Gary O'Neil faces a series of crucial selection decisions as Wolverhampton Wanderers prepare for their Premier League trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea this Sunday. The Wolves boss must navigate both injury concerns and tactical considerations ahead of the London showdown.
Defensive Reshuffle on the Cards
With key defender Craig Dawson serving a suspension after accumulating five yellow cards, O'Neil is expected to turn to Santiago Bueno to partner Maximilian Kilman in central defence. The Uruguayan summer signing from Girona is poised for his full Premier League debut in what represents a significant test against Chelsea's attacking threats.
Midfield Boost with Return from Ban
There's positive news in midfield where João Gomes returns from his own one-match suspension. The Brazilian enforcer is likely to slot straight back into the starting eleven, potentially alongside Mario Lemina, providing Wolves with renewed steel and energy in the engine room.
Injury Concerns Linger
While several players are nearing returns, the medical room remains busy at Molineux. Pedro Neto, despite making progress in his recovery from a hamstring issue, isn't expected to be risked from the start. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde also faces a race against time to be fit for selection.
Expected Wolves Starting Formation
The predicted line-up suggests O'Neil will stick with his preferred 3-4-3 system:
- Goalkeeper: José Sá
- Defence: Nelson Semedo, Santiago Bueno, Maximilian Kilman (c), Toti Gomes, Rayan Aït-Nouri
- Midfield: João Gomes, Mario Lemina
- Attack: Pablo Sarabia, Matheus Cunha, Hwang Hee-chan
Tactical Approach
Wolves are expected to employ their trademark counter-attacking style, looking to exploit spaces behind Chelsea's advancing full-backs. The pace of Hwang Hee-chan and movement of Matheus Cunha could prove crucial in transition moments against a Chelsea side that has shown defensive vulnerability this season.
With both teams seeking consistency in what has been an unpredictable campaign, this fixture promises to be a fascinating tactical battle between two managers known for their attention to detail and in-game adjustments.
