A run of four games without a win at homes has Lambert worried – but Wolves can put that right over the festive period.
Four successive home defeats isn’t usually conducive to fulfilling dreams of promotion. As such, Wolverhampton Wanderers are languishing just above the relegation zone in the Championship after Sheffield Wednesday, Derby, Leeds and Norwich all took three points as a souvenir from their day trip to Molineux.
Understandably, Paul Lambert has made arresting an alarming slump in front of their home supporters a key priority – especially with audible boos being directed at a number of players following a prolonged period of underperformance. Captain Danny Batth, in particular, has endured the brunt of many fans’ anger.
But, with three home games remaining in the calendar year, what chance have Wolves got of grabbing all three points in each? Especially after accumulating just eight at Molinuex all season long.
10 December: Fulham
Inspired one week and abysmal the next, Fulham epitomise the topsy-turvy nature of the Championship more than anyone. However, after last week’s 5-0 thumping of third placed Reading, Wolves fans are understandably concerned about the prospect of their shaky defence coming up against an in-form Chris Martin.
Yet, Slavisa Jokanovic’s side have won successive league games just twice all season and, although the pessimists will point to the fact that The Cottegers boast one of the best defensive records in the league, their two defeats on their travels have both come in their last three away fixtures.
26 December: Bristol City
Wolves have enjoyed belated Christmas gifts in each of the last three years, their 100 per cent record on Boxing Day stretching all the way back to 2013. However, that is likely to be tested against a Bristol City side whose form tends to arrive in bursts; brief spells of hopelessness offset by winning runs.
Ominously for Paul Lambert, a run of five games without a victory was ended by a 2-0 win against Ipswich last time out. Yet, with the previously prolific Tammy Abraham going through a dry spell with one goal in eight, Wolves quaking defence may well go into this game with a bit more confidence.
31 December: QPR
The prospects look positive for Wolves as they welcome Ian Holloway’s QPR to Molineux for the final fixture of 2016. Earlier this month, Lambert’s strugglers ended their nine game winless won at Loftus Road, Dave Edwards and Helder Costa netting in a 2-1 away win. And, although the hosts were down to ten men after 35 minutes and Joel Lynch missed an extraordinary chance to equalise at the death, Wolves appeared to have the measure of QPR.
A repeat performance could earn a much needed win to reign in the New Year in style.
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