Match Thread: Everton v Wolves 13.3.2022

Pick(ford) that one out
By Ivybridge Wolf
March 13 2022

At Molineux, last November, Wolves deservedly won this fixture 2-1 with two first half goals, a header from a corner by Kilman and a lovely dink of a finish by Raul after a poor back pass. It could have been more but for the efforts of Pickford, nevertheless the Toffees pressed more in the second half and Sa needed to be alert to keep the merited 3 points to the home side.

Much has changed since then, Everton now have Lampard at the helm, though results remain poor (4 defeats in the last 5 league matches) and ahead of the match today, they sit 4^th bottom – incredible given the investment. Two second half Brentford goals yesterday afternoon saved them from an unenviable relegation berth. Everton have accrued just 22 points so far which is the lowest topflight total they’ve ever had at this stage of the season, a real concern for the club and supporters, surely the team will be scrapping and fighting for 3 points today?

Wolves travel up to Goodison after a much-needed Molineux victory on Thursday, going some way to settle recent jitters. Watford were poor, though you can only beat what is placed in front of you and Wolves definitely did that with aplomb. Commanding and competent with 4 goals for the first time in a premier league match since the 4-3 defeat of Leicester in January 2019. The 3 points were vital, the goals a boost and many of the performances a tonic! The defence operated well with the introduction of Big Willy Boly who played like he’d never been away, with some very capable performances from Jonny (a touch of class) and Ait Nouri, the latter surely the ‘shoe in’ left wing back for the foreseeable future. Added to this a dominant midfield, led by Neves and positive signs that Raul was looking sharper too. The way he held up the ball, laid it off and ran off the ball were all much better – nice finish as well.

The team today then, what do we expect? A very similar line up to Watford I would imagine, quite possibly with no changes to the starting XI. That would make a change of late and a sign that Bruno is more comfortable with things. Semedo and Hoever are our only injury concerns / absentees. Neto getting on v Watford was great to see, will he get picked today ahead of Hwang, or is it too early? I’ve mentioned Raul, he’ll be important for sure, he has scored in all 5 of his matches for Wolves v Everton. Quite a statistic!

What kind of Wolves performance can we expect too? With inconsistency being the consistent, which Wolves will we see, more akin to Thursday night and versus Spurs, or the well below par Palace and Hammers matches? Were Wolves to win, it would be our first topflight double over Everton since 1973, traditionally the Blue half of Liverpool is not a happy hunting ground, only 1 win (in 2019) in the last 10 visits. Certainly, with the energy and togetherness displayed from midweek, there is no reason why we can’t reverse some of those less than encouraging stats …… and get us going again away from home (we are placed 4^th in the premier league ‘away’ table)! I’m certain that our supporters in attendance will be in a better frame of mind today, and why not. Everton, however, will be no pushovers, irrespective of form, their home record is much better than their paltry 1 away victory.

Wherever you follow the match, on here, the radio, watching, at Goodison, enjoy the match and feel free to post your comments on this thread in the usual manner!!

UTW

Match Thread: Everton v Wolves 13.3.2022

Posted by: Wolves (IP Logged)

Date: 13/03/2022 09:41

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:05:01:18:07:25 by Ivybridge Wolf.