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Dare we begin to dream?

Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers
by John Bray - BBC (U7722196) 03 November 2009
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Arsenal have won nine and drawn two of their last 11 games in all competitions.

Arsenal have scored 32 goals in their 10 Premier League games this season.

Arsenal beat north London rivals Spurs 3-0 at the weekend - and manager Arsene Wenger claimed: "We should have scored more."

Arsenal are clearly on fire, and if you're still not convinced of the monumental challenge awaiting Wolves on Saturday, here's Match of the Day's Alan Hansen:

"For all of my philosophy that winning is everything, you cannot deny that it would be good for the game if Arsenal were to win the title because they play brilliant football. They are now playing with some backbone, though."

What a thrilling prospect for everyone who will be at Molineux on Saturday night. A rampant Arsenal side littered with world class footballers - and our Wolves, fresh out of the Championship, and right now playing with the self belief that really does make you "proud to be a Wolves fan".

Dropped points against West Ham, Hull and Portsmouth mean Wolves can't escape from the bottom six just now. But the heart-warming performances against Everton, Villa and Stoke provide a real sense that Wolves can compete seriously in the Premier League - because we are.

A fairly abject first 45 minutes at the Britannia, but a transformed second half performance that provoked memories of that thrilling 4-3 victory over Leicester almost six years ago to the day: news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foo...

Make no mistake, Wolves are playing with masses of desire, but no shortage of controlled play either. But a masterclass in ball retention awaits on Saturday, and that's where Wolves fell down in the first half at Stoke - the ball was given away far too easily.

But with the heroic Karl Henry showing such determination, and Nenad Milijas adding second half class, Wolves did enough to win at Stoke. And how many teams do that?

So we're gunning for the Gunners, with three obvious selection posers for Mick McCarthy.

Based on the second half at the Britannia, he needs to restore Milijas to the starting XI. Who partners the fantastic Kevin Doyle in attack? And who should play at left back?

The decision on the left of defence is a clear one. Either take the struggling George Elokobi out of the firing line, or back him to come good against English football's pass-masters.

Elokobi is clearly a massively popular figure in the Wolves squad, and has so many admirable qualities. But right now, his use of the ball is not Premier League standard, and Wolves are clearly missing the attacking thrusts provided by Stephen Ward.

So it's all set up fantastically. Molineux will be a seething mass of excitement - and you would think Arsenal should be too strong.

But how many of us seriously expected Wolves to be unbeaten in the last three games - while all of us will remember this with such fondness: news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foo...










Latest 10 comments

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posted Nov 3, 2009

John can you sort the team of the week out. It's an insult to have Milijas, and Craddock in the wrong strips

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posted Nov 3, 2009

Play it tight, but have to 'get in their faces' and upset their rhythm.
Would have CAstillo and HEnry in,Milijas in at the top of the midfield, MAncienne at LB, JAvo in, Doyler on his own up front. SEB on the bench offering an alternative if things don't pan out.
We have a chance, so we have got to try and take it!

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posted Nov 3, 2009

Bloggerwolf, it's a 'no-lose' situation for you really. If they win, then nothing happens, they'll continue to ignore you or look down on you...

...but if they DON'T win, you'll be able to tease them for years!

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posted Nov 3, 2009

Don't let them get to you Bloggerwolf.

Believe it or not there was a time not too long ago when everyone used to take the micky out of Arsenal for being the most boring team in the country who bored everyone senseless by grinding out 0-0 draws or 1-0 wins.

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posted Nov 3, 2009

this is the game i want to win most this season
one of my friends an arsenal fan and i would be over the moon with just 1 point
i hope we at least compete because the confidence of the last 3 games could just be brushed away if we get hamered
i can see us getting something out of the gooners but sadly not chelsea

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posted Nov 3, 2009

i think hell play too
but when he plays
mick will drop a striker
who can actualy score goals.
so if keogh plays in midfield some how
i would be happy
but if he drops a striker
and has a terrible game
BRING ON THE ABUSE.

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posted Nov 4, 2009

No dream I really think we can win this on Saturday.I have followed The Wolves since the early 1960s (when I lived in Rugeley, Staffs.)They seem to always be able to lift their game against quality opposition.I forecast 3-2 to Wolves.

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posted Nov 4, 2009

Arsenal do not like it up 'em!! Ask West Ham. They got amoungst Arsenal's players, gave 'em a few whacks and came from behind to get a draw.
Don't be afraid of Mr Wenger either, he needs a new pair of glasses, they are distinctly rose-tinted, he NEVER sees his own players fouling but complains fast enough if one of his team gets put on his bum!!

All it takes is a little belief, a lot of heart and a half decent Ref (who will not be conned by Arsenals play acting) and we'll be ok.

UP THE WOLVES!!!!!

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posted Nov 5, 2009

Arsenal's play acting?! You don't watch them very often, do you!

3-1 to the Gunners.

Hopefully the ref will see your players kicking lumps out of ours and send a few off!

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posted Nov 5, 2009

FantasyFootball?! You're in fantasy land if you don't realise Arsenal players dive all over the place!!

Eduardo anyone?

UP THE WOLVES!!!

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