In recent history this game has either been bang or bust and this match fell into the latter category. This occasion, in an empty stadium on a bitter afternoon, was in stark contrast to that preposterous seesawing finale here two years ago, when Nuno Espírito Santo ended up sprinting on to the pitch to join a pile-on as Wolves revelled in edging a seven-goal feast. Even the slightest sight of goal proved a precious commodity this time around, with the substitute Jamie Vardy coming closest to snatching a winner in stoppage-time but sending his header wide.
Nuno had promised the teamsheet would lay bare the growing injury issues facing his side, with the absence of Raúl Jiménez keenly felt in recent weeks. Without Willy Boly and Daniel Podence, owing to hamstring and hip problems respectively, Wolves were forced into another reshuffle. That was offset by the return of Jonny Otto after six months out with a knee injury but the wing-back was withdrawn at half-time.
