Wolves v Barnsley preview
Friday 22 September 2017 15:29, UK
Wolves are hoping Leo Bonatini and Ruben Vinagre are fit for the home clash with Barnsley. Both players were forced off with knocks during last weekend's win at Nottingham Forest and will be assessed.
A much-changed Wanderers team claimed a 1-0 extra-time victory over Bristol Rovers in the Carabao Cup in midweek, with Barry Douglas, Kortney Hause and Morgan Gibbs-White all returning to the squad. They will hope to be involved once again, while forward Helder Costa and defender Ryan Bennett are also nearing comebacks.
Barnsley head coach Paul Heckingbottom has no new injury concerns and could choose from an unchanged squad. The Reds made five changes for their narrow Carabao Cup defeat at Tottenham in midweek and midfielder Jared Bird will be hoping to feature again after making his first start for the club.
Defender Andy Yiadom (back) is unlikely to return and midfielder Lloyd Isgrove is still sidelined with a foot injury. Striker Tom Bradshaw, winger Adam Hammill, midfielder George Moncur and defender Matty Pearson are pushing for recalls to the starting line-up.
Opta stats
Wolves have only lost once in their last 14 home league meetings against Barnsley (W8 D5) but that came last season, a thumping 4-0 defeat in September.
The Tykes haven't won back to back league games at Molineux since October 1991.
Wolves have conceded six of their last seven league goals in the second half of matches.
The Tykes have lost eight of their last 10 away Championship games (W1 D1), avoiding defeat last time out in a 1-1 draw with Preston.
Wolves, meanwhile, have won nine of their last 12 matches in all competitions (D2 L1).
No Championship side has conceded more headed goals this season than Barnsley (4).
Prutton's prediction
Barnsley were well and truly overpowered by Aston Villa last Saturday, and I think they could suffer the same fate against Wolves at Molineux. I'd love for Paul Heckingbottom's side to do well but I can't see them getting a result here.
Wolves are collecting good results by narrow scorelines as they work their way up the table, but I think they could put a few past Barnsley.
Prutton predicts: 3-1 (10/1 with Sky Bet)
