Wolves v Derby preview: Same as it ever was for Nuno
It's one of the biggest games of Wolves' season – but Nuno Espirito Santo doesn't want to change a thing.
The secret of Wolves' success, as he's never shy to point out, centres around hard work, focus and preparation – not to mention ignoring the league table.
Yes, even on Tuesday with the finishing line in sight, Nuno was refusing to even discuss the possibility of promotion.
One game at a time, no distractions, staying humble...that's his mantra.
Perform well and results will follow, says Nuno, and it's impossible to argue with his logic no matters how high the stakes, which are that if Wolves beat the Rams and then Blues on Sunday, they are a Premier League team.
"Our preparation is always the same," he said.
"We have rules, rules give you order, order gives you security, security gives you confidence, confidence gives you performance, performance must be with focus. Simple as that.
"It's my obligation to prepare the players for what they're going to face.
"I said to the players only one thing – the way we prepared for the first game of the season is the way we prepare for every game
"It's always the same preparation it will be the same to the end. They are totally focused on tomorrow.
"It will be a tough game, (Derby have) found good momentum these last two wins.
"They have a good manager, experienced players and a clear idea.
"It's going to be tough but we're at Molineux."
Not just Molineux, but a packed Molineux, as it will be for the last three games of the season which have already sold out.
Nuno has enjoyed an unequivocally positive relationship with his adoring fans and he praised them for their contribution to Wolves' season.
"What our supporters have done through the season is amazing for us and has a big impact on the players," he said.
"I want Molineux happy, enjoying the game and behind the team
"It's a relationship of people that want the same, to be happy at the end of the game, its normal.
"If they like me, fantastic, I appreciate it
"I'm really thankful for the support, especially to the team and the players.
"We still have a long way to go and a long way means five games.
"We don't look at the table, we keep doing the same, simple things many times."
Nuno admitted the manner of the dramatic late win at Cardiff would give his players a mental boost going into tomorrow's game.
He said mental recovery from the Cardiff drama was just as important than their physical recovery.
"Naturally it was stressful. the emotions were up and down and it takes time to settle, but it's my job to give them the same focus," he said.
"The gap between the games gives a good opportunity for the players to totally recover. We are ready."
Ivan Cavaleiro and Helder Costa are pushing for recalls after being benched at Cardiff.
Wolves' only injury absentee is Bright Enobakhare (quad).
Predicted teams
Wolves (3-4-3): John Ruddy; Bennett, Coady, Boly; Doherty, Saiss, Neves, Douglas; Costa, Jota, Cavaleiro. Subs: Norris, Batth, Hause, N'Diaye, Gibbs-White, Afobe, Bonatini.
Derby (4-2-3-1): Carson; Wisdom, Pearce, Davies, Baird; Ledley, Huddlestone; Weimann, Vydra, Lawrence; Nugent
Key players
Wolves: Conor Coady – Livewire Matej Vydra’s movement is good and roaming centre-half Coady will need to keep track of the prolific Derby dangerman.
Derby: Matej Vydra – Derby’s top scorer with 20 this season in 31 starts and tops the Championship goalscoring charts. The former Albion man has very much found his feet at Pride Park.
Memory lane
Fans are calling the win at Cardiff Wolves’ ‘Derby’ moment, recalling 2009 when Andy Keogh scored twice in a 3-2 win to effectively secure promotion.
Past five meetings
August 12, 2017 (Ch): Derby 0 Wolves 2 (Douglas 32, Cavaleiro 76)
April 29, 2017 (Ch): Derby 3 (Nugent 12, Johnson 29, Bryson 57) Wolves 1 (Marshall 45)
November 5, 2016 (Ch): Wolves 2 (Costa 61, Edwards 82) Derby 3 (Ince 6 pen 77, Bent 15)
February 27, 2016 (Ch): Wolves 2 (Saville 14, 86) Derby 1 (Martin 44)
October 18, 2015 (Ch): Derby 4 (Martin 3, 28, Johnson 45, Russell 57) Wolves 2 (Afobe 19, Le Fondre 64)
