Spurs have not been used to defeat recently, so it will be interesting to see how they handle the test of a Wolves side also in the infancy of a new project under a new manager.
Manager Ange Postecoglou was positive after Spurs’ defeat to Chelsea, a stark contrast to other managers on the wrong end of recent refereeing decisions. However, with the loss of four of his starters, including three in defense, a Wolves side who have shown they can cause an upset recently against Manchester City will cause problems for the Australian and his team.
Wolves aren’t without issues themselves, with star man Neto out until after the international break at least, and their position of 14th in the table speaks of a team that has struggled both to score goals and keep them out so far this season.
Spurs Tactics And Game Plan
With his attitude during the Chelsea game, Postecoglou has already written this for me. He then stated, without the slightest trace of irony, that Spurs play one way—to attack, to defend high, and to convey his ideals—when eleven, nine, or even five players are on the field.
Because of this, you should anticipate seeing a defensive line up in the center circle, full backs tucking narrow while in possession, and attackers spreading as wide as they can on the pitch.
So far we’ve seen a 4-3-3/4-3-2-1 hybrid, with Maddison straddling the roles of an eight and a ten, so it will be interesting to see what the formation resembles given that there isn’t really another player like him at the club.
Either way, expect to see Spurs again look to dominate possession and attack at pace.
Wolves Tactics And Game Plan
The Wolves are likely to play 4-4-2, with Hwang Hee-chang providing their most potent threat with six goals so far this season. Expect to see Gary O’Neil’s side try to replicate their performance against Manchester City, maintaining shape and organization to defend for large spells without the ball but getting the South Korean in behind Spurs’ backline when they do regain possession.
Key to this tactic will be Traore and Lemina in midfield, who will look to use the ball quickly as soon as they receive it and move in tandem to support the Wolves attack whenever possible, tapping into their energy reserves to retreat quickly whenever Spurs regain control.
Key Battles
Nelson Semedo v. Brennan Johnson
Semedo, who is more renowned for his attacking skills than his ability to defend, will dedicate a large portion of the game to stopping Johnson, who has had a difficult start to his Spurs career due to circumstances beyond his control.
Despite Maddison’s apparent serious injury, the young Welshman has shown promise when he has played, and he will be among the Spurs players entrusted with breaking down the Wolves defense.
Ex-Barcelona full back Semedo will match him for pace, and when possible, try to pin Johnson back too, so don’t expect one-way traffic in this battle.
Hwang Hee-chang v Eric Dier
Eric Dier has enjoyed very little football this season, and while he performed manfully in his spell against Chelsea, the in-form Wolves forward will not be the opponent he’d have chosen in his first start of the season.
With Wolves’ main weapon likely to be their ability to counterattack, Dier’s lack of pace will be a concern, and Postecoglou will need to find a way to mitigate that if he wants to stop Wolves top scorer from being presented with chances to hurt the North London side.
Head-to-Head Record
In the last ten Premier League fixtures between these sides, Spurs have come out on top five times, with Wolves winning three. The most recent battle, however, was a Wolves win last March at Molineux.
Recent Form
Wolves Form
The Black Country side has won three, drawn three, and lost five this season, leaving them 14th in the table with 12 points.
Spurs Form
Before Spurs’ maiden league defeat on Monday, Tottenham had won eight and drawn twice, leaving the North Londoners second in the table with 26 points.
Prediction
Despite their injury woes and the suspensions to Romero and Udogie, Spurs still boast a midfielder who can control the game and a front three with the imagination and pace to unlock most teams. Barring a significant hangover from last Monday’s disappointment, I expect a Spurs victory in a match they should dominate.
