Amid all the manager drama sweeping over Molineux this week, Saturday night’s clash with Chelsea has taken a back seat.
Well, a back seat for fans and the media, but not for the man holding down the fort — Under-21s coach James Collins.
Wolves can’t let the circus distract them from the challenge ahead. They face a Chelsea side who got the better of them two weeks ago, this time travelling to Stamford Bridge.
Collins faced the media for a pre-match press conference, and hinted at the inclusion of some academy gems in his matchday squad.
James Collins names three Wolves youngsters who could feature against Chelsea
As well-liked as Vitor Pereira was at Molineux, some of his decisions in recent months haven’t gone down well with fans.
One such example is the lack of trust he placed in youth, specifically three U-21 stars who possess the kind of excitement and energy the senior team have been crying out for.
The press conference was streamed on the Wolves app. Asked about the team news for Chelsea, Collins first mentioned that Rodrigo Gomes and Matt Doherty are injured, which we already knew.
Then, without prompting, he began speaking about three attackers he is all too familiar with.
He says: “Rodrigo and Doc are injured. Agbadou was sent off last week, but otherwise the rest are available. We might see some of my young lads in the squad too.
“[Tawanda] Chirewa, [Mateus] Mane and Enso Gonzalez are, in my opinion, ready for first team football.”
Wolves are in a difficult moment, and entrusting inexperienced players with saving the club from relegation risks putting too much pressure on them and damaging confidence. But creation and pace in the Wolves attack are non-existent at times, and that’s what these three offer.
Collins isn’t saying they’ll start, but even having them as options marks a change from what we have grown used to this season.
Mane should start against Chelsea
If you’re a regular reader of Molineux News, you’ll know that we hold Mane in very high regard. The 18-year-old is a special talent.
Mane has been ultra-impressive for Wolves U-21s, seemingly scoring or assisting in every game he plays.
He made the squad to face Chelsea last time out, and Collins’ comments suggest he will be in the mix again. But he should start.
Our predicted Wolves XI to take on Chelsea doesn’t include Mane, but it could now.
Of Chirewa, Gonzalez and Mane, the latter is the one who should get a run. We think Collins will go for two big strikers in Tolu Arokodare and Jorgen Strand Larsen, aiming to replicate the problems Wolves caused Chelsea in their own box last time.
That leaves one spot in behind the two number 9s, and Mane could slot in. It’s a lot to ask of a teenager, but no one else who can play there has covered themselves in glory this season.
At a time of immense change at Wolves, why not carry that theme into the starting lineup.