It is crucial for Wolves to get points on the board as soon as possible, with both Sunderland and Leeds winning on the opening weekend.
Leeds and Sunderland are favourites to finish at the bottom of the pack, and their early wins are not a good look for Wolves.
Wolves were picked as relegation candidates by multiple pundits, likely due to their lack of transfer business so far and losing key players such as Matheus Cunha.
While the end of the season is still far away, picking up those early points is important, as momentum at the beginning can set the course for your season.
Both Peter Crouch and Steve Sidwell will be familiar with this importance, and they have had their say ahead of Saturday’s clash against Bournemouth.
Peter Crouch working as a pundit for TNT Sports
Photo by Ben Roberts – Danehouse/Getty Images
Peter Crouch and Steve Sidwell think Wolves will lose to Bournemouth
While both Bournemouth and Wolves lost on the opening weekend, Bournemouth came out of their game with more positives.
The Cherries caused Liverpool problems, and Antoine Semenyo’s two goals were well worked and excellently taken.
This is likely why both Peter Crouch and Steve Sidwell have predicted Wolves will lose on their trip to the Vitality Stadium.
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Speaking on the Peter Crouch podcast, the former England striker predicted Bournemouth to win 3-1, with Sidwell saying he expects a 2-1 win for Andoni Iraola’s side.
Sidwell’s prediction was based on the fact that he “didn’t really see any bright sparks” from Wolves, an opinion Vitor Pereira doesn’t agree with.
Meanwhile, Crouch admitted he thinks Bournemouth are susceptible at the back, but that they “can score goals”.
Wolves will need to contain Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo if they want to get a result
Peter Crouch is right; Bournemouth pose a big threat up top, and handling Antoine Semenyo will be a key battle in Saturday’s fixture.
Wolves’ new signing David Moller Wolfe started against Manchester City and is likely to be selected again ahead of the trip down south.
The Norwegian will need to be in top shape, as Semenyo, who usually plays out on the right, will be up against him throughout the match.
If Vitor Pereira is able to produce a tactical plan that isolates the Ghanaian winger from the game, there is every chance that Wolves could snatch a result.
However, that is something that is a lot easier said than done.