one high point in Wolves' season as they crash and burn back to the championship.

Comment 5, made on October 23, 2009 at 10.01 am

Richard Dunne my lord, Richard Dunne!! said:

... I'll go for 2-1 Villa!

Comment 6, made on October 23, 2009 at 10.07 am

Dutch Lion said:

... 0-3 Villa

Comment 7, made on October 23, 2009 at 10.08 am

dan said:

... I think 1-0 villa with probably another set piece bringing the goal with dunne scoring again.. Its going to be cagey and scrappy.

Comment 8, made on October 23, 2009 at 10.09 am

John Jordan said:

... 3-0 to Villa...Gabby to contribute 2!!

Comment 9, made on October 23, 2009 at 10.13 am

Chris said:

... I think they pinch an early goal but we will be too strong for them. 1-2 A Young and Dunne 3 goal in as many games. UTV

Comment 10, made on October 23, 2009 at 10.13 am

Edward Riordan said:

... Agree with you villaman. I can't see us running away with this 1. Altho I think they will attack and that could play into our hands. Wolves are definately the best attacking wise of the newly promoted teams but our back 4 and Friedal are on fire at the moment!

Comment 11, made on October 23, 2009 at 10.15 am

kie said:

... 2-0 villa ashley young to score

Comment 12, made on October 23, 2009 at 10.17 am

villacraig1982 said:

... 1-0 villa

Comment 13, made on October 23, 2009 at 10.17 am

Simon said:

... This season so far, the Villa have turned results around. By that i mean we beat Chelski n Pool, but lose to Wigan n Blackburn. If Villa keep up this topsy turvy format, then we are sure to lose against Wolves. But i'm going for a 3-0 victory with a goal from a defender, a midfielder and a striker. NICE

Comment 14, made on October 23, 2009 at 10.23 am

Eoin Greene said:

... Damo - I agree with everything except for the part where you hand on heart expect an away win. I think its a real 50/50 match and could go either way. As you correctly point out - when teams attack us, it suits us as we play a 100% counter attacking game. However, if teams set up cautiously against us - we look poor as we dont know what to do in posession. However, due to the fact that we have some quality players - we still manage to win a good proportion of these games as these quality players make the difference, with one or two moments of class. The poseesion, passing, attacking football that you allude to is probably why so many have douts over O'Neill - I just cant see it under him and thus are destined to a period of good but not great seasons. He has earned the right to be backed though and given some time but ultimately I think we have peaked and levelled out under him. Tomorrow is another huge game, in the league they all are. But our end of season position will be determined by how good we do against teams like Wolves. A win would be great, but I predict a 1-1 draw.

Comment 15, made on October 23, 2009 at 10.26 am

Rob said:

... A must win if we want the Chelsea game to actually mean something. 2-0 to us with Gabby and Milner getting the goals. We seem to be playing well despite carrying two players (Ash and Sidwell!), imagine what we'll be like if everyone is on their game! p.s I see Mick McCarthy is taking all the glory for Dunne playing so well for us!

Comment 16, made on October 23, 2009 at 10.36 am

daniel wheeler said:

... 3 - 0 to the villa gabby,young and sidwell with the goals.

Comment 17, made on October 23, 2009 at 10.48 am

villaparkes said:

... We will play 4 4 2 tomorrow and Big Jon will score one or maybe two. UTV

Comment 18, made on October 23, 2009 at 11.03 am

Rios.Jockstrap said:

... Damian,you make it sound so straightfoward and easy Lets not forget that this is a Derby, and that this is just not a big game for wolves, its their biggest of the season, the one they want to win most of all. Macarthy will have them fired up and they WILL give nothing less than 110% for him, so this match is far more closer than we all wish to think. Forget how we played against Wok Wans small heath casino, these are better than them, and will handle the premier better than them. Expect them to get right into us from the off, so we will need to dig in, then wait for our chance to catch them. With that in mind, i think NRC in a five is a must tomorrow. We need that extra man in front of the defence. Its tight, and i would not rule out a draw, but maybe 2-1 or 3-2 in our favour. Incidently Damian, in the games ive seen this season (all of them), we do seem to be trying to pass and build from the back more, and its something that we will improve upon as the season draws on. Only thing that really bugs me is why we always tend to play the ball left, looking for webcam. Its to predictable, and certainly does not help him, cos teams now have him weighed up.

