English Premier
2011-12-17 - Wolverhampton Wands vs Stoke City
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Wolves welcomes Stoke for this Staffordshire derby match and Mick McCrathy will be hoping that Steven Fletcher holds the key for them to claim all three points here.
Fletcher has scored six goals in 10 Premier League matches this season for Wolves and five in his last six matches makes him the player to watch in this match. Wolves next game is against Norwich away next week before home games against Arsenal and Bolton before the new year so they need to pick up a win here.
As it stands now, Wolves are just sititng outside of the relegation zone and a win here could bring them as high as 11th having lost just once at home since the start of October. Despite winning just twice in their last 13 games, McCarthy is confident of a win here as they haven't lost to their rivals at home in the top flight since 1967.
The visitors Stoke have managed their third win in a row after beating Tottenham last weekend. That three wins came after a run of three consecutive defeats it must be added.
But in midweek Stoke were beaten against Besiktas 3-1 in the Europa League altohught they have already qualified to the last 16 after having won seven and drawn two of their previous nine games in the Europa League.
Nevertheless manager Tony Pulis won't be too concerned and will be aiming for three points before his side travel to Manchester City next weekendand ending off the year with two home games against Aston Villa and Wigan.
It must be noted that Stoke have lost just once in eight meetings against Wolves and will hope that it continues when they meet today.
Team News :
Wolverhampton Wanderers team News :
Wolves have doubts over winger Matt Jarvis and midfielder Dave Edwards availability at Molineux. Jarvis has a thigh problem and Edwards a sore groin, but McCarthy is hoping they can be fit in time before kickoff.
Jody Craddock (hamstring) and Kevin Foley (ankle) are unlikely to be available while Dave Edwards (groin) and Matt Jarvis (thigh) are expected to be fit prior to kickoff.
Stoke City Team News :
Stoke could keep faith with Jonathan Woodgate in central defence after impressing against Tottenham and with Mathew Etherington scoring his first two goals of the season against Tottenham, Pulis is likely to keep faith in the same lineup once again.
Striker Jonathan Walters, who has scored four goals and as many assists so far this season is expected to start alongside Peter Crouch in attack for the visitors.
Possible lineups
Wolves : Hennessey, Zubar, Craddock, Berra, Ward, Hunt, O'Hara, Henry, Jarvis, Fletcher, Doyle.
Stoke : Sorensen, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Huth, Woodgate, Etherington, Wilson, Pennant, Whelan, Crouch, Walters.
Prediction :
Take Wolves to win give the 1/4 ball here.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Wolves 2-1 Stoke
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Wolves to win
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Main Bet:
Take Wolves to clear the -1/4 goals handicap with a win and in the event of a draw you get half stakes back.
Take Wolves to clear the -1/4 goals handicap with a win and in the event of a draw you get half stakes back.
