Three genuine reasons for optimism as Wolves take on Everton, including Mateus Mane factor

Wolves are back in Premier League action tomorrow night against Everton, and the Old Gold have a chance to continue their recent upturn.

The Old Gold recorded their first Premier League win on Saturday against West Ham United, giving their best performance of the campaign.

Wolves are looking much improved compared to early on in the season, with the fruits of Rob Edwards’ labour now starting to show.

Undoubtedly, there is still a lot of work to do, and relegation remains a distinct possibility at the moment.

But recent performances have just changed the feeling slightly, and some fans are daring to dream of a great escape.

Going into Wednesday’s game with Everton, here are three reasons to be optimistic about a second straight win.

• READ MORE: How likely Wolves are to secure another win in Everton clash, Opta predicts the outcome

Everton inconsistent and have had one less day of rest than Wolves

It may not be a huge factor, but Everton playing on Sunday is something that could aid Wolves in their quest for three points.

Wolves were in action on Saturday at 3pm, and Everton played the day after against Brentford, losing 4-2 to the Bees.

David Moyes’ side will not have had as much rest as Wolves going into Wednesday’s clash, and Edwards’ players will hopefully be able to make this count.

It is also worth pointing out that Everton have been quite inconsistent this season, as they sit in mid-table having won eight, drawn four and lost eight.

There have been some jitters at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium too, with Everton having won four, drawn two and lost four. So it seems they are yet to properly settle at their new ground, and it is not currently the fortress they’d like it to be.

• READ MORE: How likely Wolves are to secure another win in Everton clash, Opta predicts the outcome

Key players missing for Everton, including Iliman Ndiaye

Wolves have a good opportunity here to build on the win against West Ham, because Everton won’t be able to call on a number of players on Wednesday night.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jarrad Branthwaite and Seamus Coleman have all been sidelined with hamstring injuries.

But perhaps the biggest blow for Everton is that they don’t have Iliman Ndiaye right now, as he is on duty with Senegal at AFCON. Idrissa Gana Gueye is also with the national team and can’t play.

Ndiaye is arguably Everton’s best and most creative player, so for them to not have him may impact their quality in the final third.

Wolves must be mindful of Jack Grealish though, with the on loan winger having made six assists in the Premier League this season.

• READ MORE: Chris Sutton drops honest new Wolves relegation verdict in score prediction for Everton

Wolves looked much improved and have a potential game-changer in Mateus Mane

Wanderers have looked a lot better in the last few games compared to the early weeks of the season.

Edwards has worked tremendously hard to try and turn things around, and he is now getting a tune out of the players.

The rise of Mateus Mane has had a particularly big impact for Wolves, with the teenager brimming with confidence at the moment.

Despite his tender years, he seems to be relishing being the player everyone is talking about when it comes to Wolves right now – and he could well continue his fine form against Everton.

Mane may not have been around long, but he’s already looking like a potential game-changer for Wolves, and is providing the spark the Old Gold have been missing for a lot of the season.