WOLVES, Key man: Bakary Sako

WOLVES
Position: 8th
Points: 57
Form: WLWWWL
Up next: Watford (h)
Sky Bet promotion odds: 12/1

Key man: Bakary Sako

Sako is in the final year of his contract so it was something of a gamble for Wolves to reject reported interest and elect to hold onto the Mali winger in January – especially given his Africa Cup of Nations sojourn. However, the decision will be more than justified if the 26-year-old can conjure up promotion. Sako has netted four goals in his last four games to take his Championship tally to 11 and if his mercurial left foot can hit a hot streak then it could yet carry Wolves into the top six.

Bakary Sako could hold the key if Wolves are to make a late run

Beagrie’s expert view

Wolves made an inspirational signing in Benik Afobe, who has the individualism, power and pace and is also working in the framework of the team alongside Nouha Dicko. Both of them can run rampage with Bakary Sako on one wing and the likes of James Henry and Rajiv van La Parra on the other. They are a match for anybody. Kenny has looked at the situation and, like Watford, went with risk and reward and trusted the midfield two rather than make it a three. They play 4-4-2 with two strikers to try to outscore the opposition. The keeper was outstanding at the start of the season, then they went through a dodgy spell and they have come back again.

Opta stat: Kevin McDonald is the most prolific passer in this season’s Championship – he has attempted 2,439 passes