The Official Match Day Thread 7. Wolverhampton Wanderers v Bristol City

[havanatopia]

Weather is a funny old thing you know. No sooner has the dust settled on the last match day thread, where I wanted to dwell a while for those poor souls in the Caribbean, and along comes Tropical Storm Lannie maybe soon Typhoon. As if the Pacific will not be outdone by the Atlantic storm season the activity in the Philippine Sea takes a decided turn for the worse. Weather is a funny old thing you know.

I left work a little earlier than usual as the rain and wind had abated a tad and I saw an opportunity. Alas it lasted only a few minutes before I was swept up along one Manila street with a sudden gust and downpour. I took shelter and loitering around the lobby, of what I soon discovered was a hospital, I picked up a small leaflet. On the front was a circular logo in blue with a sort of cog surrounding the circle and a red and white quartered crest in the middle of it all. It looked a bit like the Rotary Club crest although I might be a mile away from that as an accurate comparison. Anyway, more to the point, the name of the crest instantly struck me because I had looked up a little about Wolverhampton Wanderers' history over lunch earlier in the day. When formed, in 1877, Wolves were called St Lukes after the local church. The name on that hospital crest?, St. Lukes. And had it not been for the dodgy weather I would likely, hopefully, never have set foot in that hospital. Weather.

I hear it might be rather inclement this evening in the Birmingham environs so all you hardy souls making your way north I hope you avoid the worst of it or at least keep out of the wet. Molinueuuewweeuuuuxxujuu, I could never spell it, is a modern theatre of football so i hope it keeps you dry. 

Previous match day threads on Wolves I have talked about their history and their town and all that sort of trivia. Nevertheless here are a few bits and pieces about their past which rank as worthy of a smile or entry to my mind.

In 1938, Wolves needed only to win the last game of the season to be champions for the first time, but were beaten 1–0 at Sunderland and Arsenal claimed the title. That must have been painful for the Wolves but I bet Sunderland were laughing like nuts and Arsenal somewhat grateful.

As if that was not hilarious or heartbreaking enough they repeated it after the war and not even the magic of Stan Cullis, in his last ever match for Wolves, could stop it;-

When league football resumed in 1946, Wolves suffered yet another heartbreaking failure in the First Division. Just as in 1938, victory in their last match of the season against title rivals Liverpool would have won the title but a 2–1 defeat gave the 1947 championship to the Merseyside club instead. Poor little blighters.

And then, 2 years later, they missed out again on the title on goal difference. 

I guess you have to hand it to them though because with Billy Wright as captain and Cullis as manager they finally won their first of 3 titles in 1954. Wolves were, to be fair, the dominant force in English football in the 50's. I am not sure if Stan Cullis' 'kick and rush' football left a lasting legacy but it sure made an impression on European football at the time. Those that have researched this era of football can no doubt talk more about it. Wolves were pioneers in the style and the science of football and had super fit athletes of their day.

According to the modern era fan Wolves play slick football under their Spanish (?) coach and many, on their forum, seem to have a respect for the way we play our game and that tonight will generally not be easy for them. Some pointing out that if City play the usual 'nice passing game' (is that fair or myth? I have no idea) then Wolves will win. I suppose that suggests that if City try a Millwall rear guard type of action a point or more might be on offer. I wonder how Lee will set up then. 

Enjoy the game folks and I hope we at least give a good account roared on by the usual vociferous City away support.

St Lukes 1 City 1 .. fatal for me to make a prediction so I used a non sensical name for them.

 

 

 

Edited September 12, 2017 by havanatopia

[Phileas Fogg]

I think you'll find NTTDS has beaten you to the punch  merge needed!

Joking aside, interesting read as per. Hoping for a draw at least, we have horrible form there so would be very pleased with that.

 

Edited September 12, 2017 by Phileas Fogg

[stawey]

thanks, usual high standard  from hav

[havanatopia]

Hardly think its worthy of a usurping merge Phil do you? But hey ho, whateverrrrrrrr.  

[Major Isewater]

51 minutes ago, Phileas Fogg said:

I think you'll find NTTDS has beaten you to the punch  merge needed!

Joking aside, interesting read as per. Hoping for a draw at least, we have horrible form there so would be very pleased with that.

 

This one's official. The other one is for the rebels amongst us .

Wolves eh ? 

As long as David Bloody Kelly doesn't come out of retirement I fancy a result for us tonight.

We have had a steady , solid start to our season.

Win tonight we will all be thinking the unthinkable.

Lose and most will think we've reverted to type.

