Prediction & odds for the game: Wolves (29/20) v Leeds (15/8) – ST is backing the draw
When: Friday, 19th February @ 8pm K.O
Where: Molineux
Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United will continue their quest to push into the top half when they meet on Friday Night Football.
Wolves
Wolverhampton Wanderers are still in an odd position in the league, because while there’s still a chance they could be dragged down into the relegation scrap, many fans still believe they can make a sustained push for seventh or even sixth place. Either way the pressure on the shoulders of Nuno Espirito Santo isn’t going to subside any time soon, and they could really do with a big result to kickstart this weekend’s action.
The end of January was mixed for Wolves after they drew 0-0 with Chelsea and fell to a really disappointing 1-0 loss away to Crystal Palace. They did proceed to beat Arsenal and draw against Leicester, but dropping out of the FA Cup at the hands of Southampton was disappointing – even if they were able to gain a measure of revenge in the league just three days later.
Leeds
Leeds United need to start meshing together their gorgeous football with some defensive stability because if they don’t, next season could be the year where they really struggle – in a similar manner to how Sheffield United have fared this time around. Marcelo Bielsa has created something special at Elland Road but if they want sustainability they’ll need to adapt because the top flight of English football can be ruthless.
Two steps forward, one step back seems to be the theme of the day for Leeds this season, and that’s been evident across their last six-game stretch. They were beaten 1-0 by Brighton only to respond with wins over Newcastle and Leicester, then at the start of February, they played out one of the games of the season so far in a 2-1 defeat to Everton. They did then beat Crystal Palace 2-0 before a bizarre yet valiant effort in a 4-2 loss to Arsenal.
Conclusion
Wolves were able to neutralise Leeds quite nicely in their first meeting of the campaign and that’s probably the sort of approach they’re going to take this time around too, but they aren’t quite as confident as they were back in October. We think they’ll go behind before methodically wearing Leeds down, eventually securing the equaliser they need to leave with a point. Therefore, by default, we’re going to back the draw in this one.
Our official scoreline prediction is going to be 1-1, ensuring we stick with the under 2.5 goals market – but you can bet there will still be a few moments of magic to enjoy.
Verdict: Back the draw at odds of 23/10 and the under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 10/11 (All odds are taken from bet365).
[geosnippet id=3620]If you want to bet on Wolves vs Leeds then head on over to the betting page. Alternatively, you can check out some of the other available fixtures on the soccer predictions page as this season’s Premier League drama continues.