If you’re one of the select few making the long trip up to the Riverside tonight, I applaud you.

Had circumstances allowed, I would probably have gone too, such is the importance – in my eyes at least – of the League Cup.

I want to go to Wembley this season and this probably represents our best shot.

The big boys tend to take the FA Cup (slightly) more seriously and the play-offs look increasingly unlikely with every passing performance, long term injury and outbound transfer.

Sadly, this is a stinker of a tie at a ground where we’ve never once managed a decent result.

Please buck the trend Wolves.

Middlesbrough

Aitor Karanka says the League Cup is important to Boro too this season, so any hopes of him playing the reserves and/or the kids are probably extinguished.

They’ve been as consistent and efficient as they were last season and are going nicely in second place. In fact, they’re probably my pick for the Championship title this year.

Astute business was conducted over the summer with the marquee signing of Stewart Downing and the addition of Championship heavyweight David Nugent.

They’ve won three and lost once at home so far in the league, modafinilsmart.com conceding just 2 goals in the process. Much like last season, they’re building performances on solid foundations.

Wolves

As my aspirations are to progress at all costs, I hope Kenny Jackett picks his strongest possible team, but numbers are looking thin on the ground:

In the below video, Kenny reckons Hause, Golbourne and Martinez could all miss this one along with Dave Edwards whose a longer term absentee, so the above XI is probably unlikely.

But I think we should definitely play five across the midfield to give our back four more protection and try to get our passing game going further up the pitch.

Wallace is the natural number 10 and anchored by the reliable Price/McDonald combination would have more freedom to attack. Surely this will be Nathan Byrne’s debut too.

The gaffer

Predictions

I’d love to win, but I fear a tonking if Boro put something close to their best team out.

Hopefully we can keep it tighter at the back and nick a goal, but I think it’s more likely we’ll be exploited by an experienced and well drilled side.

3-1 Boro.

Up The Wolves!