Wolves look to tighten grip

Wolves were the big winners in the Championship yesterday – without even kicking a ball.

Draws for Birmingham and Reading in the chasing pack means that Mick McCarthy's men can extend their lead at the top of the table to nine points heading into 2009 with a victory at Blackpool tonight.

That would represent the biggest lead at this stage of the Championship season in the past three years – and each team that has held the top spot at the turn of the year in those campaigns has gone on to achieve automatic promotion.

The omens are good for Wolves despite Boxing Day's disappointing home draw against Sheffield United, but McCarthy was remaining typically level-headed.

"Because we're up there, other teams are always going to have just that little bit of extra edge or motivation," he warned.

"But our motivation is we're six points clear and are top of the league.

"We've got good players and a good team – we wouldn't be in that position if we didn't have those players."

Wolves will be without winger Michael Kightly because of a suspension and Stephen Ward is also a doubt after coming off on Boxing Day struggling with a virus.

Michael Mancienne, whose loan from Chelsea has been extended until the end of January, is the likely replacement at centreback.

Blackpool have not won beaten Wolves in the league since 1964, but the Tangerines go into the clash in decent spirits having held Sheffield Wednesday to a 1-1 draw in the first match since Simon Grayson controversial departure to Leeds United.

Caretaker boss Tony Parkes is keen to keep the job on a permanent basis alongside assistant Steve Thompson – and points against Wolves would be the perfect way to stake his claim.

Blackpool are boosted by the return of Sheffield United loanee midfielder Lee Hendrie after a ban.

By SEAN WOZENCROFT