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Ahead of Saturday’s Premier League tie at the Emirates Stadium versus Wolverhampton Wanderers, which will be refereed by Peter Bankes, I spoke to one of their supporters. Thank you to Jake for answering the questions!
How long have you supported Wolves?
I’ve supported Wolves my whole life (I’m 31) and went to my first match v Port Vale in 1998.
What are your hopes and expectations for the 2023/24 season?
My initial hope at the beginning of the season was survival after Lopetegui left and we were tipped for relegation. After a positive start to the season (and having been on the end of multiple horrible VAR calls) I think we can comfortably finish mid-table.
What are your views on your manager?
I was sceptical at first simply because I see Lopetegui as a top manager and O’Neil hadn’t even completed a full season in management (although he did extremely well to keep Bournemouth up). The reality is that O’Neil has been a breath of fresh air and has really galvanised the club, players and fans.
Style of play and tactics – direct/passing/hybrid?
Wolves try to play out from the back and are very quick in transition. We seem to perform well against teams that attack us (City, United etc) because we are quick on the counter. We struggle against ‘lesser’ opposition when the onus is on us to break them down.
One(s) to watch now and in the future?
Pedro Neto is the star player in this squad however I’m not sure he’ll be fit to start at the weekend following his hamstring injury. Despite him being out injured for a few weeks now, he’s still top of the Premier League assists chart with 7. The star for the future in my opinion is Joao Gomes however he’ll serve a one-match suspension this weekend.
Random fact about your Club?
Wolves were the first club to win all four top divisions. They are also the only club to have won all three domestic cups (FA Cup, League Cup, EFL Trophy).
Which were your favourite and least favourite matches involving Wolves?
My favourite Wolves game in recent times was the 3-2 home victory over Man City. 2-0 down to come back and win was incredible and Molineux was rocking. My least favourite was losing 5-1 to arch-rivals West Bromwich Albion at home in the Mick McCarthy era. That was a rough day.
Which sides do you think will finish in the top four and which do you think will finish in the bottom three?
Top 4 – Man City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle.
Bottom 3 – Sheff Utd, Luton, Burnley.
What are your thoughts on Arsenal?
I think they’re a classy club with a great history. I used to love watching the famous Invincibles as a youngster on Match of the Day. Thierry Henry is still the best player I’ve seen in the Premier League.
If you could steal one Arsenal player for your team, who would it be and why?
Bukayo Saka – the boy will just get better and better and (hopefully) help England to silverware.
What is your prediction for this match?
It looks like Wolves will be without Neto and Ait-Nouri through injury and have two starting midfielders in Lemina and Gomes suspended. Even with all of those fit, it would be a tough task but I can’t see anything other than a home win – Arsenal 3-1 Wolves.
