Wolves will go in search of their first Premier League points under Gary O’Neil when Brighton & Hove Albion visit Molineux on Saturday afternoon.
The Black County outfit were unfortunate to lose on the opening weekend against Manchester United at Old Trafford, despite dominating large spells of the game. They were hard done by the match officials after failing to award a penalty when Man Utd goalkeeper Andre Onana clattered into Sasa Kalajdzic deep into second-half stoppage time.
Nonetheless, Gary O’Neil would have been proud of his team’s display on Monday. He will expect his team to be on top of their game and be clinical against Brighton, who thrashed newly-promoted Luton Town 4-1 in their season opener.
Wolves Team News
No injury problems have been reported following the game against Man United, which means Gary O’Neil will have a clean bill of health to choose from on Saturday. The Wolves boss will be able to pick the best XI he thinks is capable of beating Brighton at home.
Predicted Wolves lineup vs Brighton (4-4-2)
Goalkeeper
Jose Sa was barely tested by Man United on Monday, but he would have been disappointed to concede a goal 13 minutes from full time. The Portuguese shot-stopper will have to be at his best to keep a clean sheet against Brighton.
Defence
In front of Jose Sa, the back four of Nelson Semedo, Craig Dawson, Max Kilman and Rayan Ait-Nouri were solid for large parts of the game at Old Trafford. Despite failing to keep a clean sheet, they will go into the game in a buoyant mood on Saturday.
Given Brighton are a very dangerous side with plenty of match-winners in the side, the Wolves’ backline will have to be sharp and focused throughout the 90 minutes to keep the visitors at bay.
Midfield
O’Neil will be reluctant to make changes to his midfield that overpowered United’s experienced midfield trio of Casemiro, Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes. This means Matheus Nunes and Pedro Neto will operate as wide midfielders, with Mario Lemina and Joao Gomes tasked with keeping things tidy in the engine room.
The Wolves midfielders have to be exceptional with their passing and reading of the game if they are to stop Brighton from being their natural self.
Attack
With their speed, trickery and direct running, Pablo Sarabia and Matheus Cunha caused endless problems for the United backline. O’Neil will hope to see more of the same from Sarabia and Cunha but be more clinical with their chances in front of goal against Brighton.
Hwang Hee-chan and Sasa Kalajdzic will be solid attacking weapons to bring on from the bench when required.
