On-loan Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne is in line return for Wolves as they bid for their first win in eight games against local rivals Birmingham. After a decent start, Mick McCarthy’s side have struggled since the start of last month and face a Blues team who have had the better of things against them in recent seasons and are bidding to extend their unbeaten run to five matches.

Quick Check

Wolverhampton Wanderers

  • Kevin Doyle is in line to start after being rested last weekend.
  • Defender Michael Mancienne is expected to return after being ineligible against Chelsea last weekend.
  • Stephen Ward and Matt Hill are both close to returning from injuries.
  • Striker Chris Iwelumo is still out after a recurrence of a foot problem.
  • David Jones is sidelined with a long-term knee injury.
  • Wolves are without a win in seven league games.
  • The Midlands side has conceded ten goals in their last three matches.
  • Mick McCarthy’s side has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 11 games.
  • Wolves have scored only five goals in six outings at Molineux this season.

Birmingham City

  • Alex McLeish’s side is unbeaten in their last four matches.
  • Teemu Tainio is hoping to return after a three-week injury lay-off.
  • Birmingham are unbeaten in the last seven meetings between the two sides.
  • Striker Garry O’Connor is out until early next year after complications arising from groin surgery.
  • The Blues have taken only four points from six league matches this season.
  • Birmingham have scored only 11 goals this term, the second worst in the Premier League.

Expert Advice

Wolves have found the going tough in the Premier League in the last two months and, after a heavy defeat at Chelsea last weekend, another tough day could be in store for Mick McCarthy’s men. Pre-season worries about whether the Premier League newcomers will score enough goals have been borne out in that period and that looks to be the biggest issue facing the Molineux men, although the Wolves boss has not been helped by a spate of injuries to attacking players. Birmingham have had their own problems finding the back of the net but have looked tight in secure and seem to have the upper hand over their Midlands rivals. A tight game is expected at Molineux but Betsson’s odds of 4.35 for an away win by one goal appears a value bet.

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