Wolverhampton Wanderers v Burnley Preview

As the cold of Winter sets in, the Championship leaders continue to set a blazing trail. Injuries and suspensions made for a poor early October, but with 4 wins out of their last 5 against tough opposition, Wolves now sit proudly at the top of the table, well clear of all below them, and guess what, it just doesn't get any easier...

All glory is fleeting, and while the eyes will broaden with delight at the sight of our current achievements, they are better turned to a difficult November fixture list. 
With 5 games to play in the space of three weeks against high flying Birmingham (as well as Blackpool, Burnley and Sheffield United- all flying high and very much in form...) as well as a trip to St Mary's, we could as easily be 4th in the league come December as we could 1st and 10 points clear. So let's keep perspective and take it one game at a time, keeping our heads throughout this hectic schedule. Failing that, let's go into frenzy when we win and manic depression should we lose, that's alot more exhilarating. 

Anyway, moving from the usual saft banter and onto business! Burnley come to town tomorrow looking to stretch their unbeaten run to 6 games, having won 3 and drawn 2 of their last five. Impressive enough, but even moreso when you consider they won away at Coventry and at home to Reading and Norwich (who've already dispatched with us resoundingly!) and that the two draws they had came against Birmingham at home and Charlton away. If you can bring yourself to remember last year's fixture against Burnley at Molineux, you might recall a plucky Owen Coyle side, bang in form and tenacious as hell. It may have been a year since, but it doesn't look like Burnley have given up on that philosophy, so expect a tough game, and potentially, an absolute cracker if Mick has the boys as fired up. Also, keep your eyes on Number 20 (Robbie "Molineux" Blake) and 33 Chris Eagles, both in fine form and bloody tricky.

However with Chris and Sylvan forging an excellent partnership, Henry still performing in midfield and Mancienne getting man of the match at Cardiff, we're looking good value for the win, and with Burnley in form, even better value for a rugby scoreline. Prediction: 5-4 to Wolves.  

Burnley Form (Last 5 games): DWDWW Scored: 8 ( 4 in 2 away games, 4 in 3 home games) Conceded: 3 ( 2 in 2 away games, 1 in 3 home games)

Wolves Form (Last 5 games): WLWWW Scored: 11 (4 in 2 home games, 7 in 3 away games) Conceded: 10 (2 in 2 home games, 8 in 3 away games)