Wolves fans are anticipating a change of formation for the next game against Manchester City.
It has been an awful start to 2024/25 for Wolves so far, who have shipped a whopping 21 goals in the Premier League in seven games.
That’s three per game up to now, which is simply alarming.
The defence has come in for a lot of criticism. But ultimately, the whole team must improve defensively if they are going to get themselves out of this rut.
After the latest defeat to Brentford, after which some Wolves fans chanted for Fosun to go, Gary O’Neil hinted that a possible formation change could be on the way (The Athletic).
He did that for the visit of Manchester City last season, and there is every chance we could see him do it again next weekend at Molineux.
Club legend Steve Bull has urged O’Neil to change Wolves’ formation to a back three, and many fans now want to see that too.
If Wolves do go to a back three with wing-backs, here are three players who would probably love it.
Rodrigo Gomes
Wolves changing formation could help Rodrigo Gomes to shine, after he operated as a wing-back last season for Estoril.
Rodrigo was one of the best players in the Portuguese top-flight, scoring nine goals and making eight assists while on loan with Estoril from SC Braga.
Now, we know Gary O’Neil rates Nelson Semedo very highly. O’Neil was desperate for Semedo to stay at Wolves in the summer, and played him at every opportunity last term.
But he’s not started the new season well, and Rodrigo could be a threat to him if the plan is to use wing-backs.
Or it could be that O’Neil tucks Semedo inside as a right centre-back, with Rodrigo playing as the wing-back.
It would just make a lot of sense to get Rodrigo playing in a position he really thrived in last season.
Toti Gomes
In the past, Toti Gomes has been something of an unsung hero for Wolves. But there is no denying he has been struggling this season in a back four.
After the opening defeat to Arsenal, Troy Deeney criticised Toti following a very shaky performance alongside debutant Yerson Mosquera, who looked much more assured.
Toti’s form has not picked up since. But O’Neil’s lack of other options has meant that Toti has continued to play.
Without a doubt, he’s a player who could really benefit from Wolves going to a back three.
Last season, the £900,000 signing came into the starting XI when Manchester City came to Molineux. Wolves won that game and Toti was solid on the left of a three.
It’s a position he knows how to play, and he’s probably one player in the squad right now who is very much hoping for that system change.
Rayan Ait-Nouri
Rayan Ait-Nouri has huge potential and will probably not be at Wolves for too much longer. We know that the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City are keen on Ait-Nouri.
However, there is still a lot of work for him to do if the Algerian is to become the top player everyone expects him to. Specifically around his defending.
In the first game against Arsenal, he allowed Bukayo Saka to come inside and score with relative ease.
Against Chelsea, he had an extremely rough ride as the Blues constantly attacked down his side, with him and Toti all over the place positionally.
Wolves using wing-backs again would help Ait-Nouri massively. He is someone who is naturally attack-minded, and he always wants to bomb on.
If Wolves turn the ball over while Ait-Nouri is up the field, there is a bit less risk because Toti would be in behind covering the space as the left centre-back.
Ait-Nouri operating as a wing-back gives him more of a license to get forward because there is a bit more protection.