Wolves vs Leeds Preview

• Dessiner
• Les deux équipes doivent marquer

The bottom of the table is already starting to look ominous for Wolves, who desperately need to put points on the board as they welcome newly-promoted Leeds to Molineux. Vítor Pereira’s side have endured a nightmare start to the campaign, suffering four defeats from four matches. Not only does this mark their worst-ever opening to a Premier League season, but Wolves have also struggled in both boxes, conceding nine goals while scoring just twice. The fanbase is beginning to grow restless, and this fixture now feels like a must-win to avoid the early-season crisis deepening.

Historically, Wolves have often been labelled slow starters, but this time the malaise feels more worrying. The club’s inability to make decisive additions in the transfer window has left them short of firepower and reliant on Jørgen Strand Larsen, who has yet to fully recover from a knock. Pereira’s tactical experiments have also failed to provide results, leaving Wolves looking short of identity. Confidence has drained from the stands at Molineux, and the pressure is mounting.

Leeds, meanwhile, are back in the Premier League for the first time since their 2022/23 relegation, and while their start has not been disastrous, they have not found consistency either. After opening their campaign with a win, Daniel Farke’s men have since stumbled, picking up just one point across their last three games (D1, L2). Their last outing against Fulham ended in heartbreak, as a stoppage-time own goal condemned them to a 1-0 defeat. It extended their run of three consecutive Premier League games without scoring, a stark contrast to last season’s free-scoring Championship campaign.

For Leeds, the challenge is adjusting to the step-up in quality. While defensively they have shown signs of resilience, their lack of goals is concerning. Returning to winning ways here would be a major confidence boost, but with Wolves equally desperate, this match could prove tense and cagey.

Historique du face-à-face

The history between these two sides paints an interesting picture. Wolves dominated the fixture for years, winning five straight H2Hs across all competitions before Leeds’ resurgence. More recently, however, the Whites have had the upper hand, winning three of the last five meetings (D1, L1). Wolves’ only victory in that run came in the EFL Cup last season.

At Molineux specifically, Leeds have enjoyed recent success. They took all three points in a 4-2 thriller in 2022/23, a result that piled pressure on Wolves at the time. This head-to-head therefore adds another layer of intrigue: Leeds will believe they can extend Wolves’ misery, while the home side will see this as an opportunity to finally get their season underway.

Statistiques et séries chaudes

• Wolves have lost all four of their Premier League matches this season — their worst-ever start to a top-flight campaign.
• Wolves have won eight of their last ten Premier League matches against newly-promoted opposition (D1, L1).
• Wolves have lost eight of their last nine Premier League home games played in August and September (W1).
• Leeds are goalless in three successive Premier League matches, their longest such run since the final weeks of the 2022/23 season.
• Leeds have received exactly two yellow cards in six of their last seven away league games.
• Daniel Farke has lost all seven of his Premier League matches against teams starting with the letter W, a quirky stat he will be desperate to end.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players

For Wolves, all eyes may turn to Hwang Hee-chan, one of the few players who looks capable of producing decisive moments.

Six of his last eight club goals have arrived before half-time, suggesting he could be key to helping Wolves start on the front foot. His ability to stretch defences and find space in the box will be vital given Wolves’ current lack of cutting edge.

Leeds will look to Jack Harrison, who has a strong personal record at Molineux. The winger has scored in three of his last four league visits to this ground, and his creativity could provide the spark Leeds need to end their scoring drought.

Harrison’s combination of work rate and eye for goal often makes him one of Leeds’ most reliable performers in tight matches like this.

Team news is a mixed bag. Wolves remain unsure about the availability of Jørgen Strand Larsen, who has been carrying a calf issue. His absence would deprive Pereira of a focal point in attack. Leeds, meanwhile, will be without first-choice goalkeeper Lucas Perri, and they are also sweating on the fitness of Dan James after his injury against Fulham.

Bataille tactique

The tactical clash here is fascinating because of the contrasting approaches of both managers. Wolves under Pereira have struggled to find fluidity, often relying on cautious possession-based football without much penetration. If Larsen is unavailable, they may have to turn to more mobile but less physical options in attack, which could hinder their ability to hold the ball up. Pereira must strike a balance between defensive solidity and attacking intent, especially as the home fans demand something more proactive.

Leeds, under Farke, prefer a high-energy pressing style, but they have found the adjustment to Premier League intensity challenging. Their pressing has often been bypassed, leaving their defence exposed. That said, against a Wolves side struggling for goals and confidence, their aggressive style could prove fruitful in forcing mistakes high up the pitch.

Expect Wolves to try and keep the game tight early on, while Leeds will look to exploit transitions. The midfield battle will be key, with neither side wanting to surrender control in a match that could be decided by fine margins.

Prédiction

With both sides struggling for form, this fixture is unlikely to produce free-flowing football. Wolves are desperate for a result to halt their losing streak, while Leeds’ lack of goals suggests they may also struggle to impose themselves. The home advantage could tilt things in Wolves’ favour, but Leeds’ confidence from past meetings at Molineux gives them belief.

Ultimately, this has the makings of a tense and low-scoring encounter. Wolves’ desperation could drive them on to secure their first points, but Leeds’ resilience and ability to frustrate may deny them the win.

Prediction: Wolves 1-1 Leeds

A nervy stalemate that does little to ease the pressure on either manager.

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