Wolves face Leeds United this weekend in a clash that carries far more than just three points, with a long-standing record also on the line.
It’s early days, but there are currently four points separating the two teams, with Leeds picking up results against Everton and Newcastle.
However, they’re in a bit of a rough patch, having failed to score since their opening day win.
Jorgen Strand Larsen, who was pushing to join Newcastle this summer, could make a return to the squad if he recovers from his achilles injury.
Meanwhile, Dan James is an injury doubt for the Whites and Lucas Perri finds himself ruled out for the encounter.
With league positions and a potential unwanted record on the line, this match promises to be a tense and cagey encounter.
Wolves have never lost four times in a row against Leeds in 54 years
Leeds have dominated recent meetings against Wolves, winning all of their last three league encounters against the Old Gold.
This includes a thrilling 3-2 comeback in 2022 and a hard-fought 4-2 victory at Molineux in 2023, where former players Jonny Otto and Matheus Nunes were both sent off late on.
As reported on the Leeds official website, an away win this weekend would see Wolves lose four consecutive league matches against Leeds for the first time since 1971.
While history suggests that the Whites are more likely to pick up all three points this weekend, manager Vitor Pereira is being urged to start Fer Lopez to mastermind a victory.
However, Pereira wasn’t in the dugout for these recent matches against Leeds and therefore it will be a completely different test for the newly promoted team.
How Wolves can end their poor run against Leeds
To end their poor run against Leeds, Pereira must make decisive changes from the defeat to Newcastle, and drop underperforming players.
With Leeds facing fresh injury concerns and Wolves’ squad now fully fit apart from Strand Larsen, the Portuguese manager has options to field his strongest lineup.
It is also crucial that Wolves ignore recent history and thrive off the hostile Molineux atmosphere to gain an edge over their opponents.
The visitors have also shown defensive vulnerabilities this season, having shipped five goals in their defeat to Arsenal.
By exploiting their defensive fragilities and making important tactical adjustments, Wolves will have a genuine chance to secure a vital victory.
But, as is often the case, they have to take their chances.