'When the chips are down, O’Neil’s men somehow find a way of getting a result'published at 13:00 12 March
13:00 12 March
Matt Cooper Fan writer
Injuries to key players are mounting up for Wolves as they approach the business end of the season.
The squad lacks depth at the best of times but rewind to Saturday and Gary O’Neil found himself having to bring on a holding midfielder and centre-half for two of Wolves' most attacking players.
Most fans, including me, feared the worst and just hoped to get through the game with a point and no further injuries.
Well, not this Wolves side. When the chips are down, O'Neil's men roll their sleeves up and somehow find a way of getting a result.
Wolves came out in the second half and completely dominated Fulham - despite being forced into those two changes before half-time.
It's a testament to the work O'Neil and his team have done with this group as they all seem to be fighting for the same cause.
Let's just hope Wolves can get some players back for the final stretch of the season.
Meanwhile, outgoing manager Jurgen Klopp has recommended that Liverpool sign Algeria left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves, although the 22-year-old is also on Manchester United's radar. (Teamtalk), external
Is Kilman good enough for an England call-up? McNulty Q&Apublished at 18:34 11 March
18:34 11 March
BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions on Monday.
Nick asked: Do you think Max Kilman at Wolves deserves a chance with England? He is our captain, left-footed, very good on the ball and can play a pass. I doubt Gareth Southgate will take anyone from us as he seems to have something against Wolves players.
Phil replied: Max Kilman is a very good player who has played a big part in Wolves’ excellent season and I would be very happy to see him get a chance. Not sure he will be included, though - and this is not because Gareth Southgate has something against Wolves players, I just think he might look elsewhere.
Never say never - because things can change and force a manager's hand and I also happen to think central defence is the biggest question mark about England’s current team.
Will Wolves get a European spot?published at 16:03 11 March
16:03 11 March
Image source, Opta
As the Premier League heads into the business end of the season, statisticians Opta have been putting the remaining fixtures through their 'supercomputer' to predict who will finish where in the table at the end of the campaign.
Wolves, who currently sit ninth, are among a number of teams fighting for a European place next season. They kept themselves in that race with a 2-1 win over Fulham on Saturday but have key matches against fellow European football chasers to come.
According to Opta, Wolves are likely to miss out on a European spot and finish in the bottom half with an 11th place finish on 54.04 points.
But what do you think Wolves fans? Do you agree with the prediction or have you got faith Gary O'Neil and the team can beat the 'supercomputer' and get into the top seven?
Your views on Wolves v Fulhampublished at 13:17 11 March
13:17 11 March
We asked for your views on Saturday's game between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham.
Here are some of your responses:
Wolves fans
Chris: Gary O’Neil produced a tactical masterclass, bringing on Toti Gomes and pushing Ait-Nouri further up. It changed the game, and in our favour.
Ian: Given the state of things at the start of the season the manager has really got this squad playing as a cohesive unit. They've suffered VAR issues, injuries and tiredness. Yet still he manages to galvanise the players to perform at the highest level and get results. It probably won't happen, but Gary O'Neil should be up there as manager of the year.
Colin: Excellent performance. Could have crumbled after losing Bellegarde and Neto but dug in for a deserved win - and the scoreline could have been more flattering with a great chance to go 3-0 up. That said, Fulham had their chances and Sa and co played a huge part in us winning the game.
Mike: Brilliant result. Our already paper-thin squad was stretched even further but the lads really dug in and got the result their efforts deserved. Mario Lemina will surely sleep for a week after his effort. Gary O'Neil's gold and black army marches on.
Fulham fans
Pete: The better side lost due to sloppy play early second half. Shame really, will have to tighten up play, concentrate on the tasking, and keep the ball. The team have great goalscorers who need to take their chances in a more assured manner. The manager needs to ensure the players are trained and in the correct mind space not to fluff chances.
David: Through good goalkeeping from Sa, poor finishing, and sloppy defending, from a very dominant position Fulham totally threw the match and points away. It's a typical Fulham-ish scenario - failing to take chances or finishing teams off only to let the opposition back into the game.
Bob: Disappointing again we are not converting our chances. Pleased to see Marco played two up front eventually. I don't know why we don't do that more often. Still, we are, in most cases, holding our own this season. Just need to be a little bit more positive in front of goal.
