Wolves are playing Manchester United at Molineux in the Premier League on Thursday night – and Gary O’Neil’s teamsheet will make for interesting reading.
Wanderers are in terrific form at the moment, and are currently seven games unbeaten across all competitions.
The 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion on Sunday was the most satisfying result of the season so far, and, currently, spirits around the club are the highest they’ve been for a long time.
Wolves fans are loving what Gary O’Neil is doing with this team, considering he came in as late as he did and has not yet strengthened the squad.
Thursday’s game with United will be a stern test and O’Neil will be mulling over what kind of team to put out – but he surely cannot look past Tommy Doyle in midfield…
Tommy Doyle has surely made himself undroppable for Wolves
On Thursday, O’Neil will have Joao Gomes available for selection again with the Brazilian having now served his three-game ban.
The £15 million signing from Flamengo got a controversial straight red card in the first FA Cup clash with Brentford, which has meant more opportunities for Doyle.
Doyle has had to be patient at Wolves. After all, he came to Molineux without a pre-season and was carrying a bit of a knock. But the midfielder on loan from Manchester City has now started each of Wolves’ last five games across all competitions.
Before his red card, Gomes had been in fine fettle for Wolves – but a case can be made for Doyle to continue starting.
Since coming into the team, Doyle has been absolutely key to the way Wolves have played. His performance in the 3-0 win over Everton in December was superb, and he was at the heart of arguably the best team display all season. He completely dominated in the middle that day.
More great performances followed in the two FA Cup games against Brentford, with his goal in the first game a truly special strike that Ruben Neves probably would have been proud of.
On Sunday against West Brom, Doyle was just a calm presence in the midfield during an intense occasion, and he used the ball really well for the visitors.
His recent match ratings on Fotmob say it all. His last five going back from West Brom are 7.5, 7.7, 8.2, 7.8 and 7.3.
Doyle deserves start v Man United
Doyle cannot be dropped against United. He has played too well in the last five matches to be left on the bench for this one.
Given his City connection, he will be so up for this game in particular, and O’Neil should continue with him in midfield alongside Mario Lemina. It’s harsh on Gomes, who was outstanding in the reverse fixture and was in brilliant form in the weeks just before his red card.
But Doyle just offers that control in midfield. He gets on the ball, often in pressure situations, and just pulls the strings.
It’s not out of the question that O’Neil could use Doyle, Gomes and Lemina as a midfield three, with Matheus Cunha and Pedro Neto as outlets up top.
But Doyle – described as ‘a quality player’ by Andy Thompson after the win over West Brom – definitely does not deserve to be dropped given his recent performances.