James Collins’ side are currently sat second in the league standings and with a four-point lead over the chasing pack with just two matches remaining, know victory over Stoke on Monday night would secure the top play-off spot and home advantage in the semi-final, as well as playing the final at home if they are to reach that far.
Wolves continue to be the form team in Division 2 as the season reaches its climax this week, having lost just once in Premier League 2 since the turn of the year, including a thrilling 4-2 victory at Molineux over Newcastle United on Easter Monday.
Hugo Bueno – who added to his impressive performances this season at left wing-back having recovered from an injury he suffered with the first-team in pre-season – finally got off the mark for the campaign, before adding a second 45 minutes later, while Luke Cundle also found the back of the net twice for the development side in front of hundreds of spectators.
Wolves will be aiming to end their season strong, with two games against sides who are also competing for play-off berths – fifth placed Stoke before a clash with fourth placed Norwich City at Carrow Road on Friday.
The two sides sit four points behind Collins’ men – as do third place Nottingham Forest – with the under-23s wanting to end their campaign in second spot behind runaway league winners Fulham.
Stoke have been in inconsistent form this season, winning several matches earlier in the season before falling off in recent weeks, including a loss to fellow play-off hopeful Forest, but the Potters could have closed the gap to Wolves last Friday evening, but had to settle for a 0-0 draw with Burnley.
Season ticket holders and members can get free entry into Molineux for this evening’s match but must claim their ticket in advance. For non-season ticket holders, tickets cost £4 for adults, £2 for over-65s and under-21s, while under-17s can gain free entry.
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE OR PURCHASE TICKETS
Parking will also be available for spectators on a first come/first served basis in the Stan Cullis and Waterloo Road car parks.
Molineux is the only place to watch the action on Monday evening, as due to Crystal Palace’s top-flight clash with Leeds United taking place tonight, the usual free Wolves TV live stream will not be available for this game because of Premier League broadcasting restrictions.
WHEN
Monday, 7pm
WHERE
Molineux
LAST THREE
Wolves
4-2 vs Newcastle United (H)
3-0 vs Middlesbrough (A)
1-0 vs Peterborough United (A) PLC
Stoke
0-0 vs Burnley (H)
1-2 vs Middlesbrough (H) PLC
0-2 vs Nottingham Forest (A)
WHAT THE BOSS THINKS
Head coach James Collins said: “We had a meeting a month or so back and spoke to the boys about what we want to achieve for the rest of the season. It is about development and it is about producing players, but when you get to the business end of the season I wanted to know what they wanted to achieve.
“At that point, they wanted to remain unbeaten, but we went and got beat at Nottingham Forest, but the second thing they said was that they wanted to finish second in the league. Second doesn’t get you anything, but I think that would be a real achievement to finish second in the league and tonight’s result has put us a long way to achieving that.
“We’ve still got two tough games in Stoke and Norwich, but I think we have a little buffer and we’ll see if we can see it through, finish second and make the play-offs. I think that would make it a good season.”
NEXT THREE
25/04 Stoke City (H)
29/04 Norwich City (A)
TBC Premier League Cup semi-final