Comment 19, made on October 23, 2009 at 11.08 am

Chris Harper said:

... Its a win-lose / lose-win situation for me... Girlfriend is a season ticket holder of 14 years at the Molineux!! I predict I won't be getting lucky tomorrow night, therefore a nice 3-1 win!

Comment 20, made on October 23, 2009 at 11.09 am

Derek Gordon said:

... I have a 1-1 feeling in my heart. Believe me, I hope we do better than that. Doyler and Carew score.

Comment 21, made on October 23, 2009 at 11.12 am

dominic elmer said:

... I'm feeling positive about this one. Wolves will have a go but will get caught out on the break. 3-0 gabby, JC and Warnock. UTV!

Comment 22, made on October 23, 2009 at 11.21 am

Steve said:

... I am feeling massively optimistic after reading the "expert" Lawro has predicted we will lose. Had he put villa down to win, i would be worrying!!! That guy has no clue and always gets us wrong! UTV

Comment 23, made on October 23, 2009 at 11.29 am

mdubz said:

... Villa to win 4-0

Comment 24, made on October 23, 2009 at 11.39 am

Spencer said:

... 2-0 to us - Dunne to score his 3rd in 3 games with another header & Gabby to get the other. If we play with the same tempo and conviction as the last two games we should have too much for them.

Comment 25, made on October 23, 2009 at 11.41 am

Car Frost said:

... 2 - 4 Villa Young and Carew to come good & ebanks blakes to break his duck.

Comment 26, made on October 23, 2009 at 11.42 am

John Samuels said:

... 2-0 Villa a goal in each half. One for Gabby and I'd love to see Ash get on the score sheet he needs a goal the poor lad.

Comment 27, made on October 23, 2009 at 11.43 am

Steve Badger said:

... Part of me sees a shoeing, but part of me sees a dour game. I'm not going to predict the score, but I agree I can't see past a win for us. That's us knackered then

Comment 28, made on October 23, 2009 at 11.47 am

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... Im really not confident. The comments above are exactly just like they were before the Blackburn game and countless home games last year againest 'weaker' teams. I haven't seen much of Wolves so are they a footballing team or more of a hard graft team?

Comment 29, made on October 23, 2009 at 11.50 am

John Samuels said:

... I think we will win, I also think it will be boring as hell and we'll grind it out. 3 Points would set us up nicely for the cup game. Anyone excited about the possible team selection for Sunderland? I like the prospect of rotation it's cool. We have a proper squad now yay!

Comment 30, made on October 23, 2009 at 11.52 am

Woz_UK said:

... 4 - 1 Villa Win If we get an early goal I think we'll be in for a treat. Damo - Large t-shirt please

Comment 31, made on October 23, 2009 at 11.55 am

Chris Harper said:

... ak_27 A bit of both. I've watched quite a few of their games this season and they've impressed me. For instance, they actually deserved to beat Sunderland when they conceded 5 goals. They have only played badly in one game- Blackburn away. It will be tough.

Comment 32, made on October 23, 2009 at 11.59 am

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... Yeah Chris this could be tougher then we think. Im hoping that Mancienne and who ever else is playing at the back will struggle with Carew, Dunne and Collins in the air. But we need the midfield to be dominate and put the pressure on. Hopefully Luke Young will be back at RB and give us that little bit more balance then Cullar does. This could be the day for Carew to start scoring for us again.

Comment 33, made on October 23, 2009 at 12.03 pm

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... http://davepundit.blogspot.com/

Comment 34, made on October 23, 2009 at 12.06 pm

Andy Pepper said:

... villa 2-1 gabby and carew

Comment 35, made on October 23, 2009 at 12.06 pm

John Samuels said:

... ak, Wolves play football but come unstuck because they don't quite have the quality of player required at this level. That said I think they have the best chance of the promoted teams and will provide a sterner test then Brum. They pass well in midfield and obviously have quality up front with Doyle. Their weakness is almost certainly at the back were they have conceded some soft goals this season, but so have we I suppose so you never know. It's going to be a hard game, they'll be organised and up for it and I think it'll be a tight one. If we can get an early goal we should win comfortably, but the longer it goes on the harder it will get. I fancy us to draw or lose if we don't score in the first hour. If we score in the first half we should run out winners by 2 or 3 nil.

