12 Aug 2023 18:43:00
I posted some musings on our opening 10 fixtures which are on "other posts" page. Do have a look!
But was wondering what people think about the "order" of fixtures.
Clearly we play everyone home and away so does it make any difference?
For me you want the top teams first - the big teams might start slowly and are often integrating new players ( as if!)
The bottom 6 or 7 in the middle section of the season .All of that hope and energy they start the season with has gone and the cold reality of how tough it is has set in but the desperation of those last few games has not yet arrived.
Whilst you want the middle order teams at the end when they are " on holiday" can't be relegated but aren't chasing Europe.
Offsetting this is the impact of a bad start on you and your opponents morale/attitude - teams at the bottom are targeted. Teams raise their games against sides they believe they can beat so starting badly puts a target on your back?
Thoughts?

1.) 12 Aug 2023
12 Aug 2023 18:53:07
Agreed, certainly the middle order teams with nothing to play for you want to play late on. Possibly the top teams may get caught cold early on but in fairness if you can't beat the strugglers none of it really matters.

2.) 12 Aug 2023
12 Aug 2023 19:02:36
So many variables to consider Future. Newly promoted teams coming to terms with the rigors of the Prem, successfully or not. New managers settling into their clubs and of course some managers being shown the door at some point during the season. Injuries to key players, suspensions of key players newly aquired players not performing as expected. VAR!
The usual lottery of hitting the bar/post several times but still losing.
I think that the key for us will be to try and grind out a few results whilst the squad and manager come to terms with each and then try and kick on a bit though as you say morale counts for a lot and the season start is not particularly favourable.

3.) 12 Aug 2023
12 Aug 2023 21:26:30
TFIOG we have to play everyone twice, so I'm tempted to say does it matter, as all sides will finish up roughly where they deserve to be. But you make valid points as starting well has to impact on confidence throughout the club, team, management and fans.

However, there's nothing worse than starting well, but then sliding back down the table later in the season as that can do all sorts of damage to morale. Personally, I'd rather finish stronger, to pull away from relegation, to finish top half or even make Europe. That enthusiasm carry's over into the next season as everyone feels stimulated.

As much as I agree that the order of fixtures can contribute to how a season pans out, however, by far the most significant element is, of course, performance.

What I'll be looking for this season will be our tempo, attacking intent and percentage of the game that Wolves spend in the opposition half. More tippy tappy, across and back just won't cut it for me.

4.) 12 Aug 2023
12 Aug 2023 21:28:50
Oh dear, where's villajack when you need him.

5.) 13 Aug 2023
13 Aug 2023 09:15:21
Thefutureisoldgold read your post on other posts section.
Looking back to start of last season I believe Gary O'Neil seems a likeable more in tune manager than Lage.
Personality aside O'Neil played in the English league knows first hand how players think feel.
So from that perspective I feel the players will have a better mindset going into this new season.
On the worst case scenario if O'Neil doesn't work out and we in trouble leading up to Christmas where will the club go then?
But we don't want to think about that.

Looking at first 10 fixtures I feel I will be happy with 9 points but 10 points would be ideal.
Near as damn it 1/4 of the season with 1/4 of required points for safety.
40 ÷ 1/4 = 10.
Also there's the unexpected results both ways we could say beat Newcastle and draw or lose to Luton.
Another thought not losing the matches before international breaks would be better for any team and could be more important for us.

6.) 13 Aug 2023
13 Aug 2023 13:14:05
40 divided by 1/4 is actually 160. I’d be delighted with that!

7.) 13 Aug 2023
13 Aug 2023 13:44:26
Got me there wolfwhistle?
Lol what a prize turkey I am.
But could give your thoughts on the theme and where I'm coming from aswell.?