 I believe Young Bobby and Fammy will bag a goal each .

Will it be enough ?

 

[hoxton casual]

0 -1 I think to them. That is progress imho. Love to get rid of that 1931 record.

[Guest]

If we can get a win or draw today we'd be in a great position, think Fammy Abraham deserves one more game starting to see what he's got before maybe we bench him for another striker though. 

Although every time I've seen city play Wolves we've lost , but here's hoping

[old_eastender]

Pissano missing is a big loss. We rode our luck against Reading, cannot see that lasting an even sterner test. I'll go for 3-1 to Wolves. 

[reddogkev]

1-1 draw, but I'd take a loss fair and square on the chin as long as we don't get duffed up too badly.  Bet you haven't heard anyone say 'duffed up' for a while, eh?

COME ON YOU REDSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[Lrrr]

Just read the fact of us having not won away on a Tuesday since Bradford in league 1, coincidentally the last Tuesday away game I attended...  

[Offside]

It would be great to break the Molineux jinx but I can't see us winning. A draw would be a good result.

[Buster Footman's T shirt]

I think it may be a hideous spectacle. Think reminiscent of crazy gang era Wimbledon v john beck era Cambridge utd without the goalposts. 0-0 and would take that all day

[EmersonsRed]

Take a point if offered now.

[Garland-sweden]

 Not a win there siince 1931. Phu. But the times they are a changing, Bob Dylan sang. Yes we can do it. Always believe, Coyr!!!

[Distortia]

I think we'll give it a good go, but fall short and lose 2-1. They're a good team, as they should be with the quality of players brought in. As has been said, no shame in losing away to Wolves this year.

[Major Isewater]

I hope the players don't go into the match with the same defeatist attitude of many posters.

We are not cannon fodder .

We can win this .  

Who gave our reserves a chance against Premier League side Watford ? 

We must battle all the way against every team in this tough league but we can beat anyone , anywhere.

Now City , prove me right . 

[wendyredredrobin]

4 hours ago, Eastside Moonwalker said:

If we can get a win or draw today we'd be in a great position, think Fammy Abraham deserves one more game starting to see what he's got before maybe we bench him for another striker though. 

Although every time I've seen city play Wolves we've lost , but here's hoping

Or perhaps bench him for a central defender who can score goals.

I do fear a hammering though, but hope for a point.  Any more than that and we will certainly have turned a corner.

Worried about the right back situation with eros injured.

Edited September 12, 2017 by wendyredredrobin

[AppyDAZE]

7 minutes ago, wendyredredrobin said:

Or perhaps bench him for a central defender who can score goals.

I do fear a hammering though, but hope for a point.  Any more than that and we will certainly have turned a corner.

 

Our defence looks a lot, lot better this season. Not saying i expect to win, but there is nothing to suggest we will get steam-rolled. 

Oh, dear.. what have i said.

 

EDIT: No sod it, we'll win... we're due it up there.

Edited September 12, 2017 by AppyDAZE

[downendcity]

You look at some fixtures and based on history you automatically accept that defeat is a foregone conclusion, and Wolves away is one of those.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then again, so was Reading!

[Fordy62]

How are people's journeys coming along?

[ZiderEyed]

2-1, FD and Leko. Mon the reds.

[Ska Junkie]

16 minutes ago, Fordy62 said:

How are people's journeys coming along?

I've just driven back from Wolverhampton and it looked pretty clear although I wouldn't try and go as far as the M6, possibly go off the M5 at West Bromwich or the Dudley (Dudley / W'hampton) turn before it. Anything past J2 will mean delays.

[WhistleHappy]

Sadly... They don't have a Doogan and we don't have a Gow  (both legends, R I P)

So there's not a lot to fear for either side tonight... draw!

[Septic Peg]

3-2 to the moon howlers...

It'll all go tits up and LJ's head will be on a hypothetical spike by 10pm...

[Phileas Fogg]

3-1 to Wolves, but I anticipate a steely performance where we come out with some credit. Hope City prove me wrong.

[Fordy62]

3 minutes ago, Phileas Fogg said:

3-1 to Wolves, but I anticipate a steely performance where we come out with some credit. Hope City prove me wrong.

I hope they prove you right! Sort of. 

Edited September 12, 2017 by Fordy62

[RumRed]

1-2 to City.  Blind faith will see us through.

