Wolves host Bournemouth this weekend in a game both teams need to win. Wolves fought back for a draw with rivals Villa last game. But Bournemouth were easily beaten again by Everton.

With new managers, Wolves and Bournemouth are still trying to find their best soccer. Wolves at least showed spirit to battle back against Villa. But Bournemouth have lost their last four matches under their new boss.

This match will come down to which struggling team can finally put some good attacking plays together. Both will be desperate for a victory to kick-start their seasons!

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth

The match will take place on Saturday, 21st October 2023, at Vitality Stadium

Defiant Wolves Battle to Hard-Fought Point

Wolves took a surprise lead through Korean forward Hwang Hee-Chan after soaking up lots of Villa pressure. A clever cutback from Neto found Hwang in space and he produced a deft first-time finish. It was Wolves' first shot on target but Hwang took it ruthlessly. His clinical striker stunned Villa just when Wolves looked there for the taking.

Experienced Back Three Subdue Dangermen

Villa strikers Watkins and Diaby were kept very quiet by the Wolves' wily three-man defense of Collins, Kilman, and Toti. The experienced trio gave Villa's dangermen no time or space. With smart positioning and brave defending, Wolves' backline was rock solid until Torres' late leveler. Shutting out Villa's star forwards was impressive.

Lemina Sees Red During 12 Minutes of Injury Time Madness

A dramatic finale saw Mario Lemina get sent off for a second yellow during a lengthy added period. Chasing a winner, both teams went gung-ho during a crazy 12 minutes of end-to-end action. Lemina's dismissal capped a frantic finale, but depleted Wolves held on for a gutsy point against their fired-up local rivals.

Pedro Neto the Pick of Wolves' Young Guns

Winger Pedro Neto was a real livewire down the right flank for Wolves. His trickery and direct running caused Villa problems all game. Neto created the opener with a dazzling run and perfect cutback. The talented Portuguese starlet was a constant threat with his pace, skills, and vision. At just 22, Neto is developing into a huge talent.

Hard-Earned Point Provides Platform to Build From

While disappointed not to win, Wolves will be satisfied with a share of the spoils in a tight derby scrap. They rode their luck at times but showed spirit and resilience. The foundation is there under manager Gary O'Neil. If Wolves can add a clinical edge, more positive results should follow. This gritty draw provides a solid platform going forward.

Bournemouth - Alarm Bells Ringing for Under-Fire Cherries

Bournemouth's decision to dispense with Scott Parker and appoint Andoni Iraola was a bold call. But the early signs are that it has backfired badly, with the Cherries now winless in four under the Spaniard. Conceding sloppy goals and offering next to no attacking threat, this insipid surrender at Goodison showed Bournemouth has regressed under Iraola thus far. Questions are already being asked about his suitability.

Few Positives to Draw From Toothless Display

From the first minute, when Zabarnyi's error gifted Everton the lead, Bournemouth never recovered. Devoid of confidence, composure, and connectivity, the Cherries were passive spectators as Everton assumed total control. Jefferson Lerma's industry aside, not a single Bournemouth player came away with any credit at all. Iraola is facing a huge task to regenerate belief and morale.

Toothless Attack the Major Concern

Bournemouth lacked any semblance of a coherent attacking strategy or threat at Goodison. Dominic Solanke was isolated, they failed to muster a single shot on target and looked blunt from open play and set pieces alike. With their stubborn defense of last season also now porous, goals and points could be very hard to come by unless Bournemouth finds solutions fast.

Morale at a Nadir After Humbling Defeat

The gulf between the teams was stark, highlighting just how much work Iraola has to do to revive Bournemouth's fortunes. The players looked devoid of spirit or fight, with heads dropping quickly after each Everton goal. With tough fixtures looming, there is a very real risk Bournemouth's season could spiral away from them completely if urgent improvements aren't made.

Time Already Running Out for Iraola?

The pressure is mounting rapidly on Iraola after this showing exposed the limited progress made under his management. With Bournemouth's owners showing little patience for failure, Iraola may have just a few more games to demonstrate he can turn things around. Because of this evidence, Bournemouth appears destined for a relegation dogfight unless Iraola can quickly regain the winning formula.

Predicted Lineups

Wolves: Jose Sa, Max Kilman, Craig Dawson, Toti Gomes, R. Ait-Nouri, B. Traore, Joao Gomes, N. Semedo, Hwang Hee-Chan, Pedro Neto, Matheus Cunha.

Bournemouth: Neto, Milos Kerkez, I. Zabani, M. Senesi, Adam Smith, Lewis Cook, R. Christie, Luis Sinisterra, P. Billing, M. Tavernier, D. Solanke.

Key Battles

Pedro Neto vs Adam Smith

Bournemouth right-back Adam Smith faces a big test against tricky Wolves winger Pedro Neto. Smith's speed and experience will be needed against Neto's bag of skills and direct dribbling. This fast-paced duel could light up the flank.

Pablo Sarabia vs Chris Mepham

Up front, Wolves striker Sarabia is always ready for a physical battle with defenders. But Bournemouth center-back Chris Mepham won't back down either. Expect aerial duels and hard tackles when these two strong competitors clash.

Mario Lemina vs Philip Billing

Wolves midfielder Mario Lemina is a tough tackler who likes to shoot from long range. He takes on Bournemouth's Danish playmaker Philip Billing who unlocks defenses with clever passing. Lemina must stop Billing from controlling the midfield battle. But Billing's vision can slice open any team.

Conclusion

Wolves have more individual talent in players like Neves and Neto who could make the difference. But if Billing shines, Bournemouth might cause an upset. With both teams in poor form, it will likely be an edgy, nervous affair. An exciting encounter is certainly on the cards.