Vitor Pereira has a bold decision to make when Matheus Cunha returns to action at Wolves.
It’s been quite a few weeks for Cunha, who, after collecting a red card against Bournemouth, was handed a further one-match ban.
The FA charged Cunha for acting in an improper manner at the Vitality, seeing him miss a total of four games.
At the time of the Brazilian’s suspension, Wolves fans were furious at Cunha for possibly costing the Old Gold Premier League safety, but instead, quite the opposite has played out.
- READ MORE: How Jorgen Strand Larsen took inspiration from Matheus Cunha’s Ipswich controversy during Wolves win
Where Wolves sit in the Premier League table since Matheus Cunha’s suspension
Pereira’s side ousted any concern regarding being unable to perform without Cunha, remaining unbeaten in the 25-year-old’s absence.
Wolves have won their previous three games and drew their first without their star player, emphasising the talent in the squad aside from the Brazil international.
After Wolves’ win over Ipswich Town, the Old Gold not only took a leap away from the relegation zone, but took a remarkable leap forward in the form table.
Since Cunha’s suspension, Wolves have collected 10 Premier League points, more than any other club, bar Aston Villa, who are level with their rivals.
Sitting top of the league is a feeling Wolves aren’t accustomed to, but that’s the level that Pereira’s squad have been performing at in Cunha’s absence.
It certainly hands the Wolves manager some food for thought, as his star player is eligible to play in the next fixture against Tottenham.
Grounds to leave Cunha out of the starting XI vs Tottenham
Cunha’s influence on Wolves this season has been sensational, but that hasn’t stopped the forward from landing himself in hot water.
During his suspension, Cunha opted to share his transfer plans ahead of the summer, suggesting that he will leave Molineux in search of a higher level.
The comments were distasteful at this point in the season, leading Wolves fans to fume at Cunha for making his desire known whilst the campaign is still in play.
Pereira could be tempted to leave the Brazilian out of his starting XI upon his return, not only due to his recent behaviour but, because his team doesn’t need change right now.
Jorgen Strand Larsen has stepped up in Cunha’s absence, with a claim made for Wolves actually playing better without their star player.
In any other circumstance, Pereira wouldn’t opt to change a winning team, making his squad selection against Spurs all the more interesting as Cunha returns.