(please let me be right for once)

 

COYR

Edited September 12, 2017 by RumRed

[Big C]

Two changes then Wright for Vyner, Leko for Paterson

 

[Nibor]

Bristol City FC 

⚽️ #BristolCity v Wolves: Fielding, Wright, Flint, Baker, Bryan, O'Dowda, Brownhill, K.Smith, Leko, Reid, Diedhiou. #WOLvBRC

⚽️ #BristolCity subs: Steele, Magnússon, Pack, Eliasson, Paterson, Taylor, Woodrow. #WOLvBRC

Seems a bit odd.  Wright at right back?  

[Meh]

Wright back !! Leko and Famara start - interesting!!

Edited September 12, 2017 by Neo

[daored]

2 minutes ago, Nibor said:

Bristol City FC 

⚽️ #BristolCity v Wolves: Fielding, Wright, Flint, Baker, Bryan, O'Dowda, Brownhill, K.Smith, Leko, Reid, Diedhiou. #WOLvBRC

⚽️ #BristolCity subs: Steele, Magnússon, Pack, Eliasson, Paterson, Taylor, Woodrow. #WOLvBRC

Seems a bit odd.  Wright at right back?  

Three at back I would suspect 

[Portland Bill]

Leko should be right up for this, West Brom player playing against Wolves!

[Engvall's Splinter]

Gotta be 3 centre halves. Right?

 

Otherwise this smacks of square pegs. El-Abd anyone?

Edited September 12, 2017 by Engvall's Splinter

[class not gas]

3 minutes ago, daored said:

Three at back I would suspect 

Who will be the right wingback.

[Lanterne Rouge]

Quite like the look of that, interesting to see how we set up - 3 at the back or BW at RB.

[Lrrr]

3 minutes ago, Nibor said:

Bristol City FC 

⚽️ #BristolCity v Wolves: Fielding, Wright, Flint, Baker, Bryan, O'Dowda, Brownhill, K.Smith, Leko, Reid, Diedhiou. #WOLvBRC

⚽️ #BristolCity subs: Steele, Magnússon, Pack, Eliasson, Paterson, Taylor, Woodrow. #WOLvBRC

Seems a bit odd.  Wright at right back?  

Guessing he'll just be sitting back just trying to keep things tight given Vyner was beaten a lot. Wonder how close LJ was to moving Smith to RB. 

[RedRock]

Wow. Going for it big time wth a 3-5-2? 

Ballsy.

[old_eastender]

2 minutes ago, class not gas said:

Who will be the right wingback.

My guess is 3-5-2 with Brownhill RWB and Bryan LWB

[MyBrotherErnie]

                             Fielding
       Wright             Flint               Baker
O'Dowda                                                Bryan
                  Smith           Brownhill
Reid                  Diedheou               Leko

Would be my guess. Odd nonetheless.

[123456789000]

343

                   Ff

       Wright Flint Baker

COD Brownhill Smith Bryan

              Reid  Leko

               Diedhiou

 

[class not gas]

2 minutes ago, Moor2Sea said:

Wow. Going for it big time wth a 3-5-2? 

Ballsy.

Can't see it being 3 at the back unless odowda plays right wing back.

[Oops]

Smith and Bryan as wing backs? 

Brave selection. On this basis, I'm going for a solid 3-4 away win 

[Bar BS3]

6 minutes ago, Nibor said:

Bristol City FC 

⚽️ #BristolCity v Wolves: Fielding, Wright, Flint, Baker, Bryan, O'Dowda, Brownhill, K.Smith, Leko, Reid, Diedhiou. #WOLvBRC

⚽️ #BristolCity subs: Steele, Magnússon, Pack, Eliasson, Paterson, Taylor, Woodrow. #WOLvBRC

Seems a bit odd.  Wright at right back?  

3-5-2 I'd think 

Flint, Wright, Baker

COD, Brownhill, Leko, Smith, Bryan

Fammy, Reid

[class not gas]

3 minutes ago, old_eastender said:

My guess is 3-5-2 with Brownhill RWB and Bryan LWB

Got to have Brownhill in the centre with korey

[Numero Uno]

Think we're trying to win this one 10-9.

[City Ben]

Think he'll keep it simple to minimize the changes after a good win, and play Wright at right back. Less attacking than Vyner, but more solid. Leko left wing. Easy now. 

[Bar BS3]

4 minutes ago, old_eastender said:

My guess is 3-5-2 with Brownhill RWB and Bryan LWB

COD in the middle..?!

[class not gas]

6 minutes ago, Oops said:

Smith and Bryan as wing backs? 

