Rob Edwards has a lot to think about heading into Wolves’ fixture against Manchester United, but some changes will be forced.
Joao Gomes’ suspension means Wolves will be without the Brazilian, and the issues do not stop there.
The head coach has some injury concerns, with Marshall Munetsi suspected to have pulled his calf. He is a major doubt for this game.
With that in mind, here is our predicted XI for Wolves vs Manchester United, as Edwards makes three changes.
Matt Doherty is the only change in defence
Wolves have been lacking experience and leadership, and with Matt Doherty back on the bench against Nottingham Forest, Edwards could turn to him to play Manchester United.
Jackson Tchatchoua has been far from impressive for Wolves, and his performances have been either hot or cold. His recent showing against Nottingham Forest was terrible.
This could prompt Edwards to make just one change to the backline, with the rest staying as is.
Hugo Bueno could be in with a shout at left wing-back, but we are still unsure on his fitness after he missed Wednesday night’s match.
David Moller Wolfe could be key in his battle against Bryan Mbeumo.
Wolves have the tough task of stopping Bryan Mbeumo from inflicting more damage against them. If Hugo Bueno is fit, would you start him over David Moller Wolfe?
STAT: Bryan Mbeumo has scored or assisted in five of his six appearances against Wolves.
Forced change in midfield
As stated before, Joao Gomes will not feature, and that means at least one change on Monday is guaranteed.
Edwards’ decision is helped by the fact Marshall Munetsi is ruled out, but he will also be sweating on the return of Ladislav Krejci as well.
Similar to Bueno, there has not been a big update about his fitness other than that he was back on grass before the 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest.
If he is fit, he could very well start in midfield, but with no concrete information, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde remains as the only option to play in that deeper midfield role.
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Hwang Hee-chan comes into the attack
We would like to see Tolu Arokodare and Jorgen Strand Larsen up top again, especially with Manchester United’s weakness being set pieces, but the lack of midfield options means a bank of three in the middle is unlikely.
With Bellegarde dropping deeper, there is space for another player to join the three-pronged attack.
Mateus Mane is one who could come into the fray, but with him being inexperienced, throwing him into a fixture like this may not be the best timing, but, ideally, we would want to see him from the off.
Jhon Arias retains his place up top, in what could be his last chance to impress Edwards, and Hwang Hee-chan, who has not been a fan favourite, gets the nod.
Our predicted Wolves XI to face Manchester United 🐺
Agree with our picks, Wolves fans? If not, who should start?
With injuries piling up and the Wanderers in search of a first win, Edwards will have to find a way to get a result.
The Old Gold will have to dig deep and work as a team. The latest data shows Wolves have increased their intensity, and that is a good sign.
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