One player ‘emptying his pockets’ as Gary O’Neil finally makes goalkeeper choice - Wolves predicted XI vs Brighton

Wolverhampton Wanderers will be desperate to put an end to their Premier League winless streak as they face Brighton & Hove Albion away from home on Saturday afternoon.

O’Neil’s side have performed well in stretches but have often been let down by fatigue, lapses of concentration and poor substitutions in the closing stages of matches. The hope for Wolves this weekend is to say farewell to those weaknesses once and for all, but it’ll be difficult to do so against a high-flying Brighton team.

Fabian Hürzeler’s men have been in superb form and they’ve only lost once - away at Chelsea - since the German head coach took the reins. Up to fifth in the Premier League, the Seagulls will be eager to challenge for European football this campaign and they’ll see this game as a must-win as a result.

Despite losing 2-1 to Manchester City last weekend, Wolves impressed for most of the encounter with a back five formation. We reckon O’Neil will stick to those guns this weekend to try and counteract Brighton’s attacking danger, while potentially posing a threat on the transition themselves.

With that in mind, here’s the starting lineup we reckon O’Neil will name at the American Express Stadium.

Wolves predicted XI vs Brighton

GK - Jose Sa

Sa’s superb showing against City should earn him the start, even with Sam Johnstone back. It’s difficult to tell who O’Neil prefers, though.

RWB - Nelson Semedo

Semedo was arguably Wolves’ man of the match in the loss to Man City as he assisted Strand Larsen’s goal and defended excellently. He’s undroppable.

CB - Santiago Bueno

Bueno returned from a glute issue to play the full 90 minutes last weekend. With the back five in full force, it makes sense for the Uruguayan to start.

CB - Craig Dawson

Dawson hasn’t had the best start to the new campaign but he’ll have found Erling Haaland when he opened his pockets after full time last week. More of the same is needed.

CB - Toti Gomes

Toti has been useful for Wolves as a left-sided centre half. He’s struggled for consistency at times but is the best option in the position.

LWB - Rayan Ait-Nouri

Ait-Nouri leaves lots to be desired defensively at times but he remains the best left-back at the club. His directness on the counter-attack is always handy.

CM - Andre

Andre has impressed as the deepest-lying midfielder. The £21 million summer signing has settled in very quickly.

CM - Mario Lemina

Lemina will be the first to admit he’s not been at his best in 2024/25 but, as captain, he’ll also be more determined than anyone to put things right.

CM - Joao Gomes

Gomes, effective with his break-up play, lives for big matches. There aren’t many Wanderers players who can match his competitiveness.

ST - Matheus Cunha

Cunha, who scored a great goal at Villa Park a month ago, continues to be one of the Old Gold’s biggest threats week in, week out. He simply has to start.

ST - Jorgen Strand Larsen

Strand Larsen scored his third Premier League goal of the campaign last time out and he’s showing signs of improvement.