Will: Not sure how we didn't have this wrapped up by the half-time whistle. Wilson has to do better and Tosin hit the frame. Shame we couldn't make it three in a row, but three wins in our past five is not too shabby at all.
'O'Neil has to be up there for manager of the season'published at 09:19 11 March
09:19 11 March
Image source, Getty Images
Former Chelsea midfielder Jody Morris believes Wolves boss Gary O'Neil "has to be up there for manager of the season".
O'Neil has the Old Gold in ninth in the Premier League, challenging for Europe, and looking forward to an FA Cup quarter-final against Championship Coventry next weekend.
"He won't like it because he's a modest guy but at the same time there shouldn't be anyone else in the conversation with him if you're outside the top maybe two or three," Morris told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.
"Lets get it right, when he first went to Wolves in the summer, five days before their first game of the season, it was like Wolves maybe not doing as much as what they were pretending to do a few years ago.
"They brought in Gary who had done a great job at Bournemouth. You cannot argue if someone was to say he's manager of the season.
"They've beaten Chelsea twice, some of the big teams.
"For them to be in the conversation in the top 10, let alone not in a relegation battle, actually challenging for Europe - he has to be up there for manager of the season.
Wolves 2-1 Fulham: Analysispublished at 18:20 9 March
18:20 9 March
Sam Drury BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Going in at half-time, Wolves had sustained more injuries than they had managed shots.
With Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and star man Pedro Neto forced off, an already thread-bare attacking group was further diminished and after being outplayed by Fulham for much of the first 45 minutes, it seemed a tough second half awaited.
Instead, Gary O'Neil's side gritted their teeth and gave all they had in an impressive show of controlled aggression and intensity.
Mario Lemina was the embodiment of all Wolves were after the break, refusing to give any Fulham player a moment's peace.
He was as relentless off the ball and as he was smart on it, fully committing to everything, including an unfamiliar position on the left wing at times.
Rayan Ait-Nouri was also given a more attacking role and seemed to relish the freedom to drive at his man again and again.
In midfield, Joao Gomes impressed on his return while Nathan Fraser worked tirelessly on his full Premier League debut.
The injuries continue to mount but after what must rank as one of Wolves' most satisfying wins of the season, Molineux can look forward to an exciting end to the campaign with a push for Europe added to next week's FA Cup quarter-final.
Full time: Wolves 2-1 Fulhampublished at 17:15 9 March
17:15 9 March
Wolves gave their hopes of playing European football next season a boost as they beat Fulham to move up to eighth in the Premier League.
Rayan Ait-Nouri opened the scoring early in the second half, converting from Toti Gomes' pull back after Fulham failed to deal adequately with a free-kick from deep.
There was more than a hint of good fortune about the second as Nelson Semedo's shot took a big deflection off Tom Cairney to leave Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno helpless.
Alex Iwobi pulled one back deep into stoppage time with a clever, improvised finish but there was barely time for the game to restart as Wolves held on.
The win for Gary O'Neil's side was all the more impressive given they lost both Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Pedro Neto to injury in the first half.
Meanwhile, Fulham were left to rue missed opportunities having dominated the first half with Harry Wilson firing wide with only the goalkeeper to beat and Tosin Adarabioyo thumping a shot against the bar when left unmarked eight yards out.
Wolves were a changed side after the break, quickly putting Marco Silva's side under pressure with an aggressive high press, led by the impressive Mario Lemina.
They were able to ease off slightly after going two ahead and although they managed to keep the visitors quiet for the most part, Jose Sa was forced to make a smart save to deny Joao Palhinha before Max Kilman headed Rodrigo Muniz's follow-up effort off the line.
Former Wolves winger Adama Traore also had a fierce shot repelled by Sa as Fulham's poor record at Molineux continues.
Iwobi's goal was their first in five visits to the ground and you have to go back to March 1985 for their last win at Wolves, a run of 18 games in league and cup.
Were you at the match or did you follow it from elsewhere?
Sutton's predictions: Wolves v Fulhampublished at 08:54 9 March
08:54 9 March
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches again this season, against a variety of guests.
For this weekend's games, he takes on The Zutons frontman Dave McCabe, who supports Liverpool, and Better Joy's Bria Keely, who is a Manchester City fan.