Comment 36, made on October 23, 2009 at 12.13 pm

Steve Badger said:

... ak_27 http://davepundit.blogspot.com/

Comment 37, made on October 23, 2009 at 12.17 pm

Damian said:

... marky mark thinks 2-1 to wovles: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/h...320463.stm

Comment 38, made on October 23, 2009 at 12.30 pm

bobvillian said:

... 3-1 BIG JOHN TO GET 2 WITH 1 FROM MILNER FROM THE SPOT EASY-PEASEEEEE

Comment 39, made on October 23, 2009 at 12.43 pm

John Rooney (aka) Sean said:

... 2-0 VILLA

Comment 40, made on October 23, 2009 at 12.52 pm

Murray said:

... Mark Lawrenson... he's only got us down to lose this week because we are above Liverpool in the league. Has he ever predicted Liverpool to ever lose?.. 4 defeats in a row for them, soon to be 5.. Man Utd next and he is still clinging onto a draw for them... and he has the cheek to criticize how we play! That article about us only playing one way was written before we beat Chelsea... which he predicted us to also lose.. unlucky Lawro. You want to look closer to home mate before having a go about Villa, take Gerrard and Torres out their team and anyone can beat them. 5 years, 76 players bought, all that money spent and Benitez still hasn't got a squad.. and he inherited Gerrard too.

Comment 41, made on October 23, 2009 at 1.08 pm

Tim Hillman said:

... 3-1 to Villa. A.Young to get back on track with MOM performance and couple of goals.

Comment 42, made on October 23, 2009 at 1.10 pm

James Clift said:

... Im going 4-0 Villa. Someone's going to get a proper spanking from us soon and I reckon it's going to be them. Forget the whole derby business, they are a championship side & the likes of Gabby, Young & Milner will run them ragged.

Comment 43, made on October 23, 2009 at 1.32 pm

John Samuels said:

... Jimbo, Forget the whole derby business, they are a championship side & the likes of Gabby, Young & Milner will run them ragged. A championship side that very nearly took 3 points off Everton last week. Could be a banana skin if you ask me.

Comment 44, made on October 23, 2009 at 1.38 pm

Daniel Turko said:

... 0-6 to the villa

Comment 45, made on October 23, 2009 at 1.47 pm

Mike Carter said:

... I have a sneaky feeling this is going to be a draw.

Comment 46, made on October 23, 2009 at 1.50 pm

Carl Main said:

... "We're in fine fettle and we have a number of players coming back from injury. It looks good." ( O'Neill 2009) Thats nice to hear! Hopefully Luke Young will be back, flying down that right wing. I see a win tomorrow. Although, I am always paranoid and cautious going into ANY game. We are about as predictable as the weather!

Comment 47, made on October 23, 2009 at 2.03 pm

john franey said:

... Iv got a good feeling about tomorrow chaps.Im going for a 4-1 away win carew to get a couple of goals ashley also scoring and milner aswell.

Comment 48, made on October 23, 2009 at 2.14 pm

Adey Stuttard said:

... I'm going with the positive flow, and would be happy a clean sheet, so 3-0 Villa Collins, Dunne and Gabby

Comment 49, made on October 23, 2009 at 2.16 pm

Andi said:

... didnt MON mention that he would be swapping things round recently somewhere ??? if so i can see the MULE playing and doing well nothing, maybe see delp getting a run out or even coker but still cant see anything other than a Villa win but we have got to keep sharp and not take this for granted any midlands club wants our scalp and wouldnt wolves love to rub it in if they got it !!!! 3-1 to villa EMULE might score with a deflection of his arse while he does up his boots, Delph if he plays and Ash will remind us of his quality

Comment 50, made on October 23, 2009 at 2.18 pm

Pete Hutton said:

... 3 - 1 to the villa....

Comment 51, made on October 23, 2009 at 2.18 pm

John Samuels said:

... Chiefy, I reckon it'll be 4-5-1 with Coker back in the side. He'll probably mix it up a bit against Sunderland.

Comment 52, made on October 23, 2009 at 2.36 pm

Richard Smith said:

... I really want to see reo back now, he's paid the price for arguing with the manager. I like the man and he's good for us. 3-0!

Comment 53, made on October 23, 2009 at 2.38 pm

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... The only change i can see MON do to the side is bring Young in for Cullar. I think he will go with Gabby and Carew up front.

