Wolves face Sunderland in a huge Premier League encounterplaceholder image
Wolves face Sunderland in a huge Premier League encounter | Getty Images
How Wolves are likely to line up against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light
Vitor Pereira’s side remained winless after seven matches despite positive performances in draws against Tottenham and Brighton before the international break. They need a victory to have any chances of climbing off the bottom of the table and reduce the gap between themselves and 17th as they look to ensure that their stay in the Premier League doesn’t come to an end in their eighth season.
Sunderland had to wait eight years just to reach the top-flight after relegation in 2017, but have so far shown signs that they could be here to stay after an ambitious £141m net spend on new recruits, and a fast start which has seen them pick up 11 points from their opening seven matches - leaving them more than a quarter of the way to the desire 40-point-mark which is often associated with Premier League teams and survival.
Wolves need a victory to build momentum and take some of the heat away from manager Vitor Pereira. But how are the Old Gold likely to setup at the Stadium of Light and will there be many changes?
Wolves predicted line-up: goalkeeper and defence
GK: Sam Johnstone: Former England international Sam Johnstone has been much improved between the posts and currently seems to be the preferred choice ahead of Jose Sa.
RB: Jackson Tchatchoua: The former Verona man has played six times since arriving in the summer and at present looks to be the first choice right-back.
CB: Toti Gomes: The club captain returns from injury and could be handed an opportunity to start in the middle of defence. Potentially ahead of Santiago Bueno.
CB: Ladislav Krejčí: The Czech international has done well since being shifted from central midfield to defence and looks likely to retain his starting position.
LB: Hugo Bueno: Since returning from his loan spell at Feyenoord, Hugo Bueno has been the first choice left-back ahead of David Møller Wolfe, who hasn’t yet had much opportunity to shine.
Wolves predicted line-up: midfield and attack
CM: Marshall Munetsi: The versatile Zimbabwean international has featured seven times this season and has worked hard for his team. He’s expected to retain his place.
CM: Andre: Brazil international Andre has been a near ever-present on Vitor Pereira due to his tireless workrate and tenacity. He faces a huge physical challenge against Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka to gain control of the contest.
CM: Joao Gomes: The midfielder has played in almost every minute of every game this term and was even given the captain’s armband during the recent 1-1 draw with Brighton. He has a big role to play this weekend.
RW: Jhon Arias: Still yet to register a goal or an assist, Colombian international Jhon Arias will hope to show more in the coming weeks but is amongst the more experienced attacking options.
ST: Jorgen Strand Larsen: Scorer of 14 goals last season, Jorgen Strand Larsen is still waiting to get off the mark in the Premier League after a summer which was dominated by transfer speculation. He’ll be crucial if Wolves are to climb out of this relegation battle.
LW: Hwang hee-Can: The South Korean international has been nowhere near the levels he produced in the 2023/24 campaign for some time, but remains a player with the quality to aid the club in this current situation. Fer López, who is likely to be named on the bench, will be keen to impact the game if things aren’t going to plan.
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