Wolves host Sheffield United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon looking to build on their excellent win at Tottenham.
In that victory over Spurs, Wolves were devastating on the counter-attack, however, against Sheffield United, they’ll be required to dominate possession as Chris Wilder’s side will be happy to soak up pressure.
The Blades are rock bottom of the Premier League and know that if they open up against the Wanderers, they’ll picked off by the quality of Pedro Neto, Hwang Hee-Chan and co.
In assuming control of the contest, O’Neil could throw Tommy Doyle into midfield as his excellent passing range could be the key to unlocking the defence.
The Spanish magician Pablo Sarabia, meanwhile, will look to occupy pockets of space and fashion opportunities for his teammates.
Ahead of this clash, O’Neil has no fresh injury concerns and while Matheus Cunha is progressing well, there is no timeline for his return to action.
Wolves have been extremely good against the division’s best sides, beating the likes of Tottenham and Manchester City while losing against teams lower than them in the table; Sheffield United, Brentford and Fulham.
Nonetheless, this is a great chance for the Wanderers to make further inroads into the European places as three points separate 11th to 7th in the table.
Here is our predicted lineup for the match…
Wolves predicted XI v Sheffield United – Tommy Doyle starts
Jose Sa’s place in goal is almost guaranteed. The Portuguese shot-stopper is having an impressive season, although he has only kept three clean sheets and would love to improve on that total against Sheffield United.
O’Neil could change formation to go more attacking against the Blades by switching to four at the back.
Sadly, that could mean Craig Dawson drops out with Max Kilman and Toti Gomes partnering in defence.
Given the visitors will likely sit back, wing-backs Nelson Semedo and Rayan Ait-Nouri will still have the license to bomb forward and provide width.
A change to a 4-1-4-1 formation could see Mario Lemina operate at the base of midfield while accommodating the inclusion of the ‘quality’ Tommy Doyle in an advanced midfield role alongside Joao Gomes.
While Doyle brings that creativity and guile you need against a low block, O’Neil has also spoken about putting Gomes into more goalscoring positions on the pitch.
And after netting a brace against Spurs, he should play further forward on Sunday.
In the wide forward areas, Pedro Neto and Pablo Sarabia can interchange on either flank as they aim to terrorise the worst defence in the league with Hwang Hee-Chan leading the line once more.
The South Korean has yet to score since returning from Asia Cup duty, but this is a great opportunity to add to his 10 goals.