After beating Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge last weekend, Wolves are brimming with confidence as they prepare to face a struggling Brentford side at Molineux.
Gary O’Neil’s side are in excellent form at the moment having gone unbeaten in eight of their last nine matches in all competitions.
Three of those matches across that run have come against Brentford, thrashing the Bees 4-1 in the Premier League before getting the better of them in an FA Cup replay at Molineux.
The Wanderers were once known for their blunt edge in front of goal, but with the likes of Matheus Cunha and Pedro Neto encountering a purple patch, O’Neil’s men are now free-scoring.
Cunha’s hat-trick against the Blues took his tally to nine goals in the top flight this season while Neto has supplied an impressive eight assists, as per Transfermarkt.
It’s looking incredible for Wolves on the pitch as they push towards Europe and off it they’ve shown their ambition to tie down their best players after rewarding Toti Gomes with a new long-term deal.
As for the team news, O’Neil only has one first-team player unavailable for selection and that is Hwang Hee-Chan, who may not be back in time to take on Brentford.
Meanwhile, Boubacar Traore should be in the matchday squad after Mali exited AFCON.
Here’s our predicted lineup for Wolves vs Brentford…
Wolves predicted XI vs Brentford
Jose Sa’s inclusion is one of several guarantees in this Wolves’ side. The Portuguese shot-stopper breathes confidence into his backline and has proven to be one of the club’s biggest bargains in recent years.
O’Neil has lined up with the same back three for most of the season as Craig Dawson, Max Kilman and Toti Gomes continue to build up a strong partnership. They face the unenviable task of dealing with Brentford goal machine Ivan Toney, who very nearly signed for Wolves years ago.
Nelson Semedo is a shoo-in at right-wing back having established himself as an unsung hero this term. Rayan Ait-Nouri came back into the side against Chelsea and played an integral role in their Stamford Bridge demolition. The Algerian epitomises everything you want from a modern full-back and ranks in the top 2% for successful take-ons.
As for the midfield unit, Mario Lemina and Joao Gomes have formed a vitally important partnership in the engine room that was rekindled last weekend as Gomes bullied Chelsea’s midfield. Their presence in the middle of the park gives license for the front three to produce magic.
The two guarantees in that are Pedro Neto and Matheus Cunha, however, the third spot is usually up for debate.
Jean Ricner-Bellegarde won that battle for a starting spot against Chelsea, but in a match where Wolves will look to assume control, O’Neil could start “outstanding” Spanish playmaker Pablo Sarabia, who will help unlock the Bees backline.