Wolves fixtures 2017/18: Summing up Nuno's upcoming season

Overview

New boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been handed a testing start, there can be no arguments there.

Wolves face two freshly relegated teams in their opening three games along with a Derby outfit who many expect to be challenging near the top this season.

Wolves also have what on paper appears a tough finish.

Highlights

With a new man at the helm it is hard to look past the opening day clash against Middlesbrough, when there should be a wave of optimism in the air at Molineux.

Boro, though, arrive as bookies’ favourites for the title.

Lowlights

Who knows what the TV executives have in store as the season progresses?

Yet even at this early stage a midweek Halloween trip to Norwich looks decidedly unappetising.

A Boxing Day trip to Millwall and the Den, meanwhile, could hardly be described as the ideal Christmas present from the fixtures computer.

Don’t Miss

Wolves will be aiming for back-to-back derby wins over Villa when Steve Bruce’s men come calling on Saturday October 14.

A Joe Mason goal was enough to earn a 1-0 win at Molineux in January last time out.

Give it a swerve

It will all be dependent on results of course but should Wolves’ campaign fall below expectations then a likely noon kick-off at Sunderland on the final day will be somewhat unappetising.

But let’s stay positive – the Stadium of Light could be the venue for a gold and black promotion party!

One the manager will fancy

The opening game with Middlesbrough will likely set the tone for Nuno but you suspect the Portuguese might have one eye on the meeting with Sheffield Wednesday and his countryman Carlos Carvalhal at Hillsborough on December 16.

National bragging rights will be at stake, while the Owls are also among the favourites for promotion having missed out through the play-offs two seasons running.

Eyes on the pies

There isn’t too much in your way of independent, innovative pie fare to be found in the Championship, where the big brands very much rule the roost.

Holland’s ‘Big Eat’ range, which can be found at newly-promoted Bolton (April 21), do tend to satisfy the hungry supporter, however.

We’re here for the beer

One thing you can say about the Championship is that it features clubs from numerous towns with proud brewing histories.

This year supporters are fortunate enough to have two trips to the beer nirvana that is Sheffield.

Wolves first head to the Steel City to face United on September 26 before going to Hillsborough a week before Christmas on December 16.