Wolves are preparing for their blockbuster clash with Manchester City at Molineux on Sunday.
Gary O’Neil’s squad has been separated due to the October international break, where nine Wolves players have been on duty.
The break in play came at a welcomed time for the Old Gold, who after seven fixtures played in the Premier League, sit bottom of the table with one point.
When action resumes, Wolves will be in with the chance of redemption but they will have to trouble Manchester City to get back on the right path.
Wolves have some confidence to take into Man City clash
Sitting 20th won’t have those at Compton fuelled on high levels of belief however, when it comes to hosting the champions at Molineux, O’Neil can seek a source of inspiration.
Last season, Wolves welcomed City to the West Midlands on match day seven, sitting in 16th place after a trialling start to the campaign.
This term, the fixture arrives in similar circumstances but, can O’Neil replicate what helped Wolves get the better of Pep Guardiola’s side last year?
The recipe for the Old Gold’s victory was high energy, tactical nous and belief, fused with the talent that the manager had available to him on the day.
Going forward, Pedro Neto, Matheus Cunha and particularly Hwang Hee-chan terrorised the visitors, something that the new wave of attacking talent must take note of ahead of Sunday’s duel.
Carlos Forbs must seek inspiration from Hwang Hee-chan
Starting on the left side against City on that day, Hwang was near-unplayable in large spells of the game, scoring and bringing a constant threat in the wide areas.
As per Sofascore, the Korean completed 100% of his four attempted take-ons, exploiting Kyle Walker time after time.
Hwang suffered an injury on international duty, so is unexpected to feature this time around, handing the baton to a player of a similar profile, Carlos Forbs.
The summer signing has shown glimpses of the chaos he can cause on the flanks, being branded as a ‘crazy’ outlet by talent scout Jacek Kulig earlier in his career.
The 20-year-old is less experienced than Hwang, but has the hunger and desire to make an impression at his new club, which could, in turn, assist him in replicating the Korean’s display last year.
When at his best, Hwang is a strong, explosive and clinical asset coming from the wide areas, traits that Forbs shares and traits that could see the winger get the better of his former club.
The Portugal U21 ace was nurtured at City’s academy before signing for Ajax, with the chance now there for him to cause an upset at Molineux if he studies Hwang’s blueprint.