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Relegation worries increasing at Wolves after derby defeat

| 16.10.2011

The severity of Wolves’ recent loss of form became clear on Sunday lunchtime as they fell 2-0 to rivals West Brom in the first Black Country derby of the campaign.

The result was their fifth defeat in a row and has seen them undo the good work that saw them win their opening two Premier League fixtures, so much so that they are now behind their slow-starting neighbours and just a point above the relegation zone.

It is the worst run that they have suffered under Mick McCarthy and given that several clubs below them such as Sunderland and Bolton aren’t viewed by many as likely strugglers, odds of 7/2 on them going down are longer than expected.

Most worryingly of all, Wolves are yet to face any of last season’s top four – though admittedly those were the sort of games that they thrived in – but they couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to bounce back than at home to Swansea.

The Swans are 4/6 favourites to finish in the bottom three following their 3-1 reverse away to fellow newcomers Norwich on Saturday and as a result, Wolves are 10/11 to triumph and put some space between themselves and the drop zone.

For West Brom meanwhile, their second victory of 2011-12 – and Roy Hodgson’s first in three attempts in the derby – vindicated the calmness which had surrounded the Baggies’ disappointing early showing of one win in seven matches.

Chris Brunt and Peter Odemwingie’s goals have fired them to 11th in the table, however with clashes against Aston Villa, Liverpool and Arsenal next up, it could be a while before they reach the top half. They are out to 9/2 to be relegated though.

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Author

Richard Anderson