Mike Taylor, BBC Radio WM
6 months in the past, Wolves were in the same way placed, in the slipstream of European qualification, seemingly poised to strike. There was terrific excitement they could break via – but two subdued performances versus Arsenal and West Ham deflated that.
Here they are again. Hopes slumped after Wolves’ collapse towards Leeds and the absences of Ruben Neves and Raul Jimenez but, following beating Aston Villa additional convincingly than the result implied, Wolves enthusiasts head north with practical dreams that trips to Europe could be again upcoming season.
Bruno Lage has not reviewed Europe so much – joking about enthusiasts wanting a pre-time tour – but yesterday he cautiously tackled it, noting that if they are to severely problem, they need to stockpile factors now. In May well they encounter Chelsea, Liverpool and – when rearranged – most likely Manchester City far too. While Wolves ended up unlucky not to attract with both of those title contenders earlier this time, they will not want to depart far too significantly to do.
Tonight’s game then is incredibly essential. Beating Newcastle, whose surge looks to be running out of gasoline, would improve pressure on Manchester United and West Ham as they transfer previously mentioned them till tomorrow at the very least. Wolves will continue to be with out Neves and Jimenez, but their absences were protected final weekend, so they can be confident Fabio Silva and some others will just take their chances.
European qualification could have higher benefit for Wolves than just a number of jolly visits. The summer season will deliver key decisions for recruitment and retention, most notably the evidently a great deal-coveted Neves. Reaching Europe will definitely reinforce the attractiveness of both signing up for – or staying with – Lage’s group.
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