As timing goes, the international break arrived when Wolves needed it least.

Three straight league victories amidst a trio of encouraging, controlled performances against much fancied opposition had built up a mini whirlwind of momentum.

History has proven picking up the baton after a two week hiatus is seldom straightforward, so this fixture represents another interesting challenge for our burgeoning young side.

Blackpool

If you were writing a handbook about how not to run a football club, a few chapters about Blackpool’s summer of discontent would make compelling reading.

Having somehow contrived to diminish their playing staff to just a handful of senior pros and become the comedy act of the football league in the process, chairman Karl Oyston now seems hell bent on prolonging the laughter.

Managers have been contacted and interviewed this week despite Jose Riga still being in the post that he himself only occupied back in July. What happens next is truly anyone’s guess.

The squad has at least been strengthened, numerically speaking, but the results have been both damning and conclusive – five games, five defeats. Zero points.

If there’s a grain of hope for the Seasiders it’s that all of their defeats, save for the 2-0 opening day loss at Notts Forest, have been by a single goal. It’s not much, but it’s something.

Wolves

Assuming no international hangovers, the starting XI on Saturday should mirror the settled team we’ve come to appreciate of late:

With another game (Charlton away) hot on the heels of this fixture though, the likes of Jacobs, Henry, Rowe, Ricketts and Saville could all get their chance to stake a claim in the next week.

It will be interesting to see how Kenny rotates personnel in and out when injuries, suspensions and fatigue enter the equation.

Just how effective those fringe players are will likely dictate whether or not this squad can sustain the pace at the business end of the Championship.

The gaffer

Predictions

Five people are already into double figures in the Prediction League, which is some achievement from just five fixtures. Well done to Dave H, ManxWolf91, vicsmith, MosmanWolf and in particular MrAussieWolf who leads the way with 12 points.

I can’t predict anything other than a Wolves victory for this one. While a law of averages screams Blackpool can’t continue losing forever, I expect them to struggle on for another week if Kenny can get even a decent percentage out of his team.

They have some capable individuals amongst their hodge-podge of a squad (Ranger, Delfounso, etc) but Wolves are a well-oiled machine these days, so I’m not expecting any slip-ups.

2-0.

Up The Wolves.