Gary O’Neil has revealed which two Wolves are available to start against Brighton on Monday night.
It’s been an excellent season for Wolves so far who have been transformed under the tutelage of Gary O’Neil.
From expecting a relegation battle in the summer to now challenging for Europe, few could have envisaged an incredible change in fortunes.
O’Neil has managed to forge a feel-good factor at the club by getting the best out of every player.
There are several who are having incredible campaigns in Gold. From the imperious Jose Sa in between the sticks to the South Korean sharpshooter Hwang Hee-Chan, the Wolves boss has put on a show at Molineux.
The next episode of that show takes place on Monday night as Wanderers travel to Brighton & Hove Albion, who are three points and three places above them in the table.
This mouth-watering contest presents a real opportunity for Wolves to lay down a marker on their European ambitions.
Arriving into this fixture five matches unbeaten in all competitions, however, O’Neil can be confident of his side making it a sixth after revealing which two of his players are in contention to start.
Gary O’Neil says Mario Lemina and Pedro Neto are in contention to start
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the clash against the Seagulls, he provided an update on the condition of Mario Lemina and Pedro Neto.
O’Neil said: “Mario and Pedro are both available to start at Brighton. Pedro is probably a bit further along as Mario missed a lot of training, but he did a lot of good work on his own while he was away.”
Neto has slowly been introduced back into the fold after suffering a hamstring injury in October. He featured for ten minutes against Everton before playing 63 minutes in the 3-2 victory over Brentford in the FA Cup.
Lemina, on the other hand, was given time off following the passing of his father but did return to the squad this week and that is a timely boost to O’Neil.
A huge boost for Wolves
Lemina and Neto have both been magnificent for Wolves this season.
While Lemina has been the enforcer in midfield alongside Joao Gomes, Neto has been missed for the skill and guile he provides in the final third.
The Portuguese star is one of few players who can produce a moment of magic from nothing in the final third.
Indeed, his ability to get opportunities has seen him threaten to break one record and finish at the top of the assist table.
In 11 matches this term, he’s produced a whopping seven assists. Only Ollie Watkins and Mohamed Salah (8) have more.
It is therefore clear to see why O’Neil is excited to welcome both of his first-team stars back into the fold.