Three problems that Gary O’Neil needs to solve if Wolves are going to achieve an upset against Chelsea on Sunday.
Wolves welcome Chelsea to Molineux on the weekend for the first Christmas Eve game in the Premier League for the first time in 28 years.
One of many Wolves games on TV over the festive season, the side will be looking to bounce back from their humbling 3-0 defeat to West Ham last week.
Chelsea will no doubt be a tough test. Despite their poor form which has seen them slip to 10th in the Premier League, the visitors progressed to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup in the week which may give them a needed boost.
Wolves, on the other hand, will be looking to extend their unbeaten record at Molineux which now stretches to seven games after their 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest.
However, if they want to get something out of the match, O’Neil needs to solve these three problems to help Wolves get a result.
Wolves need to repair defensive fragilities
Recently, Wolves’ backline has been far from stable. So far in the Premier League, they have only kept two clean sheets.
Players such as Max Kilman and Craig Dawson have been below par in recent games, especially in the 3-0 loss to West Ham last game.
It is clear that Wolves are not capable of playing four at the back after last Sunday and O’Neil should consider reverting to a back five for this weekend.
However, a change in personnel may also be necessary in order to get the desired outcome. Jose Sa is confirmed to return and Rayan Ait-Nouri could also be given a start after he came back as a substitute vs West Ham.
Pedro Neto to start in Wolves v Chelsea?
Wolves have clearly missed Neto. The winger had seven Premier League assists at the time of his injury, a statistic that still sees him top of the charts in the division.
The influence he provides the side on the pitch is unmatched and O’Neil received a boost this week when he returned to training.
In recent weeks, Wolves have struggled in attack. Hwang Hee-Chan has had little influence and his side failed to score in a Premier League game last week for the first time since August.
However, after almost two months out on the sidelines, the manager needs to consider if Neto is fit enough to start.
With a packed schedule awaiting Wolves, O’Neil may not want to risk starting the winger just yet.
Time for changes in midfield?
Wolves have struggled for creativity in recent matches. In their last three games, they have only scored twice.
This is despite, Burnley, Nottingham Forest and West Ham coming into the tie on poor form. The latter two teams lost 5-0 to Fulham in just their previous league game.
Yet, upon Wolves facing these opponents they struggled to break down each one much to the frustration of fans.
Bringing a player such as Tommy Doyle into the team could add more creativity to the side and help break down Chelsea’s backline.