Wolves are entering a very important period.
The Julen Lopetegui era has now commenced, and the Spaniard got off to a winning start in the Carabao Cup against Gillingham.
It was not a good performance from Wanderers. But the job got done, and a quarter-final clash with Nottingham Forest now awaits.
But Wolves return to Premier League action on Boxing Day against Everton, and fans are desperately hoping for Lopetegui and the players to build on that result against Gillingham.
Starting at Goodison Park, here’s how things could go in the next five games of the Christmas and New Year period.
Everton vs Wolves – draw (1-1)
Everton have won just one of their last five games in the Premier League.
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The Toffees had been proving difficult to beat up until a few weeks before the World Cup.
Conor Coady will not be able to play in the game due to loan rules, and that’s a blow for them. Coady has been good since joining, and ironically in a back four as well.
Since it’s Lopetegui first game in the Premier League, it might be that three points will be hard to come by.
It’s still early days for the players under the new head coach and there could be some teething problems.
Wolves vs Manchester United – loss (1-2)
Back in January of this year, Wolves were able to defeat Manchester United at Old Trafford 1-0 courtesy of a Joao Moutinho winner.
One year on from that game, United are a totally different outfit under Erik ten Hag.
They have made real strides under the Dutchman, and it could be a very difficult game.
Wolves will have the mighty Molineux crowd behind them. But it may not be enough in the face of some very in-form players like Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes.
Aston Villa vs Wolves – win (0-1)
Villa against Wolves will be a fascinating contest, with Lopetegui and Unai Emery going head-to-head for the first time in England following their arrivals from La Liga.
Villa have improved following their decision to replace Steven Gerrad with Emery, and Wolves will be hoping for a similar thing with Loeptegui.
Wolves were victorious at Villa Park last season following a remarkable comeback 3-2 win, with all three of Wolves’ goals coming after 80 minutes.
Perhaps thinking back to that result may spur Wolves on.
Liverpool vs Wolves (FA Cup third round) – lose (3-1)
Unless Wolves can sign a couple of top-class defenders before this game on January 7, it will be very difficult to beat Liverpool at Anfield.
They tend to be very strong at home, and the Reds may be looking to respond after losing to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup.
It’s an FA Cup tie, so there’s always a chance of an upset and Jurgen Klopp may not go full strength.
But you get the feeling Wolves’ squad may not be where it needs to be in time for the game.
If Lopetegui could somehow mastermind a win here though, that would be a real statement and provide massive confidence for following Premier League games.
Nottingham Forest vs Wolves (Carabao Cup quarter-final) – win (0-2)
Wolves are into the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup following the win over Gillingham, and there is a real chance of making the semi after being drawn against Nottingham Forest.
Lopetegui will be determined to win this game, as even just making a semi-final will result in a much more confident dressing room.
Wolves have already beaten Forest once this season in the Premier League.
Steve Cooper’s side have found the going tough so far in 2022/23, and it’s a game Wolves should be massively up for.