Albion face the in-form team to beat, Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.
To call this a big game would be quite the understatement, as Fabian Hürzeler’s side target European competition next season.
Focussing on ourselves…
It’s become the new normal to check results elsewhere when fighting for Europe and not seeing consistency on the pitch. Albion’s results have fluctuated throughout the season, with large signs of naivety stretching across the team. It’s important to wipe that out of mind now, with three unexplainably big games, and the old cliche of ‘every game is a final’ rings true.
Considering Albion face champions Liverpool and ‘just who we are mate’ Spurs, it’s fair to assume that the trip to the West Midlands could be the toughest of the bunch. Wolves are in remarkable form and have been hit with a huge wave of optimism since the appointment of Vitor Pereira from Benfica. The energy injected into the squad is evident, but even more notable as the Portguese head coach is regularly caught in local pubs when Wolves win a game. He likes to call it “first points, then pints” as a way of connecting with his newfound fanbase. No wonder they already love him!
On an Albion perspective, I want to see some mentality shift. This is our season, our European dream. Focus on ourselves and don’t keep feeling the need to look over the shoulder for others to help out. What matters is winning games, and ensuring a special season can still be on the cards.
Carlos Baleba and Jan Paul Van Hecke both won Young Player of the Season and Fan’s and Players’ Player respectively last night. Two deserving candidates, who have the potential to make a big difference on Saturday afternoon. Baleba’s dynamism in midfield has been good to watch, and with Joel Veltman and Tariq Lamptey both returning from injury, I’d absolutely love to see a ‘double pivot’ with both Mats Wieffer and our Young Player of the Season.
Wieffer has had a difficult time in winning over fans, but there’s an inner belief in him from my side. We know his quality in midfield, his cameos have been brief, and has been playing totally out of position at right-back of late. A manuevere into midfield could unlock both Carlos Baleba and Matt O’Riley. Stylisicly, the trio suit each other perfectly in a balanced midfield trio. O’Riley is growing into his role at the club. The late box arriver, good in a tackle and positive with the ball at his feet. Complimented by a deeper-lying midfielder like Wieffer, and bursts of power from Baleba, it’s a positive blend. Opposition manager Pereira may try to play through Albion’s press, and the fluidity between the three could be a strong counter.
The view from the home end…
Podcaster, TSR contributor and Wolves fan Dave Azzopardi from Talking Wolves told TalkSeagulls:
“It’s been a strange season as a Wolves fan.
I’m sure a huge portion of our fanbase were resigned to a relegation battle in December but our fortunes have massively changed since Vitor Pereira’s arrival. After a strong start, Pereira managed to get fans onside and after a solid January transfer window they’ve never looked back.
The club have recently just gone on a six match winning run, their best in the top flight for over 50 years and morale is high, especially with Pereira regularly joining fans for a post match pint at the local pubs!
Some may think Wolves may take their foot off the gas now Premier League survival is secured, but I think it will be the opposite.
Pereira wants wins and wants momentum for the new season so it could be a really competitive game at Molineux on Saturday.”
Head to head
Taking a wider view, Albion generally have the better of Wolves, despite the differences in form. Since Wolves were promoted to the Premier League in 2018, Albion have only suffered defeat on three occasions, whilst winning and drawing their other 18 (6W, 6D). If you believe in head-to-head luck, a very good reason to be positive!
Some match facts, via BBC Sport:
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Albion unbeaten in their last six Premier League games against Wolves (W4 D2), scoring 18 goals during this run.
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The Seagulls have won just one of their last seven Premier League games (D3 L3), the last minute knock-out West Ham 3-2 last month being their only victory. However, they’ve lost their last two away from home, last losing three in a row in May 2021.
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Wolves have now lost their last three against Brighton at home.
There are reasons to be positive, and there are reasons to be worried about this new Wolves ‘superteam’. What we do need is positivity and confidence, and that would be majorly boosted with three points at Molineux.
