Wolves are seeking to get out of their rut this weekend with Brighton their opponents in the Premier League.
Gary O’Neil came so close to taking just his second point of the season last weekend against Manchester City, but a late John Stones winner broke Wolves hearts.
The game plan was spot on from O’Neil, and the formation will likely be kept in place for the trip to Brighton.
It’s yet another tough game for Wolves, with the Seagulls having beaten Wolves comfortably on a couple of occasions in recent times.
Brighton have won five of the last seven meetings across all competitions, and have already knocked Wolves out of the Carabao Cup this season.
But fans are optimistic following the performance against City. One man who isn’t though, is Paul Merson.
Paul Merson tips Brighton to beat Wolves
There was certainly a lot to like about Wolves’ performance against Premier League champions Manchester City.
The players look far more comfortable in the back three formation with wing-backs, and one would imagine it will be sticking around.
But pundit Paul Merson does not foresee Wolves getting anything against Brighton.
Predicting a 3-1 home win, Merson told Sportskeeda: “Wolves hung in there till the end against Manchester City last weekend, but were incredibly unlucky as they lost 2-1 in the end. This game against Brighton is a nightmare for Wolves, if I’m being honest.
“Last time against City was a free hit in the sense that they could still sit back and try to get a result. But that’s not the case here! Now they will be forced to go out and chase the win from the first minute at Brighton.
“This approach could play into the hosts’ hands and they could take full advantage to punish Wolves. I’m going for a Brighton win. Wolves face Crystal Palace and Southampton after this game and they need to take all six points from them because I don’t see them getting any here.”
But Merson does not believe that Wolves’ current position of 20th tells the full story.
He added: “Even though Wolves are where they are in the table now, they are not as bad as it shows.”
Wolves should use same blueprint they did against Man City for Brighton
There is an argument here for Wolves to set up in the exact same way for Brighton as they did for Manchester City.
For a long time now, Brighton have been a good footballing side, that knock the ball around with confidence. In a way, they are similar to City stylistically.
| Brighton and Wolves Head-to-Head |
| Games played – 44 |
| Wolves wins – 9 |
| Draws – 15 |
| Brighton wins – 20 |
Wolves should seek to try and absorb pressure and counter-attack, just as they did against City.
Brighton are not as potent as City so it will be interesting to see if O’Neil sets up with three midfielders, or just two and instead adds another forward to have more of a go.
Brighton have given Wolves real problems in previous encounters. But the players must go there full of belief after the display against City.
The most interesting part of the team will surely be who plays in goal. Lee Naylor and Andy Thompson both think Jose Sa should start against Brighton, after he was so good against City.
Fans watched Sa struggle against Brighton in the Carabao Cup, but many feel he would deserve to keep his place at the Amex.
Sam Johnstone has been back in Wolves training this week, so O’Neil’s decision will be very interesting indeed.