Rob Edwards will have a lot of decisions to make about his Wolves attack on Saturday evening vs Arsenal.
The Old Gold head coach has been handed some devastating injury concerns, and his options are continuing to get slimmer.
Jorgen Strand Larsen’s spot is certainly under threat as well. Darren Bent believes he was ‘weak’ against Manchester United, and he is not alone in expressing his frustrations with the Norwegian.
Supporters are also growing impatient with his struggles. Jeers from Molineux ensued when he was subbed off the pitch on Monday, and Rob Edwards had to calm Larsen down so he did not react.
So with that in mind, here is how we feel that Rob Edwards will line up in a tricky tie against Arsenal.
Defence
Ladislav Krejci’s return will be welcomed, and with Joao Gomes back from suspension, that could see the Czech international put back into the backline.
Toti Gomes and Emmanuel Agbadou retain their places, as they have put on some decent showings recently.
Unfortunately, Yerson Mosquera drops out of the backline, while Sam Johnstone retains his spot between the sticks.
David Moller Wolfe and Jackson Tchatchoua will hold the width. The Norwegian picked up an assist against Manchester United, and that could ensure his place.
Meanwhile, Ki-Jana Hoever did not do much to cement a second start in a row, and Tchatchoua will come back in.
Midfield
Joao Gomes’ suspension is over, so that means the Brazilian will be put straight back into the action. Andre will continue to partner him in midfield despite a poor showing against Manchester United.
Rob Edwards does not have many other options in the middle of the pitch due to Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s injury and Marshall Munetsi also being ruled out.
This is perhaps the easiest of Edwards’ selection dilemmas.
Wolves fans, who should take Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s place in the starting XI?
He'll be out injured for six or more weeks.
Attack
Additionally, the two injuries mentioned above also affect Edwards’ options up front.
The lack of options for those wide number 10 roles opens the door for Fer Lopez to be handed a rare start, and despite his continued lacklustre performances, Jhon Arias persists on the other side.
Mateus Mane could be another option for Rob Edwards, but throwing him up front against a side like Arsenal, where he will see less of the ball, might not be a fair situation for the youngster.
Jorgen Strand Larsen will be benched following yet another frustrating night for him on Monday. Tolu Arokodare’s exclusion from Nigeria’s AFCON squad means he will have a real shot at making the centre-forward position his own.
Agree with our predicted Wolves XI to face Arsenal?
What changes would you like to see?
Overall, no matter who starts, they must be at 110% if Wolves want to have any chance of snatching a shock result.
The Gunners are sitting in 1st place, while the Old Gold have yet to win a game. The task seems insurmountable, and it will remain so if Edwards gets his selections wrong.
Receive a digest of our best Wolverhampton Wanderers content each week direct to your mailbox
Join the fan conversation
