Advertisement

'Wolves have triumphed in adversity before'

Alfie Pond, playing against Port Vale, for Wolves' Under-21. He is shielding the ball from an opponent with the ball at chest height with his arms out either side.
[Getty Images]

This time last year Wolves ended Manchester City's unbeaten start to the season with a 2-1 win at Molineux.

It ignited their own campaign and helped shape fan opinion about Gary O'Neil, who had only been in post under two months.

Wolves already had a win, at Everton, under O'Neil but it is hard not to look at the comparisons ahead of Saturday's visit of Liverpool.

Another big team rolls into town, expected to win, with Wolves struggling to assert themselves.

Winless and bottom of the Premier League they are under the spotlight again after a difficult start, although there is little internal panic.

They pushed the Reds close last season, going ahead before losing 3-1, and their home record against the traditional big six was impressive.

On Friday, O'Neil played down any links between the City win and any possible victory on Saturday, especially as he deals with a virus which has swept through the squad and left key men doubtful.

Having lost defender Yerson Mosquera, most likely for the season, following a serious knee injury, it is another issue which the head coach would have wanted to avoid.

Defender Alfie Pond, 20, who captained the Under-21s to a 4-1 win over Leeds on Monday, could be given a Premier League baptism with the defence already stretched but Wolves have triumphed in adversity before and will have to again.

An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.
[BBC]