Wolverhampton Wanderers have already played an incredible 24 matches in all competitions this season. Nuno Espirito Santo’s team started the campaign on July 25th against Crusaders in the Europa League qualifying stage and it hasn’t slowed down since.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are on pace to play a minimum of 52 matches this season. That number is likely to increase when they qualify for the knockout stage of the Europa League. Progression in the FA Cup would also see that number rise.
If Wolves reach the Europa League Final and FA Cup Final, they would play a total of 68 matches this season. That doesn’t account for possible replays in the FA Cup third and fourth rounds, which would see Wolves play 70 matches if those replays occurred.
Remarkably, Wolverhampton Wanderers have suffered just four losses with two coming in the Premier League and one apiece in the Europa League group stage and Carabao Cup.
Despite the number of matches, Wolves have ridden a wave of excitement at Molineaux Stadium. This season marked the first time in over 35 years since Wolverhampton Wanderers had played in Europe and they are making the most of their opportunity.
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ only losses this season in the league came against Chelsea and Everton in back to back weeks. The defeats came amid a dip in form suffered by the Black Country team.
Wolves’ biggest issue in the Premier League has been draws as they lead the Premier League with seven. Due to the fatigue of playing so many matches and being a defence first team, Wolves have struggled to turn draws into wins.
Just like last season, Wolves have performed well against the top teams. Although they suffered a loss to Chelsea at home, Wolves have drawn against Leicester City, Manchester United, and Arsenal, while picking up a massive win away to Manchester City.
Striker Raul Jimenez has once again proven himself to have been an astute piece of transfer business. Jimenez has scored 14 goals in all competitions with six coming in the league. He has exceeded his expected goals total of 3.93. But Jimenez is not the only Wolves player exceeding at Molineaux.
This season has seen winger Adama Traore emerge from the shadows. The powerful forward bagged both goals against Manchester City, swiftly counter-attacking the Cityzens and outrunning the reigning champion’s defenders.
Traore has two goals and two assists in 11 league games and is exceeding both his xG (1.03) and expected assists (1.60) numbers. It was Traore’s cross that set up Jimenez for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ winner against Aston Villa just before the international break.
If Wolves are to continue their success in the Premier League and Europa League post-Christmas, then the club needs to dip into the transfer market in January. Two new players could make all the difference and add to the threat Traore and Jimenez provide in attack.