Brave selection. On this basis, I'm going for a solid 3-4 away win 

Smith and Brownhill the only central midfielders so guessing no Smith at RWB

Edited September 12, 2017 by class not gas

[Nibor]

3 minutes ago, Bar BS3 said:

3-5-2 I'd think 

Flint, Wright, Baker

COD, Brownhill, Leko, Smith, Bryan

Fammy, Reid

Don't think Leko is going into the middle of midfield.

[Bar BS3]

2 minutes ago, City Ben said:

Think he'll keep it simple to minimize the changes after a good win, and play Wright at right back. Less attacking than Vyner, but more solid. Leko left wing. Easy now. 

I think that's probably most likely. 

[Bar BS3]

2 minutes ago, Nibor said:

Don't think Leko is going into the middle of midfield.

No, probably more advanced. 

More like 3-4-1-2

[Phileas Fogg]

Had a feeling we'd play this formation. Interesting. Either a masterstroke or will be an absolute disaster.

 

[Numero Uno]

This selection lies somewhere between genius and ridiculous, just can't work out where!!

But with Frank nigh on impossible to beat perhaps we can play any formation and get away with it!!

[Bar BS3]

2 minutes ago, Phileas Fogg said:

Had a feeling we'd play this formation. Interesting. Either a masterstroke or will be an absolute disaster.

 

Brave, again. 

If it works then deserves serious credit!

 

[Kingswoodactor]

I actually think it's 4-4-2 with Wright going to RB.

Leko left wing (his favourite position)

[winterbournered]

Already written this one off. Wolves were my tip at the start of the season, a great start after playing some decent teams further reinforces that I think they'll be there or thereabouts. Chuck in our awful record at their place. 2-0 to Wolves

 

[class not gas]

3 minutes ago, Kingswoodactor said:

I actually think it's 4-4-2 with Wright going to RB.

Leko left wing (his favourite position)

Same here, the only way we could play with wingback is with Odowda at right wing back.

[dereks no1]

Fair enough LJ! Just seen that Wolves are starting with exactly the same formation. LJ has picked a solid team that looks to neutralise Wolves threat and offer a bit of pace and bit up front. Most players in our squad have played in this formation before and it allows us to play defensively and soak up their obvsious quality whilst offering exciting pace in Leko, O'Dowda, Bryan, and Ried. Also nice to see Taylor back on a very impressive bench.

[robinreliant]

Good to see Taylor on the bench.

[winterbournered]

3 minutes ago, JonDolman said:

I'm sure people would have said the same away to Newcastle and Brighton last season. And home to Huddersfield too. And away to Boro the season before. Shocks happen. 

There's shocks and there's us winning at Wolves shocks...

[JoeAman08]

Wolves lining up 343 so could be an attempt to match them. With second game in a few days I don't mind the change. I don't have expectations for tonight anyway so as long as they work hard I'll be happy. 

[Kingswoodactor]

Holden just admitted as much (through a grin) that Wright will be RB, but that our formation is 'flexible' what ever that means! 

[eardun]

18 minutes ago, Kotsy said:

343

                   Ff

       Wright Flint Baker

COD Brownhill Smith Bryan

              Reid  Leko

               Diedhiou

 

I'm assuming this formation. To match Wolves. 

[cityal]

2 minutes ago, Kingswoodactor said:

Holden just admitted as much (through a grin) that Wright will be RB, but that our formation is 'flexible' what ever that means! 

I think the fact people on here have suggested several formations speaks for the flexibility. Not sure about about Wright at RB has he played there before?

[Kingswoodactor]

https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=news&q=bristol city&src=savs

Edited September 12, 2017 by Kingswoodactor

[ZiderEyed]

Their line-up look phenomenal, I've not paid any attention to Wolves I must admit, good god.

[daored]

22 minutes ago, class not gas said:

Who will be the right wingback.

Leko?

[BobBobSuperBob]

Dont see BW as a full back ,  if I'm honest - though I think Zak would have had a rough night so difficult .....

Have tbh - fear a tough night and head says 2/3 nil to Wolves

Heres hoping for a heroic team performance

COYR

 

[Guest Jon6956]

14 minutes ago, winterbournered said:

Already written this one off. Wolves were my tip at the start of the season, a great start after playing some decent teams further reinforces that I think they'll be there or thereabouts. Chuck in our awful record at their place. 2-0 to Wolves

 

Cheers for this, I was going to tune in for this one but I don't think I'll bother now!

[BCFC Grim]

Amazed how much fitness is talked about, rotation ect. The seasons not long started and they've just had two weeks off. Drives me crazy. Get on with it. Football players are paid an astronomical amount money and they can't perform 3 games in a week? Give over.

Anyway rant over. Interesting line up, no complaints from me, well about the team anyway