Wolverhampton Wanderers FC

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• Founded:1877
• Manager:Mick McCarthy

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Preview: Wolverhampton v Tottenham

09 Feb 2010 - 12:56:53

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Wolverhampton Wanderers face a tricky home test against Harry Redknapp's Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday evening as they look to clamber out of the relegation zone.

With Hull City and Burnley both securing unexpected wins at the weekend - against Manchester City and West Ham United respectively - Mick McCarthy's men have dropped right back into the mire.

They travelled to Midlands rivals Birmingham City on Sunday and, after Kevin Doyle had opened the scoring, they looked like grabbing a much-needed win.

However, veteran striker Kevin Phillips scored a fine double late in the day to frustrate the following contingent and the late defeat could act as a hammer blow to Mick McCarthy's side as they aim to retain their Premier League status after winning the Championship title last term.

Wolves have failed to score in their last three home fixtures and have not won any of their last six league games. This run needs to be arrested if they are to force a result against the White Hart Lane outfit.

They can take heart from the fact that Spurs have won just one of their last seven away games although, after keeping seven clean sheets in their last nine games, they are proving to be a tough nut to crack.

Wolves secured a fabulous 1-0 success against Spurs earlier in the season, with Doyle scoring the crucial goal and, if they claim three points again, it would be the first time they have ever claimed a double against a side in the Premier League.

Spurs have a quartet of stars struggling with groin injuries although Roman Pavlyuchenko and Benoit Assou-Ekotto are nearing returns. Jonathan Woodgate and Aaron Lennon are still unavailable as is Carlo Cudicini (wrist and pelvis).

The hosts are missing Matt Murray (knee), David Edwards, Andrew Keogh and Michael Kightly (all ankle).

Towering Austria striker Stefan Maierhofer is still troubled by a groin complaint but is closing in on a return to training.