Wolverhampton Wanderers play host to Burnley on Saturday afternoon looking to avoid slumping to a fifth defeat in six games, with their recent run taking the club away from the playoff places in the Championship.
Burnley travel to Molineux as one of the form teams in the division, and victory in the West Midlands could move them to the top of the standings.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
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After witnessing his Wolverhampton Wanderers side produce a disciplined performance to beat Birmingham City in the West Midlands derby last weekend, head coach Kenny Jackett would have had high hopes ahead of his side's trip to Bristol City on Tuesday night.
However, after Wolves lost 1-0 at Ashton Gate, in a display Jackett described as "flat", the Molineux outfit have it all to do to ease the frustration growing in the stands after the club fell to their fourth defeat in five games, leaving them seven points outside of the playoffs.
Off-the-field issues and injuries to a number of defenders have not helped Jackett's cause, but he will recognise that pressure is gradually growing as he looks for the solution to further develop a side that only missed out on a top-six place last season on goal difference.
The arrival of Mike Williamson on loan from Newcastle United looks a shrewd addition in the centre of defence, but the setback at Bristol City brought about more concerns regarding his attack, with Benik Afobe being withdrawn at the break and neither Adam Le Fondre nor Grant Holt able to find an equaliser during the second half.
As far as Afobe is concerned, he has just three goals from open play from his last 13 games, while Le Fondre only has three goals all season as he continues to find himself in and out of the side.
It remains to be seen what part loan signing Holt has to play considering he has not scored in his last 15 outings, but Wolves have returned just five goals in five games and it is a record that must improve sooner rather than later if they are to avoid losing touch with the top six.
Recent form: WLLLWL
Burnley
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When Burnley started the season without a victory from their opening three games, there were fears that a hangover from their relegation from the Premier League could be prolonged.
However, in the space of two-and-a-half months, a period that has included 12 league fixtures, they have established themselves as one of the teams to beat in the Championship after moving level on points with leaders Hull City with nine wins and just one defeat.
Sean Dyche's men are not blowing opposition away, with just three of their victories coming by a two-goal margin, and three goals in a match being achieved just twice, but their workman-like performances have made them difficult to compete against, and everything appears in place to remain in contention for an automatic promotion spot.
In recent weeks, the Clarets have been indebted to the goals of record signing Andre Gray. The £9m striker took time to get going after his move from Brentford, but doubles in each of the games against Bolton Wanderers, Huddersfield Town and Fulham have proved pivotal as he continues to justify his price tag.
Gray still needs to prove himself away from home, however, with just one of his eight goals for the club coming on his travels, while from the team's perspective, they must cut out the goals that they are conceding during the latter stages in opposition territory.
Clean sheets have been recorded at both Derby County and Blackburn Rovers, but each of the six goals let in away from Turf Moor have come in the final 24 minutes.
Recent form: WWDWWW
Team News
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Jackett could hand a recall to Sheyi Ojo after seeing Wolves lack a cutting edge in the final third at Bristol City.
His inclusion could see Nathan Byrne drop to the bench, where he could be joined by Rajiv van La Parra after the Dutch winger returned from injury sooner than expected.
Matt Taylor is in line for a start for Burnley after making an impact off the bench in midweek, with George Boyd most likely to make way.
Striker Sam Vokes will feature against his former club, where he made just 13 starts during a four-year spell between 2008 and 2012.
Wolverhampton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Martinez, Iorfa, Batth, Williamson, Golbourne, McDonald, Coady, Henry, Edwards, Ojo, Afobe
Burnley possible starting lineup:
Heaton, Darikwa, Duff, Keane, Mee, Arfield, Jones, Barton, Taylor, Vokes, Gray
Head To Head
Since their first meeting in 1888, the two clubs have played each other on 126 occasions, with Wolves winning 65 times compared to 36 triumphs for Burnley.
However, in the last 13 matches, none of which has ended in a draw, Burnley have won eight times.
The last fixture between the two clubs came in April 2013, when goals from Danny Ings and Martin Paterson gave the Clarets a 2-1 win at Molineux.
We say: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-2 Burnley
Wolves will be motivated to improve on their recent poor form but they may struggle to impose themselves against a Burnley side who possess an attack who will trouble the home side's backline on the break. We expect this match to be competitive, but Burnley's greater belief could see them through.
Darren Plant