Comment 54, made on October 23, 2009 at 3.07 pm

sazavfc said:

... 1-0 villa collins scorer

Comment 55, made on October 23, 2009 at 3.12 pm

Keith said:

... Wolves 0 Villa 2 No changes to the side, and 4-4-2 formation.

Comment 56, made on October 23, 2009 at 3.12 pm

John Samuels said:

... We usually play 4-5-1 away, i think we will this time too. Wolves will probably come out of the blocks quickly given their confidence boost against Everton and the fact they're at home. Having Reo Coker in there to soak up some early pressure would be a good idea and when they get cocky smash them up on the break. I can't wait to see Elokobi trying to match pace with Gabby.

Comment 57, made on October 23, 2009 at 3.24 pm

Eoin Greene said:

... Absolutely no chance of any change to the side that won last week.

Comment 58, made on October 23, 2009 at 3.24 pm

John Samuels said:

... eoin, Why not? I thought Carew was a little lacklustre and an extra body in midfield would be useful.

Comment 59, made on October 23, 2009 at 3.36 pm

Eoin Greene said:

... JPA - we have MoN for 3 years now. Has he EVER changed a winning side? He almost NEVER drops anyone - certainly not after less than 4-5 bad matches in a row. It seems to me that the only way someone could break into the team is an injury to someone else! Personally I would play Luke Young instead of Cuellar and Delph instead of Sidwell

Comment 60, made on October 23, 2009 at 3.58 pm

John Samuels said:

... He does like to change formation even if we win a game. You might be right, but I expect him to play 4-5-1 on sat. Carew may drop deep but I think Reo Coker may play. We'll see. Either way I hope we win.

Comment 61, made on October 23, 2009 at 4.00 pm

McParland said:

... After holding Man City and beating Chelsea ,do NOT let Wolves do a Blackburn and wipe out all your hard work. You have the potential to capitaise this year so make sure every single player picked is truly up for the fight in a hostile atmospere come saturday lunchtime.....Up the Villa.

Comment 62, made on October 23, 2009 at 4.14 pm

Deano-avfc said:

... 3.0 away victory.. I'll even tell you the scorer's.. Sali Salifoooooooo Hat-trick. Make it a Large one Damo UTV

Comment 63, made on October 23, 2009 at 4.18 pm

McParland said:

... I also agree with the comments above conserning Marl Lowros predictions,He is never a villa fan at the best of timeswith his frequent snide remarks and and shifty looks even less now we are above the pool.So i am going to critisize his hair peice seeing i am a pensioner love the villa 100% I was buying a loaf of bread in a local super market when i noticed a large freshly baked loaf on the shelf that looked similar to Lowros mullet which in truth resembles a large cottage loaf thats slipped sideways ,after inspexcting it closely i refrained from having it instead favouring a nice simple sliced Hovis *very nice it was too* .

Comment 64, made on October 23, 2009 at 4.32 pm

Panos said:

... 1-4 Villa

Comment 65, made on October 23, 2009 at 5.11 pm

Daniel Wilson said:

... 5-0 to the Villa, gabs to bag a hat trick! Come on Lads!!

Comment 66, made on October 23, 2009 at 5.30 pm

Car Frost said:

... Al least Alan Hansen speaks sense, he's gone for Villa. Speaking of which I fancy Liverpool to give Man U a hiding this weekend too. And did you know we are now unbeaten in the last 16 league games Sidwell has started - http://www.expressandstar.com/...for-doyle/

Comment 67, made on October 23, 2009 at 5.30 pm

Ammar said:

... if we play 4-5-1 or 4-3-3 then comfortable 0-2 to us. If we play 4-4-2 with Sidwell in the middle and Cueller at right back i suspect scrappy 1-2 away win. Either way a game that we really need to win to let our intentions be known that we can be consistent and win when it is expected.

Comment 68, made on October 23, 2009 at 5.51 pm

George Templeton said:

... Wolves 0, Aston Villa 1 (Carew!)

Comment 69, made on October 23, 2009 at 6.00 pm

Andy Scarborough said:

... I agree with JPA, 4-5-1. Last time we played them it was 4-0 with goals from Der Hammer, Ollie and two from the real JPA. This time around I see a similar demolition job done on them. Perhaps goals from Gabby, Jimmy and Collins, Dunne and/or Warnock. 5-0 to Villa.

