Preview: Wolves vs Leeds

Wolves play host to Leeds United this Saturday, following an earful from chief-executive Jez Moxey. He claimed that their atrocious season is down to the under-performing players rather than any managerial fault.

Wolves boss Dean Saunders said the players will accept their responsibility, but he has challenged them to do much more to help the team’s cause, he said: “I’ve asked them individually ‘are you doing your job in your position? Don’t blame everyone else – get your job sorted’. The vital components Wolves are lacking are hunger and desire, the team haven’t won for the last eight games and sit in a dismal 21st position in the Championship, two points clear of safety.

As a Wolves fan, it has become a hopeless case waiting for a win now. We will be entertaining Leeds at Molineux, and any other season we’d have a chance of beating them and stealing all three points. However, prior to this season we lost Steven Fletcher, Matt Jarvis and Michael Kightly. Fletcher is firing on all cylinders at Sunderland, and is the only genuine loss. Our signing of Bakary Sako is one of the greatest I have seen for several years at Molineux.

 Bakary Sako will be most dangerous player on the pitch!

Sako is our danger man and will be pivotal towards securing three points again. He has scored seven league goals, and provided nine assists during a dreadful season. Sako individually tears teams to pieces on the wing, as arguably the physically strongest winger in the Championship. Saunders has already tipped Sako to reach the Premier League, and I can’t see this season ending any other way than with Sako leaving for West Ham or Stoke. Saunders said: “He is quick and he scores. He crosses the ball with his left foot, he takes people on. He’s positive and tries to work back”.

Wolves captain Roger Johnson is banned for the fixture against Leeds. Whereas Peszko, Doyle and Edwards should all be available for selection. My burning desire for Saturday, is for Leeds to capitulate without Luciano Becchio’s enigmatic presence after he was signed by Norwich City. Ross McCormack is also doubtful after he withdrew from the Scotland squad with illness. This news will lead to the debut of Steve Morison, who was part of the swap deal with Norwich for Becchio. Leeds have lost their last four games away from Elland Road and the last point they picked up away was on December 1st at Huddersfield.

 Leeds are without Becchio and McCormack!

Whilst Leeds should appear as a wounded animal for Wolves to pounce on, the game will be no walk in the park. Wolves are bottom of the Championship form table after they picked up just two points from a possible 18. Leeds beat Wolves earlier this season courtesy of a diving header from Luciano Becchio, but without the Argentinian present Wolves’ confidence should increase.

Leeds are targeting their first league double over Wolves for 29 years. Personally, I hope Wolves tear Leeds to pieces. Realistically, it will be just another painful result.

Zak Bird.