We could be in for some Wolves on Wolves action this weekend.
The international break is upon us, which means watching the Wolves players kitted out for their country.
It can be enlightening to watch players in different systems and identify areas in which they are being underutilised in club competition.
Wolves have a record 17 players on duty this month, meaning it will be difficult to track everyone’s progress, but one fixture might be worth watching as three of Vitor Pereira’s men could feature at once.
Hwang Hee-chan set to face Joao Gomes and Andre
Hwang Hee-chan’s South Korea have already secured their place in next summer’s World Cup, so the Wolves forward will be returning to the national team for a pair of friendlies after being omitted from September’s squad. One of those will be against Brazil on Friday.
Andre and Joao Gomes have been called up by Carlo Ancelotti, having missed out last month as well.
Hwang has started seven of the last ten international fixtures he has been available for, suggesting he’s likely to get the nod against Brazil.
On the other side, competition is fierce for a place in Ancelotti’s midfield, but the Wolves duo will be hoping their inclusion was for a reason. They are competing with Newcastle’s own duo of Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes, and Man United’s Casemiro.
At least one of those two should get a run against their Korean teammate, and there’s every chance all three make it onto the pitch.
Brazil squad inclusion speaks volumes about Wolves midfield quality
That both Gomes and Andre have made the latest Brazil squad is testament to their quality.
This is the most successful national side in the history of the sport, who have ambitions of once again hoisting the World Cup next summer.
Ancelotti clearly doesn’t see them as the issue that has Wolves stranded at the bottom of the table.
Brazil are by no means tournament favourites, but they have some ridiculous talent in their ranks. Raphinha, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Eder Militao, Gabriel Magalhaes… the list goes on.
Wolves could have two World Cup-winning midfielders on the books come the start of next season. Though, as we saw with Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez, such a feat usually draws attention from the biggest clubs.
Maybe we shouldn’t be rooting for them, then.