WOLVES host Brighton on Sunday in the Premier League. Marcus Ally (@Marcus_Ally_4) oversees the encounter.
Wolves vs Brighton | Sunday 9th May 2021, 12:00 | BBC
In a very forgettable season for Wolves they host Brighton in their penultimate fixture at Molineux. The pressure has been rising on the shoulders of Nuno Espirito Santo and results in recent weeks have not alleviated any of it, a 4-0 loss at home to Burnley followed by a 1-1 draw with local rivals West Brom does not help his cause in the slightest.
In recent memory Wolves have not had a bigger advantage in terms of player quality over the Baggies, but they could not make it pay, only taking one point from Sam Allardyce’s men this campaign. Brighton will have their tails up for this one, all but safe and just a point behind Crystal Palace.
Process
When you look at the expected goals data it is clear that the Seasiders are the more well rounded and accomplished side, many a fan will be bemused that Conor Coady has been picked for England over captain fantastic Lewis Dunk, here is a chance for the 29-year-old to display exactly why.
Wolves have been more cautious this term, weakened significantly by the injury to Raul Jimenez, Santo has become quite the pragmatist. They have scored just 33 goals from chances equating to 40.5 expected goals, in a poor season only four sides have found the net less, it is clear to see where they will be shopping in the summer.
The Seagulls have been consistently outstanding in terms of underlying process despite looking over their shoulders for the majority of the campaign, but it has been the rearguard action that should take the most plaudits.
They rank third only behind the exceptional processes of Pep Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel’s Manchester City and Chelsea for expected goals against and sit fourth in the expected goals standings. They have only let one goal slip past Robert Sanchez in their last four outings and I can see that good form continuing here now the shackles are nearly completely off.
Goals?
A potential angle for an unders punt here, but with little at stake for both sides it is hard to pinpoint which way this will swing.
- Wolves have scored in seven of 10.
- Wolves have conceded in six of 10.
- Wolves have seen both teams score in four of 10.
- Wolves have seen over 2.5 goals in three of 10.
- Brighton have scored in six of 10.
- Brighton have conceded in six of 10.
- Brighton have seen both teams score in four of 10.
- Brighton have seen over 2.5 goals in five of 10.
Best Bets
Wolves vs Brighton – Brighton Double Chance and Wolves to score Under 1.5 Goals (4/5 Bet365)
