Premier League: Wolves Welcome Walking Wounded to the Black Country

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Tottenham Hotspur

Whether in the Premier League, the old First Division, or in cup competitions at both home and abroad, this really is a meeting between two of English football’s great institutions.

It is also one which evokes misty-eyed memories for a certain generation, a reminder to a time when their teams were at the pinnacle of the game.

While that may no longer be the case, the respective classes of 2023 are more than capable of delivering Premier League 2023 highlights.

So, what can we expect this weekend?

Talking Points

Well, both sides are looking to bounce back for a start.

Wolves were on the receiving end of one of the many VAR controversies last weekend.

The decision to award a penalty against them, converted in the 10th minute of stoppage time, left manager Gary O’Neill publicly admitting that he had given up on referees and that football was in a crazy, crazy place.

After a heated conversation in the officials’ room after the game, O’Neill will also acknowledge that the result was partly down to his own team’s failings.

They missed Pedro Neto, who sustained a hamstring injury the previous week, and wasted key chances.

Fabio Silva came on as a substitute in the 81st minute and had a big impact on proceedings.

He was booked after a minute, set up an equaliser and then left inconsolable after the final whistle having given away the penalty.

The creator is still likely to start against Spurs who, themselves, are dealing with a combination of injuries and suspensions in the run-up to the contest.

Indeed, the potential fallout from their first league defeat of the campaign on Monday night was potentially far more costly than the actual result.

In fact, in the opening 45 minutes alone – with an extra 12 minutes added on – there were so many VAR interventions it was hard to keep up amidst four disallowed goals, three red-card checks and two penalty checks.

Defenders Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie both saw red in that defeat to Chelsea so will be suspended this weekend.

It ended up being a lousy night for the previously unbeaten North Londoners, who lost Micky van de Ven to a hamstring injury and James Maddison to an ankle issue before the break.

With Brazilian forward Richarlison now out as he has surgery on a pelvic injury, it will be down to the bare bones when Ange Postecoglou names his starting XI, let alone his matchday squad.

I covered a previous meeting at Molineux. On that occasion, it was fatigue more than absences which was Spurs’ concern, but they showed their mettle against the then newly promoted side, managed by future Spurs boss  Nuno Espirito Santo.

How they would love a repeat this time in differing but no less trying circumstances.

History

Spurs have the edge historically with 52 victories to 31 Wolves triumphs and 21 draws.

The inaugural meeting came in 1908 in the former Division Two when Spurs ran out 3-0 winners at White Hart Lane, courtesy of goals from Thomas Morris and Vivian Woodward (two).

Their most famous meeting was at a high level – the 1972 UEFA Cup Final no less.

A second half double from Martin Chivers won the first leg for Spurs at Molineux with Jim McCalliog replying for Wolves.

When Alan Mullery and Dave Wagstaffe traded goals at White Hart Lane a fortnight later, that was enough for Spurs to run out 3-2 winners on aggregate and lift the trophy.

They also met in the FA Cup semi-finals in 1981 with Spurs winning a replay 3-0 at Highbury – Garth Crooks (two) and Ricky Villa the marksman – as they went onto lift the trophy (also following a replay) against Manchester City.

Adama Traore’s goal won this contest last season, Spurs won their home match by the same scoreline with Harry Kane netting the only goal.

Betting Tip

Even without key personnel, Spurs have the edge with the SBOTOP Premier League 2023 betting odds.

The visitors are priced 1X2 @ 2.20 and Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.20, compared to Wolves 1X2 @ 2.92 and Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.49.

A repeat of last season’s 1-0 Wolves success in this fixture – when Julen Lopetegui and Antonio Conte were the men in charge – as Traore grabbed an 82nd minute winner is on offer @ 12.00 with Correct Score.

There hasn’t been a goalless draw between these sides since 1970, so perhaps we are due another one.

A goalless draw will pay out @ 14.00, incidentally, with Total Goals 0-1 @ 4.40, 2-3 @ 2.00, 4-6 @ 2.81, and Over 3.25 goals @ 2.35.

Wolves have shown they are a tough nut to crack at home, and I expect the same this time as they aim to make amends for what they consider ill fortunate in Sheffield last weekend.

With Spurs also keen to bounce back from their first significant setback of the season, I am going for a draw as my prediction.

 

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