Can Edwards galvanise toothless Wolves?
New Wolves head coach Rob Edwards returns to Villa Park, where he started his playing career, with his side in danger of suffering six Premier League defeats in a row in the same season for the first time since 2012.
They are winless in 16 league games dating back to May and this season’s tally of two points is the third worst record after 12 matches in English top-flight history. Manchester United were pointless at the same stage in 1930-31, while Sheffield United had one point in 2020-21.
A home defeat against Crystal Palace in Edwards’ first game in charge last weekend left Wolves nine points from safety. Edwards opted for a back five and large-and-larger strike partnership of Jorgen Strand Larsen and Tolu Arokodare, but the head coach said afterwards the team’s shape for each game would probably depend on who they are playing.
No player has scored more than once for Wolves in the league this season, an issue encapsulated by Jhon Arias contriving to miss from a few yards out against Palace. Top of Edwards’ priorities must surely be to find a solution to the team’s attacking deficiencies.