Wolves Premier League clash against Fulham has some key match-ups across the pitch.
The Wanderers head into this match as the underdogs, as despite claiming a 2-0 victory over Southampton last time out, they’re 12 points and places behind Fulham in the table.
For Gary O’Neil, who is under pressure from the fans, three points would perhaps hand his side even more optimism heading into the hectic Christmas schedule.
O’Neil was boosted by the news of Santi Bueno, who is fit enough to make the Wolves squad, although it remains to be seen whether he will start.
Bueno is one player who could have a tough afternoon on his hands as he comes up against the in-form Raul Jimenez, with the former Wolves striker netting four goals in his last eight appearances.
With a difficult afternoon promised for O’Neil’s men, we’ve taken a look at the three most important battles on the pitch that could decide the match.
Toti Gomes vs Adama Traore
It’s arguably the most intriguing battle on the pitch as Toti Gomes aims to keep Adama Traore quiet on Saturday afternoon.
Toti was ‘clumsy’ at the start of the campaign but since returning to the left of a back three, the Portuguese defender has been praised for his recent displays.
- READ MORE: £25k-a-week Wolves ace is now really going ‘under the radar’ after starting season ‘very poorly’
However, in the shape of former Wolves winger Traore, he has one of the toughest players to come up against in the Premier League, purely for his searing pace and incredible power.
For the Old Gold to stand any chance of achieving all three points, the 25-year-old must keep the lightning-quick winger quiet, otherwise, he will pose a real danger to the Wanderers’ back line.
Joao Gomes vs Emile Smith Rowe
The engine room battle looks set to decide the showdown at Craven Cottage, with an intriguing matchup emerging between Joao Gomes and Fulham’s Emile Smith Rowe.
Gomes is one of the Premier League’s best tacklers, ranking fifth in the whole division for most tackles (35), while his midfield teammate Mario Lemina is sixth (33).
The Brazilian international will need to bring all of his ball-winning expertise to West London, as he must deal with former Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe.
Smith Rowe is an expert at occupying pockets between the lines and linking play beautifully with his fellow attackers.
Since transferring from the Gunners in the summer, the 24-year-old has three goals and two assists in the top flight, including a goal last time out against Crystal Palace.
Indeed, keeping Smith Rowe quiet could hold the key to Wolves nicking all three points.
Jorgen Strand Larsen vs Joachim Andersen
While Matheus Cunha is Wolves’ most important player, the presence of Norwegian striker Jorgen Strand Larsen will occupy Fulham’s defence the most.
Marco Silva praised Strand Larsen for his ‘quality‘ in his pre-match press conference and he’s brilliant at pinning defenders, utilising his height and strength.
The 24-year-old has a unique role to play for the visitors, as his ability to hold up play will be crucial to relieving pressure from his side and countering at pace.
Strand Larsen will come up against dominant Danish defender Joachim Andersen, who has performed superbly since arriving from Palace in the summer.
Andersen will have his hands full dealing with the physically imposing Strand Larsen and whoever comes out on top in this battle could decide the contest.