Sutton's prediction: 1-1
I didn't expect Wolves to get walloped the way they did at Newcastle last time out, the same way I didn't think Fulham would beat Brighton so convincingly.
I really like what Fulham are doing at the moment, though. They are playing some nice football and, up front, Rodrigo Muniz is in excellent form.
Wolves are definitely without Matheus Cunha through injury so the level of their attacking threat depends on whether Pedro Neto is fit after he came off with a hamstring problem against the Magpies.
Either way, this is another very difficult game to call. I don't want to go for a draw but I do feel like it's the most likely outcome.
O'Neil on contract talks, Wolves finances and Netopublished at 13:37 8 March
13:37 8 March
Phil Cartwright BBC Sport journalist
Wolves boss Gary O'Neil has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League fixture against Fulham.
Here are the main headlines:
Winger Pedro Neto and goalkeeper Jose Sa are "both feeling 100% fine" and will be in the squad after being forced off with injury problems at half-time in the 3-0 defeat by Newcastle last weekend.
Sporting director Matt Hobbs said on Thursday that contract talks with O'Neil are planned for the end of the season, but O'Neil is keen to focus on Wolves' remaining fixtures before starting discussions about his own future.
On how straightforward those talks will be when they take place: "I love it here. I'm really happy and I love everything we're trying to do, even the challenges we've had to face with how we try to do things and changing the model financially. I've loved the reception I've got from the fans and the relationship I have with the fans, the playing squad and the staff. I'm sure when it comes to it, there will be no problems."
On his relationship with Hobbs: "Matt's a great guy, I wouldn't be here without him. The support I've had from Matt has been something I haven't really experienced in football before as a player or as a manager at my last club. When you have to have awkward conversations, you always know my side and his side are coming from a really good place."
Wolves announced a financial loss of £67.2m for 2022-23 last week, but O'Neil insisted that does not mean the club will be forced to sell any of its star assets: "We have enough assets within the club, whether they be here or playing elsewhere, that we'll be able to do some stuff in the summer. But also, if we want to be really active and sign players, then we will need to sell some. That doesn't mean we have to sell one of the most expensive ones. It's not like we have to sell, but if we want to do business, there will be people that leave in the summer."
'I have to put faith in the Premier League'published at 13:49 7 March
13:49 7 March
Image source, Getty Images
Wolverhampton Wanderers are anxious not to be seen as the poster boys for sticking to the rules in regards to the Premier League Profit and Sustainability limits.
The club have stuck to their guns over spending to make sure they remain under the allowed £105m three-year loss allowance. Their stance was significant in the club parting with former manager Julen Lopetegui.
With Everton already having a six point deduction and Nottingham Forest soon to begin a hearing for a similar charge, Wolves are keen to not suffer a similar fate.
Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs told BBC Sport: "I have to put faith in the Premier League that they will manage what they need to manage."
But, he does seem to have some sympathy for Newcastle United, who despite having lots of money, are restricted under current rules as to what they can spend.
Hobbs added: "Their owner is incredibly wealthy, I'm not sure they should be capped on what they should spend.
"There has to be stuff put in place to protect it going forward, but if they want to spend their money that should be OK. But that's just my opinion."
Fulham 'full of confidence' heading into 'tough' game at Wolvespublished at 13:08 7 March
13:08 7 March
Image source, Getty Images
Midfielder Tom Cairney says Fulham will head to Molineux "full of confidence" when they take on Wolves on Saturday.
Marco Silva's side have won their past two Premier League games against Manchester United and Brighton.
They also won the reverse fixture with Wolves 3-2 at Craven Cottage in November, with Willian netting the second of his two penalties on the night in second-half stoppage-time.
"It will be difficult," said Cairney on the Footballers' Football Podcast.
"I've been very impressed by Wolves, Gary O'Neil has done a very good job.
"If we win, we go level on points with them and it takes us to 38 points, which will be an incredible return. If you win three Premier League games in a row, it's incredible. We're going there full of confidence but it's a tough game."
'Ambition demands they go all out in both league and cup'published at 17:01 6 March
17:01 6 March
Mike Taylor BBC Radio WM reporter
One of the more popular devices around football discussion on air and online these days is the ‘would you rather…’ theme. Would you rather win a local derby or beat the champions? Would you rather prioritise the league or go for a Cup?
