Opinion

Five Players Gary O’Neil should start in Arsenal vs Wolves

Wolves face a tough test on Saturday as they travel to the Emirates looking to produce an upset against title-contenders Arsenal.

The Gunners sit top of the Premier League after an impressive start.

Wolves traditionally don’t do too well against Arsenal. This task has become even more tricky for Gary O’Neil due to injuries and suspensions within his squad.

However, after a controversial defeat against Fulham, Wolves will be looking to bounce back on Saturday with a good result in the capital.

Therefore, here are five players that O’Neil should look to start on the weekend in order to pull off an upset. 

Pablo Sarabia 

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images

The midfielder was surprisingly not brought on in Monday night’s 3-2 defeat to Fulham

Sarabia produced a stunning performance off the bench against Spurs to win the game at Molineux last month.

He is now surely deserving of a spot in the starting lineup, especially after Rayan Ait-Nouri’s injury.

The midfielder could help offer more in the attacking areas to break down a stubborn Arsenal backline.

His creativity was spot on against Spurs and there is no reason why he can’t replicate this again on Saturday.

Craig Dawson 

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Newcastle United - Premier League
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The experienced defender was unable to play against Fulham earlier this week due to his suspension. 

However, he is now available for Saturday’s clash and should return to the line-up.

Wolves conceded three times against Fulham and despite two coming from controversial penalties, it was a poor display.

Bringing Dawson back into the starting line-up would offer the backline more experience and composure in the defence against a formidable opponent.

Tommy Doyle 

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Newcastle United - Premier League
Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images

With Mario Lemina and Joao Gomes both suspended for the game, with could be the perfect moment for Doyle to show why he should be in the starting XI. 

The midfielder has been restricted to appearances off the bench for most of the season.

This has seen some good cameos from the Man City loanee, especially in their 2-1 win over Bournemouth.

Doyle could easily offer a more attacking threat if O’Neil plans to take the game towards the hosts.

Sasa Kalajdzic

AFC Bournemouth v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League
Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images

The striker has struggled to get into the starting lineup all season.

His last start came in the 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United.

This seems to be quite harsh on the striker who has scored some important goals for Wolves this season.

With Arsenal likely to have the majority of the ball during the tie, Kalajdzic would help offer a focal point for any counterattack. 

His height allows him to hold the ball up as well as provide a serious threat from set pieces.

Hugo Bueno 

Wolverhampton Wanderers Training Session
Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images

The full-back would provide a like-for-like swap with the injured Ait-Nouri.

The Spaniard is now fit again after recovering from an injury himself.

His attacking and defensive ability could easily help Wolves out throughout the game.

The full-back is still young and has recently signed a long-term contract to stay at the club.

Therefore, a start at the Emirates would help keep his development on the right track.