With Wolves facing down Man United on Thursday night, we look at three decisions Gary O’Neil needs to get right to cause an upset.
The Premier League returns once again tomorrow after a successful FA Cup campaign so far. Wolves return to the league in good form after beating fellow Black Country rivals West Brom 2-0 on Sunday.
The result has extended the club’s unbeaten run to seven matches in all competitions, dating back all the way to their 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Molineux.
The Premier League table reflects this, with O’Neil’s side sitting just three points off the European spots.
However, their next test will no doubt be tricky as they face Man United at Molineux. O’Neil faced the Red Devils in his first game in charge of Wolves which ended in a controversial 1-0 defeat.
If the manager is looking to get revenge in the week, a lot will have to go right for Wolves to get a result. Here, we look at three decisions O’Neil must get right if the Molineux side are to take all three points.
Pablo Sarabia to return for Wolves v Man United?
Sarabia has been one of the standout players for Wolves in recent months. After forcing his way back into the side after the 2-1 victory over Spurs, the winger hasn’t looked back.
So far this campaign, the Spaniherd has collected eight assists, the most of any Wolves player, as the club eye a return to Europe.
Last weekend, Sarabia was unable to retain a place in the starting XI after a knock in the week resulting in Jean-Ricner Bellegarde taking his place. However, the Frenchman wasn’t particularly effective in the win before coming off.
If Sarabia is fit enough to play, O’Neil needs to decide to bring him back into the side or stick with Bellegarde.
Joao Gomes or Tommy Doyle?
Joao Gomes has been a permanent feature in Wolves’ starting XI since the start of the season. Usually partnered alongside Mario Lemina, the Brazilian has been outstanding so far this campaign.
However, the midfielder has been forced to miss the last three fixtures after picking up a controversial red card in the 1-1 draw away to Brentford.
As a result, Tommy Doyle was able to retain in place in the side and has arguably been Wolves’ best player over the recent run of games.
Now that Joao Gomes is back, O’Neil must decide whether to recall him to the squad or keep Doyle in the side while he is on form.
Rayan Ait-Nouri or Matt Doherty?
Ait-Nouri made his comeback against West Brom with a substitute appearance in the second half. The Algerian international had been away in recent games with AFCON but has now returned to England.
Doherty had been taking his spot at left-back and didn’t have the same impact until the West Brom game. The Irishman was vital for the opening goal as his quick thinking allowed Wolves to clear the corner all the way to Pedro Neto.
O’Neil will now need to decide whether he wants to risk starting Ait-Nouri on Thursday or stick with his usual backline.