Comment 70, made on October 23, 2009 at 6.10 pm

Keith said:

... Why would anyone think that MON will change a winning team? I agree with eoin1981, while we are winning, MON will not make any changes unless he has to.

Comment 71, made on October 23, 2009 at 6.26 pm

John Clark said:

... 2-0 Villa. Would really like to see Ash or Milner bag one, and another for Gabby, please. But could just as likely be Collins or Dunne again, and maybe Carew if we go 4-4-2. Very anxious to see how we play on the heels of the Chelsea win. A little momentum, a move up to the next gear would be nice. But I suspect it will be a bit of a grind.

Comment 72, made on October 23, 2009 at 6.31 pm

Andy Scarborough said:

... Keefvilla, sorry to resurrect the formation debate. Our strike force is not really firing on all cylinders yet, only Gabby has started well. In light of that I would suggest an extra body in midfield. But that's only my opinion and I'm effin ignorant! Kohoutek, I do hope you're wrong! It's about time we got a wiggle on this season, if we can't become world beaters after beating Chelsea then we never will.

Comment 73, made on October 23, 2009 at 6.43 pm

Deano-avfc said:

... Keef I think mr Shorey would disagree with MON never changing a winning team.. He was playing the best we've ever seen him play in claret and blue until we signed Warnock, Warnock has been class though so good decision. I'd like to see the big man get a goal tomorrow, the one who's bigger than me or you. UTV

Comment 74, made on October 23, 2009 at 6.52 pm

Nick said:

... 5-0 villa. I think Ashley young and milner are due to score. I also got a feeling that Heskey is going to get a start in for Carew.

Comment 75, made on October 23, 2009 at 8.16 pm

Steve Badger said:

... I hate it when we as a group start predicting a shoeing. It's guaranteed to leave us with egg on our faces. I hope I'm wrong

Comment 76, made on October 23, 2009 at 11.00 pm

Rattus NorVillicus said:

... I hate it when we as a group start predicting a shoeing. It's guaranteed to leave us with egg on our faces. You are so right. I was so convinced we'd beat Blackburn, I'd already spent my winnings from Paddy Power before the match kicked off. I can't wait till Downings fit though. I reckon him out wide with Ash in behind the big man up front, and we'll start opening teams the Wolves teams like a can of beans. As for tomorrow, well we've had Wigan, we've had Blackburn, but if we're to have the season we all want then these is the type of games we got to win. 2 - 1 to the Villa As for

Comment 77, made on October 23, 2009 at 11.27 pm

Ammar said:

... So true young just behind front 2 of Gabby & Carew almost as a free role were he cannot be picked up by defenders a exciting prospect. Would end up with front 5 very ofensive players...

Comment 78, made on October 23, 2009 at 11.45 pm

Ammar said:

... I can't wait till Downings fit though. I reckon him out wide with Ash in behind the big man up front, and we'll start opening teams the Wolves teams like a can of beans. So true young just behind front 2 of Gabby & Carew almost as a free role were he cannot be picked up by defenders a exciting prospect. Would end up with front 5 very ofensive players...

Comment 79, made on October 23, 2009 at 11.46 pm

Steve Badger said:

... but if we're to have the season we all want then these is the type of games we got to win. Agreed

Comment 80, made on October 23, 2009 at 11.59 pm

Steve Badger said:

... Just been watching the red scouse fans talking about their team on SSN. One fan said that they need to start spending like Man city and chelsea. And then it crossed my mind that in 15-20 years time, you will need to be spending at least £500 mill to compete at the top. Surely this can't carry on? If we're struggling to compete as around the 6th biggest club in the country, what chance have lesser clubs got? Very depressing, imo.

Comment 81, made on October 24, 2009 at 12.28 am

Ammar said:

... Just been watching the red scouse fans talking about their team on SSN. One fan said that they need to start spending like Man city and chelsea. The thing is most Liverpool fans are deluded. Personally i think the owners have provided the FSW with plenty of money its just that he has spent it badly. I guess the lesson there for the rest of us is when you get the opporunity spend the money wisely.Easier said than done but that's what makes the difference between good and bad manager.

Comment 82, made on October 24, 2009 at 1.01 am

Steve Badger said:

... I guess the lesson there for the rest of us is when you get the opporunity spend the money wisely.Easier said than done but that's what makes the difference between good and bad manager. Hmm, does it though? I know what you mean, but can't think of a manager who's done it with little money, Wenger apart. And even he's spent some over the years. Fergie has spent (and wasted) loads, as has FSW and even Mourinho. Hughes, well we'll see. The point was if you chuck enough money at it, you have a good chance of doing the bizz. Then again, I suppose you could site Leeds and Newcastle as poor examples, I suppose.

