A win for Wolves has to happen in the Premier League soon to lift spirits, and the perfect chance to do so comes against Sunderland.
The last two performances against Tottenham and Brighton, whilst better than previous ones, have not been enough to lift the general mood around the club.
Despite his new contract, Vitor Pereira is no doubt under pressure to turn things around sooner rather than later.
The Portuguese has shown a willingness to prove his worth at the club, and his latest tactical tweaks were a defining factor in more positive displays over the last couple of matches.
On the other side, his in-game changes have also been a reason for late collapses.
However, it is simply time to turn good showings into three points, and ahead of the game, we have three bold predictions for Wolves in their match against the Black Cats.
Wolves will not concede in the first half
In the last three games, Wolves kept their goal empty until the final ten minutes, and the hope is they will escape late heartbreak once again.
Conceding early is less of a concern due to the home side’s record this season, although that is not to say they do not pose a threat early on.
The Northern club have scored just one goal in the first half this season, with Omar Alderete’s 38th-minute goal against Nottingham Forest being the goal in question.
Other than that, their earliest strikes have all come in the final thirty minutes.
The Old Gold will need to be focused throughout the full game, as the Black Cats do know how to deal late blows.
Jorgen Strand Larsen is back to his best
Jorgen Strand Larsen has yet to score in the Premier League this season, but he will finally break that duck against Sunderland.
He has not been fully fit for his last few appearances, but after his minutes for Norway over the international break, he’ll be more match-ready.
Wolves’ desperation, their newfound four-back formation, and Larsen being sharper will combine to give him the first of many Premier League goals this season for the striker.
There will not be many goals
This game will not feature many goals due to the current state of both sides.
Wolves have had their lowest shots per 90 ever this season, and Sunderland’s numbers are not far behind either.
The Old Gold average 9.4 shots per 90, with Sunderland having 10.0, also their lowest since Opta started tracking data.
It won’t be a classic in terms of scoreline, but you should suspect a cagey affair that will no doubt offer entertainment.