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Predicting Wolverhampton Wanderers’ lineup against Ipswich Town in the Premier League as the pressure grows on Gary O’Neil.
Wolves take on arguably their most important fixture of the season so far as they welcome fellow strugglers Ipswich to Molineux in a relegation six-pointer this Saturday.
The Old Gold and the Tractor Boys are both on just nine points after 15 matches played, four points adrift from Crystal Palace in 17th. Kieran McKenna’s side were expected to down in the doldrums following their recent promotion but Wolves’ squad should really be good enough to finish comfortably outside the bottom three.
Pressure on Gary O’Neil is growing the longer this awful run goes on but the message from the Wolves board is one of support. Wanderers’ head coach is set to be in charge for at least the Ipswich and Leicester City games - the two most vital yet - before any decision is made on his future.
Knowing the fans are rightfully demanding nothing less than a victory this weekend, O’Neil will undoubtedly name his strongest available team. A suspension for Joao Gomes complicates things after the Brazilian picked up his fifth yellow card of the campaign, but there’s a more than capable replacement.
Gary O'Neil's Wolves face a must-win clash with Ipswich Town at Molineux.Gary O'Neil's Wolves face a must-win clash with Ipswich Town at Molineux.
Gary O'Neil's Wolves face a must-win clash with Ipswich Town at Molineux. | Wolves via Getty Images
Defensive changes are possible following yet more mistakes in the 2-1 defeat at West Ham United on Monday but the attacking personnel are likely to remain the same. With all of that in mind, here are the 11 players we reckon will face Ipswich at Molineux.
Wolves predicted lineup vs Ipswich Town
GK - Sam Johnstone: The goalkeeper is likely to continue in the XI as Jose Sa recovers from a new shoulder injury.
RWB - Matt Doherty: Needs to work on his defensive positioning but deserves another start after scoring an excellent goal last time out.
CB - Nelson Semedo: The Portuguese, an important player Wolves want to sign on for the longer term, simply has to start every game he’s fit for.
CB - Craig Dawson: Dropped on the back of two own goals away at Everton, Dawson could be recalled following Santi Bueno’s dismal display at West Ham.
CB - Toti Gomes: A useful option in defence, both at left-back and centre-back, the 25-year-old will probably move into the latter role if it’s a three.
LWB - Rayan Ait-Nouri: The Algerian hasn’t been in his best form but he’s certainly got the quality to change games, especially when in advanced areas.
CM - Mario Lemina: The new skipper has played in an array of positions both this season and last but he’s probably best when sweeping in at the base of midfield.
CM - Andre: Signed for £21million in the summer, Andre has shown signs of real quality. His aggressive nature could be handy in such a big game.
CM - Tommy Doyle: Effective with his wide passing range, Doyle is the likeliest to step up with Joao Gomes unavailable through suspension.
ST - Matheus Cunha: Wolves’ star man thrives when playing just off Strand Larsen as a second striker as he can drop into spaces between the lines.
ST - Jorgen Strand Larsen: The Norwegian, proving to be a practical outlet up top, has contributed six goals and two assists in 15 Premier League games so far.
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