Wolves v Notts County Preview - 7M sport

Wolves v Notts County Preview



I have a say

Posted Tuesday, September 21, 2010 by sportinglife.aol.co.uk

Wolves v Notts County PreviewCARLING CUP: MOLINEUX,TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2010. KICK-OFF: 1945 BST

Mick McCarthy has been embarrassed many times by lower league opposition since his arrival at Wolves, so the visit of League One outfit Notts County is another banana skin to be wary of.

Morecambe, Rotherham and Chesterfield have all dumped McCarthy's teams out of cup competitions in recent years and it required extra time in the previous round to negotiate a path past Southend.

McCarthy's men head into this game on the back of two successive defeats and need a victory to ensure confidence will be sky high for the visit of Gerard Houllier in the West Midlands derby with Aston Villa this Sunday.

Past history may suggest an evening that will be the equivalent of taking a seat in the dentist's chair for the Wolves manager. County have deservedly beaten Plymouth and Watford in the previous rounds and have the scent of another giantkilling in their nostrils.

Key Match-Up: Steven Mouyokolo v Lee Hughes. Wolves's summer signing is expected to finally make his first appearance since his summer move from Hull, following thigh and ankle injuries. But any hopes of easing his way in gently at Molineux will be tested by veteran striker Hughes, who has three goals to his name already this season.

Form Guide: Wolves have slipped to two successive defeats but nothing should deflect from their impressive start to the campaign. County have adapted well to life in League One but are still to win away this season.

Odds: Wolves 4/9, Notts County 6/1, Draw 10/3

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS:
Kevin Doyle has endured a frustrating start to his second season at Wolves but has warned Notts County his first goal is not too far away.

The Republic of Ireland international operated as a lone striker against Spurs on Saturday and was restricted to few opportunities but after missing the start of the campaign with a calf injury he is expected to play some part against County, as he improves his fitness.

He said: "Both seasons here I've not quite been right at the start of the season and had a couple of niggles at the end of this pre-season.

"But I've felt good over the last three or four weeks and have been feeling sharper and got a couple of games with Ireland which I needed. I've played enough games now to be feeling fit and sharp and getting goals.

"As a team we were happy with the start up until just over a week ago! But we've played well in the last two games and got nothing from it."

Strategy:
McCarthy loves making changes for the Carling Cup but past history has suggested it's not always the best idea.

The Wolves manager has taken the surprise step of announcing before the game that will he make a whopping nine changes from the one that featured at White Hart Lane and that could play into County's hands in their bid to cause an upset.

His forward line, however, should still present County with enough problems to secure a path into the next round. Doyle, Steven Fletcher and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake could all play some part and should be too deadly for the minnows.

Injury Update:
Matt Jarvis will miss the game against County with a groin problem. Christophe Berra will be available for selection after missing out at Spurs through suspension, while Mouyokolo could make his first Wolves appearance.

NOTTS COUNTY:
County manager Craig Short has already masterminded two upsets in the competition and would dearly love to secure a third, with his side improving each week under his guidance.



Attention: Third parties may advertise their products and/or services on our website.7M does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of their contents.
Your dealings with such third parties are solely between you and such third parties and we shall not be liable in any way for any loss or damage of any sort incurred by you.