The international break is almost over, and Wolves fans can start to think about the next game with Manchester City.
Gary O’Neil has had much to ponder over the last couple of weeks, with the club currently bottom of the Premier League table.
It was a chastening defeat last time out against Brentford, and after that loss, many fans turned on the Wolves manager.
But the Wolves board is backing O’Neil for now, and there is a belief that despite the poor start, he can turn things around at Molineux.
But it is not about to get any easier, with Manchester City next up for Wolves.
And heading into the game, O’Neil is potentially facing a bit of an issue that has been all too familiar.
Andre, Mario Lemina and Santiago Bueno all still on international duty
Wolves have a number of Brazilians in their ranks these days, and one of them is currently on duty with the national team.
Midfielder Andre is with the squad right now, having been called up by manager Dorival Junior.
Potentially, there is an issue here for O’Neil, as he will be doing a lot of travelling.
Brazil are in action at 1.45am UK time on Wednesday morning against Peru, so it will be a late return to Compton Park for the Wolves star.
Brazil played against Chile on Friday, and Andre got 45 minutes.
In addition, captain Mario Lemina is still with the Gabon squad. He’s in action today at 2pm UK time against Lesotho again, having already played a full game against Lesotho a few days ago.
As well as the two midfielders, defender Santiago Bueno could also be feeling the effects of fatigue ahead of his return to Wolves from South America. He’s still on duty with Uruguay and has another game against Ecuador tonight.
Wolves are in action on Sunday against Manchester City so that extra day of recovery will be most welcome. But it could still be those players don’t arrive back in peak physical condition.
Tommy Doyle could start against Man City
O’Neil’s team selection on Sunday will be fascinating.
Steve Bull has urged O’Neil to use a back three, and that’s an opinion that many fans now share, after seeing how leaky the defence has been.
O’Neil himself hinted after the Brentford defeat that he could change the system.
Given the travelling Andre, Lemina and Bueno will all be doing, it will be interesting to see if Tommy Doyle gets the nod against his former club.
| Andre | Mario Lemina | Joao Gomes | Tommy Doyle |
| Appearances – 5 | Appearances – 9 | Appearances – 8 | Appearances – 7 |
| Minutes played – 318 | Minutes played – 701 | Minutes played – 637 | Minutes played – 245 |
It is probably a game that suits the other three midfielders more than him, as they are better ball-winners and City are going to dominate possession.
But circumstances may see the fresher Doyle start. Doyle feels he should be starting every week for Wolves, and it would be great to see him given a chance against an outstanding side.