Eddie Howe has warned his players that we are “running out of chances” to secure European football next season and “can’t afford” to drop many more points- home or away – in our remaining 12 games.
Ahead of our meeting at St James’ Park today, the boss warns that Wolves are “very good away from home” and recent results back that up, with Gary O’Neil’s side picking up four wins and two draws in their last six on the road, with their last two being victories at Spurs and Chelsea.
We go into the game one point behind the visitors but just two from Brighton in 7th. It’s a huge chance to build momentum ahead of the run in and a crucial game against a European contender.
We’ve not won at St James’ Park since mid December and Howe clearly recognises the importance of this game. “We know we’re running out of chances (to make European football)”, he said. “We need to start on Saturday. We can’t afford to drop too many points home or away now.”
“I do (feel confidence levels are slightly below where it’s been). Last season was a totally different season, we were rolling into games with such a good feeling and we built that momentum within our season.
“It’s been so fragmented this season, it’s been stop-start. The spirit is the same, we have some very good players and very good characters. The only way you build confidence is to win games consistently and we aren’t in that moment now. But you can create that yourself.”
Howe then commented on the threat Wolves will pose, praising the job Gary O’Neil has done. “They will bring a counter attacking threat, they play a fluid style, Gary has done a brilliant job.” he said. “They are very good away from home, dangerous opponents for us but we are confident going into the game.”
