After an impressive transfer window, Wolves are being tipped to punch well above their weight in the upcoming Premier League campaign and outdo the ordinary capabilities of a newly-promoted side. This article explores their chances as they make their return to the top-flight since being relegated in 2012.
Predicting Wolves’ chances in the 2018/19 Premier League campaign has proven a difficult task for us football supporters. Recently promoted sides are told that survival is the primary target, but Wolves fans can dare to dream bigger. Their side have spent wisely this summer and their eye-catching recruitment suggests that merely surviving would be underachieving. Wolves needn’t aim so low.
How Good Are Wolves?
Can They Cope in the Top Flight?
Wolves breezed to Championship glory last season and certainly stamped their mark on the division. This was achieved by imposing a virtually unrivalled form of possession-based football that tended to sweep their opposition aside. The calibre of teams in the Premier League poses a fresh and more difficult challenge, but there is reason to suggest that Wolves can replicate this indomitable form. If Nuno Santo’s men play their cards right then they might even flirt with the Europa League places throughout the course of the season.
This, however, can be viewed as an impetuous assumption. Far too often teams who look impressive ‘on paper’ struggle to gel and keep pace with the physical and tactical demands of the Premier League. Let’s not forget that Santo’s side have endured a six-year absence from these dizzying heights, so re-acclimatising will take time.
That said, Wolves now have a side packed with international renown and experience. Other than recruiting new talent, securing long-term deals for Diogo Jota and Willy Boly will prove equally important. Maintaining the foundations of what was already an incredible title-winning side whilst strengthening key departments certainly bodes well for them.
How Have They Fared?
In their first game back in the top-flight Wolves drew 2-2 against an Everton side who, like them, seem well-equipped for a top-ten finish. This performance should reassure the Wolves faithful as it affirmed their worthiness as a Premier League team. What’s more, it suggested that they can pose a threat to the majority of sides in this division.
Wolves fans witnessed a similar outcome at the King Power stadium during their side’s 2-0 loss to Leicester City. Despite not emerging victorious, it signified that they have the capability to compete against Premier League opposition. Wolves were rugged but struck the woodwork on three occasions and were left ruing a string of wasted opportunities. Once Wolves find their cutting edge in front of goal and steady the ship defensively they should find themselves climbing the league table.
Again, it is important to stress that theory isn’t always to be trusted and that Wolves are not immune from a relegation battle. This outcome certainly doesn’t seem likely, however, if you assess the current condition of this talented outfit. To the horror of the teams around them, this is a side that will inevitably get better and better with time.
Next Up…
Next weekend Wolves face the Champions at the Molineux, which will act as the ultimate test of their mettle. From that result, we can assess the true potential of this side with a greater degree of accuracy.
Despite their rocky start, they are still regarded as the quintessential dark horses of this division. This week Nuno Santo refused to rule out the possibility of his side repeating Leicester’s title-winning heroics. Although this may be a step too far, Nuno’s point remains valid: in football, anything is possible.
Undeniably, Wolves have the makings of a formidable side who can establish themselves in the Premier League. It is whether they match the lofty goals laid out for them or crumble under the weight of such expectation that will determine their league standing come May.
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