It’s the latest in a series of relegation six-pointers this term as Wolves travel to Goodison Park to take on Everton.
Last time out, Wolves lost to Bournemouth 4-2, as a series of individual mistakes gave Gary O’Neil’s men too big of a mountain to climb.
Most fans saw enough during that match, with calls for O’Neil to be sacked at the final whistle but the Wolves boss has zero concerns over his future.
Remarkably, despite currently occupying the final relegation spot, the manager feels no pressure over his position in the hot seat.
A loss to Everton at Goodison Park would perhaps alter that narrative but the Englishman will be deploying every tactic under the sun to outsmart Sean Dyche, including one that exploits a key weakness.
Manchester United's Ivorian midfielder #16 Amad Diallo (L) vies with Everton's Ukrainian defender #19 Vitaliy Mykolenko (R) during the English Prem...
Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images
Matt Doherty and Pablo Sarabia can wreak havoc against Vitaliy Mykolenko
Heading into this important encounter, O’Neil has been forced into making at least one change to the side that was beaten by Bournemouth.
Nelson Semedo is suspended for the visit to Everton after he picked up his fifth yellow card of the campaign, and this could result in Matt Doherty making a rare start.
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Indeed, with a switch to a three-at-the-back system, Doherty could form a partnership with Pablo Sarabia down the right, as the Spaniard should also be unleashed after recovering from injury.
Together, they will need to provide attacking impetus and in turn, exploit Everton’s Vitaliy Mykolenko.
The Ukrainian left-back is having a torrid time of late and was part of the defence that conceded four goals against Man United at the weekend.
Mykolenko has also been dubbed a ‘weak link’ in the Everton back line by journalist Michael Ball, who believes the opposition are purposely targeting the 24-year-old.
Perhaps O’Neil will have watched their recent games and, as a result, will decide to overload their right side with the marauding Doherty and silky Sarabia.
It’s a duo that is rarely seen in the same starting lineup however, in a game of fine margins, their role could be essential.
Jorgen Strand Larsen’s key battle against Everton
Aside from Doherty and Sarabia hopefully giving Mykolenko a hard time, big Norwegian striker Jorgen Strand Larsen has a key battle against Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski.
The two Everton titans flourish in battles physical battles involving centre-forwards, and Strand Larsen’s imposing stature is more than a match for the Toffees duo.
O’Neil praised Strand Larsen after he scored a well-taken brace against Bournemouth, with the 24-year-old taking his tally to six goals this term.
Jorgen Strand Larsen for Wolves so far
Appearances – 14
Minutes played – 1090
Goals – 6
Assists – 3
While Matheus Cunha has taken most of the plaudits, the Wolves target man has quietly gone under the radar, scoring more non-penalty goals (5) than any other Premier League player since the start of October.
Now, in a match where Wolves will expect to have most of the ball, the Norwegian will hope to receive the service in the box to score and prove why he’s a secret weapon in the survival battle.
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