Wolves vs. Brentford: Final Day Showdown at Molineux
As the 2024/25 Premier League season draws to a close, Wolves will face Brentford at Molineux in a match that holds plenty of significance for both teams, albeit in different ways. For Wolves, the stakes are less about achieving a high league finish and more about maintaining pride and securing a respectable final position, which could see them earn a more significant share of the Premier League’s prize money. Brentford, however, still has a chance at qualifying for European football and will be fully motivated to secure a win on the final day of the season.
For Wolves, this match could also signal the end of an era for several key players, making it a day full of emotions, farewells, and a potential turning point for the club as they look ahead to the summer transfer window and the 2025/26 season.
Wolves’ Struggles and the Final Push for Pride
Wolves enter the match against Brentford having endured a string of poor results. Their recent form has been nothing short of disappointing, with the team having lost their last three matches in the Premier League. The most recent defeat, a 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace, was particularly crushing for the team. Despite the fact that Palace had been celebrating their FA Cup victory all week, they managed to come to Molineux and outplay Wolves, highlighting the club’s inability to find the necessary consistency when it matters most.
This disappointing spell has tarnished what was a promising campaign, where Wolves had shown they could challenge for a solid mid-table finish. While survival in the Premier League has never been in question, and their mid-table position means relegation is not a concern, the lack of recent wins could signal an opportunity for Wolves to reflect on what went wrong in their final stretch of games.
For Gary O’Neil, this match will likely serve as an important moment to instill some pride into his players, who will be hoping to end the season on a high. Not only will a victory boost morale ahead of the summer break, but it will also be a crucial step in showing the fans that their team still has the resilience and determination to compete, even when they have little left to play for except their reputation.
Prize Money: A Tangible Incentive for Wolves
While Wolves are not in contention for European football, one of the few things still at stake is the additional Premier League prize money. The top half of the league receives a higher share of the overall distribution, so securing a good finish could make a difference financially. In essence, this match presents Wolves with an opportunity to secure their place and a little extra in the bank for the club’s coffers. However, with key players potentially leaving, the club will have to be strategic in how they use that money moving forward.
The board and fans will likely also be hoping for a display of leadership and quality from their players, with key individuals needing to demonstrate that they are worth keeping for next season, especially as several first-team players have been linked with moves away from the club.
Farewells: A Summer of Departures?
This final match could be the last time many Wolves fans see some of their favorite players in action for the club. With transfer speculation swirling around the futures of several first-team stars, Sunday’s match against Brentford could mark a sentimental goodbye to some of the most important players in the squad.
Matheus Cunha has been linked with a move to Manchester United in recent weeks. The Brazilian forward has had a strong season for Wolves, adding flair, creativity, and goals to their attacking play. His potential departure would be a blow for the team, as Cunha has developed into one of the standout performers.
Rayan Ait-Nouri, the club’s talented left-back, has also attracted attention from top clubs in Europe. His attacking capabilities and defensive prowess have made him one of Wolves’ most promising young players. Given that he is still relatively young, Ait-Nouri’s potential sale would likely bring in a substantial transfer fee, but it would also be a loss in terms of the team’s overall quality.
Hwang Hee-chan has also been linked with several European clubs, with his pace, versatility, and work rate making him a valuable asset for teams across the continent. Hwang has impressed in spells this season and could be seen as a potential bargain for clubs looking to bolster their attacking options.
All of these players, combined with other potential departures, will leave Wolves in a period of transition this summer. This match against Brentford might well be the final time supporters get to see some of these players don the famous gold shirt, making it an emotional occasion for all involved.
Brentford’s Pursuit of European Glory
While Wolves have little more than prize money to play for, Brentford comes into the match with far more at stake. With a European spot still within their grasp, Thomas Frank’s men have one last chance to qualify for European football next season. Currently sitting in 9th place, Brentford are still in the hunt for 8th, which could be enough to secure a spot in one of the European competitions. However, for that to happen, they will need to finish the season with a win and rely on other results falling in their favor, particularly hoping that Chelsea can lift the Europa Conference League trophy, which would open up another pathway to Europe for the Bees.
Brentford’s recent form has been solid, especially on the road, where they’ve only lost once since Christmas. Their attacking force, led by Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo, has been potent, while the team’s collective discipline under Frank has been evident throughout the season. The disappointment of last week’s surprise loss to Fulham will only serve to motivate them further, as they look to erase that painful result and give themselves a fighting chance at securing a European place.
In what will be an emotionally charged atmosphere at Molineux, Brentford’s focus will undoubtedly be on securing all three points. They will be fully aware that Wolves, having little to play for in terms of competition, could either offer a free-flowing match or fold under pressure. Brentford, with their tactical discipline and desire to finish in the top half, will be keen to seize the opportunity.
Pundit Predictions: Split Opinions
As the final matchday approaches, football pundits have had their say on what to expect. Chris Sutton, writing for BBC Sport, has predicted a 1-1 draw, acknowledging the unpredictability of Wolves and the form of Brentford. He believes that both teams have a lot to play for, albeit with different motivations, and that a draw could be a fair result given the stakes for both sides. Sutton also mentioned Wolves’ inconsistency, but he felt that Brentford’s away form wouldn’t be enough to secure a win in the face of Wolves’ desire to end on a high.
In contrast, Paul Merson has predicted a 2-0 win for Brentford, citing Wolves’ recent struggles and their inability to cope with the pressure in recent weeks. Merson was particularly critical of Wolves’ poor performance against Crystal Palace, labeling it as a disappointing result. He believes Brentford will have too much to offer on the day and will capitalize on Wolves’ weak run of form to claim all three points.
Historical Context: Wolves’ Final Day Woes
Historically, Wolves have struggled on the final day of the Premier League season. Over the last decade, they have lost 9 out of their last 10 final-day matches, with the lone victory coming in the 2009/10 season against Sunderland. This poor track record will no doubt hang over the team as they prepare for their final home match of the campaign. Fans will be hoping that this year, the team can break that final-day curse and provide a positive ending to what has been an up-and-down season.
Key Match Elements to Watch For:
Team Selection and Tactical Setup: Gary O’Neil will have to decide whether to stick with his usual starting lineup or make changes for this crucial match, especially with several key players potentially leaving the club.
Player Performances: Will players like Matheus Cunha, Rayan Ait-Nouri, or Hwang Hee-chan be given the opportunity to showcase their abilities one last time for Wolves? This could also be the chance for fringe players to make a final impression ahead of the summer window.
Brentford’s Push for Europe: Expect Brentford to be highly focused and attacking from the start. With European football still on the line, they will likely play with urgency and aggression to ensure they finish as high as possible.
Final Thoughts:
As Wolves close out their 2024/25 Premier League campaign against Brentford, there will be a mixture of emotions at Molineux. For the home side, it’s an opportunity to right the wrongs of a frustrating end to the season, potentially bid farewell to some key players, and deliver a performance their fans can be proud of. For Brentford, it’s a chance to finish the season strong and potentially secure a historic European spot. With both teams motivated for different reasons, fans can expect a thrilling encounter full of passion, drama, and perhaps even a few emotional goodbyes.