Wolves are back in action this afternoon as the Old Gold welcome Sheffield United to Molineux in the quest for three vital points in the Premier League.
Wolves will be looking to build some form this afternoon at Molineux, as Gary O’Neil’s side welcome bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United to Wolverhampton.
Despite the Blades having won just three fixtures so far this season, the Old Gold will know not to underestimate today’s visitors, with one of their victories coming over O’Neil’s squad back in November.
It was a controversial result when Wolves visited Bramall Lane, which will surely fuel the hosts this afternoon to battle for the win.
After last week’s remarkable performance against Spurs in North London, O’Neil’s XI will be full of confidence however, the manager could opt to make a slight tweak to the side he fielded in the capital.
Wolves team news vs Sheffield United
Aside from the absence of Matheus Cunha, the boss will be delighted to have a fully fit side after seeing just how well his squad performed last time out without the Brazilian’s influence.
There were a host of star performers against Spurs which could ease the manager’s thoughts when selecting his starting lineup although, one minor tweak could see Pablo Sarabia take to the bench.
Why Tommy Doyle should start against Sheffield United
With three key passes and an assist against Ange Postecoglou’s side, it would be cruel to drop Sarabia but the Spaniard’s omission could be deemed as the lesser of two evils.
Earlier this week, journalist Liam Keen admitted that the duel against Sheffield United “will suit” Tommy Doyle, who could come into midfield to inject more creativity.
The reason why Sarabia could be the player to make way is that the manager is unlikely to disturb the pivot of Joao Gomes and Mario Lemina, who are an authoritative force in the midfield.
Instead of switching one of the combative pair out to accommodate Doyle, O’Neil could play the Englishman behind the likes of Pedro Neto and Hwang Hee-chan to bolster the playmaking IQ in the central areas.
By keeping Lemina and Gomes in their positions, the engine room will be kept tidy while the Manchester City loanee could assert his creativity.
Averaging 7.01 passes into the final third per 90 in the Premier League this season, via FBref, Doyle could unlock the Blades in ways that may be required to break down Chris Wilder’s side.
Lauded as “unbelievable” by O’Neil, the manager admitted that he had struggled to drop the 22-year-old in recent weeks, although today’s contest could provide the midfielder with a perfect opportunity.