RR: Can you give us a brief rundown at what has changed at Wolves since Fosun International purchased the club? Last season was a difficult one but to say they've got you heading in the right direction now would be an understatement!
Rich: Last season was tough. They took over the club a week before the season started after a summer of rumours about takeovers. They couldn’t bring in the manager when wanted as he choice to manage the Spanish national team over Wolves. Zenga was only ever a short term option and Lambert didn’t very little apart from a decent cup run.
But the owners have learnt from their mistakes, have picked a good managers and invested smartly on players and used the loan system effectively.
The whole atmosphere around the club is great right now and long may it continue!
RR: Nuno Espirito Santo was something of a left-field appointment in the summer but he's got Wolves flying so far. What is he getting right, compared to the likes of Walter Zenga and Paul Lambert?
Rich: Unlike Zenga and Lambert, Nuno has had the chance to clear out some of the deadwood and make the squad leaner. He has a set formation and has either bought players in to fit it, adapted some players and those who don’t fit he’s moved on without any animosity.
He’s got the entire team thinking on the same wavelength and they all seem to know where each other want the ball. It’s rare to see us having more than 3 or 4 touches or the ball.
RR: We've got to talk about big Alfred N'Diaye as well! Despite only being on Wearside for half a season, he was pretty popular and something of a cult figure. How's he getting on?
Rich: Alfie is our third choice midfielder right now. He’s a big lad and definitely gives us a more physical edge in games he plays. Although he’s not technically as good as Neves and Saiss, his strength and ability to get forward has seen him get some crucial goals for Wolves.
RR: Given your league position, there's probably umpteen players capable of causing us problems on Saturday. If you had to narrow it down to one though, who would you say is the main danger man that Sunderland fans should be concerned about?
Rich: Just one is pretty tough! Ruben Neves makes everything tick and can tear teams apart if given space. If you stop Neves and disrupt his rhythm and the rest of the team suffer.
⚽️ NEW PODCAST ⚽️
— Roker Report (@RokerReport) December 7, 2017
Our Wolves preview show with @WWFCFancast has dropped.
We chat about having polar opposite seasons, big Alfie N’Diaye and what we can expect on Saturday!
iTunes: https://t.co/FyaN9dcAKw
Acast: https://t.co/IIBqtjIq7k
Youtube: https://t.co/23wptmqJVs pic.twitter.com/apf3ZGk32J
RR: On that subject, is there anyone in the Sunderland side that makes you think we could give you a difficult afternoon?
Rich: Aiden McGeady is decent at this level and capable of the spectacular on occasion.
RR: How do you expect Nuno to approach this game and what do you think his starting line up will be?
Rich: Wolves will approach it exactly the same as we have done all season and the line up will almost certainly be: Ruddy; Bennett Coady Boly; Doherty Saiss Neves Douglas; Cavaleiro Bonatini Jota.
I’m going for a 2-0 Wolves win!