Most managers, in my experience, are polite enough not to roll their eyes when asked a question like that, although their response is usually the same - both.
That does not make it a silly question. There are two probable reasons why such an answer is almost inevitable: to admit a game does not matter as much as another invites laziness; and in any case, competitors like winning too much.
To be a professional footballer requires a fair bit of winning and it is addictive. Once the floodlights go on, do the top professionals really think about what competition it is? It’s show time.
All the same, such a question may well be asked of Gary O’Neil this week. He looked a little crestfallen at Newcastle, although there was no disgrace in their performance. Wolves were competitive throughout and, given a re-run, might have won, or at least scored first.
More concerning, though, was the feeling that his squad, stretched like a drum skin throughout the season, is finally starting to fray.
Joao Gomes had not recovered from cramp in his hamstring three nights earlier; Jose Sa and Pedro Neto managed only one half. With Hwang Hee-chan seemingly out of action for most of the rest of the season, and Matheus Cunha anxious to return but not yet ready, now is the moment of maximum stress .
It is also the moment of maximum opportunity. O’Neil rightly railed against the idea that a high finish might be beyond them now: "I don’t want us to be happy just to have 38 points… we need to find a way that we are competitive and keep pushing forward."
Wolves fans, delighting at how much better their season is turning out than everyone expected, yearn for that, but also for a Wembley appearance in the FA Cup.
Fulham in the league this weekend; Coventry in the cup after that. A Wembley date looks more achievable than seventh place just now, but to conserve their dwindling resources for the cup game does not feel like the Wolves way, not this season.
Rising ambition demands they go all out for both.
*Wolves v Fulham - commentary on BBC Radio WM (DAB), Saturday from 15:00 GMT
*BBC Radio WM Football Phone-in, weeknights 18:00 GMT
Wolves v Fulham: Pick of the statspublished at 11:14 6 March
11:14 6 March
Here are the key facts and figures before Saturday's game between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham in the Premier League.
Wolves have not lost in their seven Premier League home games against Fulham (W5 D2), the most they have played a side at Molineux without ever losing in the competition. They are unbeaten in 14 home league games against Fulham overall (W10 D4) since a 4-0 reverse in April 1985.
After their 3-2 win at Craven Cottage in November, Fulham could complete their first ever league double over Wolves, in what is the 44th league campaign in which the two clubs have met.
Wolves have only failed to score in one of their past 20 Premier League home games, a 2-0 defeat by Brentford last month.
Fulham have won both of their past two Premier League games, most recently winning more consecutively between December and January last season (four). Both of these wins have come against sides in the top half of the table and the Cottagers most recently won three consecutive Premier League games against sides starting the day in the division's top 10 from October-December 2009 under Roy Hodgson.
Wolves have scored 40 goals in their 27 Premier League games this season, their most in a single campaign since 2019-20 (51), with their average of 1.5 per game their highest in a Premier League season.
Having not scored in any of his first 10 Premier League appearances, Rodrigo Muniz has since netted five in his past five league games for Fulham. His five goals are the most by a player aged 22 or younger in a Premier League season for the club since Collins John in 2005-06 (11).
Newcastle loss 'one to forget' but still chances to make memoriespublished at 13:01 5 March
13:01 5 March
Dave Azzopardi Fan writer
A disappointing afternoon in Newcastle should not be something that concerns Wolves fans. This stretched squad have given us a lot of positivity so far this season and there are still lots of memories to be made before the end of the season.
European football was never the aim for Wolves in August with the state the club was in. Gary O'Neil was brought in to keep the club in the Premier League and we should all be happy with where the club are currently at and the level of performances we have seen at times so far this season.
To qualify for Europe via the league would be a stretch in my opinion, but we have every right to still be in the conversation.
Because of fatigue and injuries, the loss at Newcastle was due. It was not an abysmal performance but with the lack of creativity and bite from Wolves, it was definitely one to forget. We have seen the squad look a little bit leggy recently but they have shown their quality with the narrow wins over Sheffield United and Brighton.
It is time to move on, though. Fulham will be a tough task this weekend but at Molineux I back us against anyone. Alongside a favourable FA Cup tie against Coventry City, Wolves have every chance at getting to Wembley this season and giving us more memorable moments.
