Hugo Bueno has been dealing with an injury over the last few days, and Rob Edwards will be hoping he is available to play against Manchester United.
The Spaniard has not made his way into the plans of the new head coach, but with the Old Gold struggling in the final third, he could be a solution to improve that.
However, so far, David Moller Wolfe has been further up the pecking order, in what is a reversal of what occurred during Vitor Pereira’s spell.
The Norwegian made a damning claim about the Portuguese’s methods while also praising Rob Edwards, but if Bueno returns from injury in time for Manchester United, there could be a big reason for him to start.
That is because he leads the way in three key areas offensively in comparison to every other Premier League full-back.
POV: You are Rob Edwards preparing for Manchester United. What changes do you make to sort out this problem?
STAT: Wolves have not registered a Premier League goal in 9 hours and 6 minutes of football. This includes added time at HT and FT. Marshall Munetsi’s strike against Burnley in October was the last league goal for the Old Gold.
Hugo Bueno ranks top in three key offensive stats
Hugo Bueno has been one of the better surprises for Wolves this season. After spending last season out on loan, and with the arrival of David Moller Wolfe, it was not clear what his future at Molineux looked like.
However, offensively, he has been one of the Old Gold’s most dangerous players, and he has done all of that from full-back and wing-back.
The Spaniard tops three important statistics in the Premier League when ranked up against every Premier League player in his position.
Hugo Bueno has attempted the most dribbles (45), had the most successful attacking actions (43), and has the most accurate crosses (25), as per Data.MB.
And it is those sort of traits that Rob Edwards could use in his side right now.
However, while Hugo Bueno does offer a lot going forward, the threat of Bryan Mbeumo on Monday does have to be taken into account.
If the defender is fit, Rob Edwards will have a big headache to encounter.
Wolves have the tough task of stopping Bryan Mbeumo from inflicting more damage against them. If Hugo Bueno is fit, would you start him over David Moller Wolfe?
STAT: Bryan Mbeumo has scored or assisted in five of his six appearances against Wolves.
Hugo Bueno might be the better option against Manchester United
Although at Molineux News, we have predicted Moller Wolfe to start, that thinking was largely down to the fact Bueno is racing against time to be fit.
However, if he is available, Edwards should start him.
Goals win games, wins give three points, and that is what is most important for the Wanderers right now.
They have already fallen far behind the rest of the relegation contenders, and now is the time to take a risk.
Start the more attacking options, go for it in games, and show bravery in the final third. Hugo Bueno has been one of the very best at that, and the data backs that up.
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