Comment 83, made on October 24, 2009 at 1.20 am

Steve Badger said:

... cite even

Comment 84, made on October 24, 2009 at 1.29 am

Ammar said:

... Fergie has spent (and wasted) loads, as has FSW and even Mourinho. Hughes, well we'll see. Agree with you there but i reckon Fergie has got away with it because of what he has achieved and you've got to admit its some record. Mourinho has spent but it was in his first couple of seasons where he built Chealsea. Things started to fall apart there when people were going over his head and spending silly amounts on players that he did not want i.e Shevchenko Now looking at the FSW his only real major signing to date has been Torres and possibly Mascherano. I would regard that as really poor return on the money he has been given. And final example of this has to be Real Madrid. Defensively they were awful the other night and can you really see them winning anything if they continue to play like that ? Have to agree though money does help but only if its in the hands of the right people and setup of the club is structured correctly. i.e Should not have a Director of football at any club...

Comment 85, made on October 24, 2009 at 1.41 am

John Clark said:

... andy5759: I do hope I'm wrong, too...I'd love to see us hit high gear and give them a good hiding, all goals from open play. But to echo Badger, I think it was, I just hate predicting too much. A superstitious tendency is all. But as to the grind bit, as many have noted, the top sides will play open with us as they expect to carve us apart and score for fun. The lesser teams, well, they'll pack it in, close everything down, keep their fingers crossed.

Comment 86, made on October 24, 2009 at 1.46 am

Anthony Laud said:

... I am pretty confident about this game. Wolves wont sit back as much as people think and the Molineux pitch is so big that we can exploit with pace ounter attacking. if we score early could be a thumping if not ill go 3-1 with gabby, sidwell and young

Comment 87, made on October 24, 2009 at 1.56 am

Steve Badger said:

... if we score early could be a thumping if not ill go 3-1 with gabby, sidwell and young Bloody hell Tone, you're doing exactly what I don't want us to do, in predicting a caning. I hope you're right though

Comment 88, made on October 24, 2009 at 3.19 am

Steve Badger said:

... mon 4-5-1, I'm not sure Mourinho built Chelsea, they were already up there (although a puny(!) £100 mill in debt, which almost put them into liquidation). But yep, SAF has achieved loads, so the money he's spent can't be questioned in that respect. Interesting how he never spent much in the window though. I suspect even they are feeling the pinch ((£620 mill in debt?). FSW, well his record does look really poor when it's now 76 players he's signed, so I read earlier. Gerrard handed on a plate and Torres the only other top player in the squad Makes me glad we've got the wasteful MON I haven't watched Real at all this season, so can't comment there mate.

Comment 89, made on October 24, 2009 at 3.38 am

Mark said:

... Badger, What's even funnier about Lawro's analysis of Liverpool is that he says that "These things happen" - referring to 4 losses on the bounce. I agree, but when they lose again against Man. U, that'll be 5, and their worst run for 56yrs. Halley's Comet - "It does happen!"

Comment 90, made on October 24, 2009 at 8.13 am

Mark said:

... We must learn to see off the weaker teams, otherwise the big results against the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea mean nothing. Badger, Man.U spent big money before all the big takeovers, and now only need to top up. Leeds and Newcastle were a flash in the pan and didn't have the investors to sustain it. Man.City will be real challengers for the title, sooner rather than later as they have more financial muscle than anyone else. The top players will go there, because at worst they will be given a hefty wedge to go along with the increasing notariety of the club. Back to today, and I will be seriously disappointed if we don't comfortably win this one. We have better players across the park, and play well as a unit. Would like to see young Delph get a run out in the second half.

Comment 91, made on October 24, 2009 at 8.23 am

Paul Gough said:

... I am looking foward to the match today. Wolves will have a go and it should be an enteraining game. Doyle up against Dunne, Irish teammates. Score 0-2, Villa get the points and move on. UTV

Comment 92, made on October 24, 2009 at 9.06 am

Schulze from Aus said:

... My score prediction is 1-3.

Comment 93, made on October 24, 2009 at 11.27 am

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