Wolverhampton Wanderers are in action for their fifth-to-last Premier League fixture of the season as they take on AFC Bournemouth at Molineux on Wednesday evening.
The Old Gold were beaten 2-0 by Arsenal last time out but there was plenty to be proud of as a thread-bare side went toe-to-toe - for much of the game at least - against title challengers. Another challenge awaits thougthis time it’s a far more winnable fixture, with fellow mid-table side Bournemouth in town.
The Cherries visited Wolves’ local rivals Aston Villa at the weekend, taking the lead through a Dominic Solanke penalty but losing 3-1 after a stunning home comeback. Andoni Iraola’s side may not have been at their best on Sunday however they’ve certainly impressed this season as one of the division’s most improved sides.
Many would argue Wolves and Bournemouth could both be placed firmly in that category, making this clash an exciting one. What adds to it further is the manner in which the Cherries replaced O’Neil with Iraola in the summer. You could even suggest this is a bit of a grudge match for Wanderers’ head coach.
How, then, could Wolves line up as they look to move into the Premier League top 10 with a victory? Including a starting return for a £9.8 million wing-back and a decision made for injury doubt Matheus Cunha, here’s the XI we predict will face Bournemouth.
5. CB - Toti Gomes
The Portugal international has been a reliable figure for Wanderers this season, often sitting at the left of a centre-back triple-up. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
6. LWB - Rayan Ait-Nouri
£9.8m wing-back Ait-Nouri had a cameo off the bench against Arsenal and O’Neil said after he’d “probably” start vs Bournemouth. A risk, perhaps, but a slight one. | Wolves via Getty Images
7. CM - Joao Gomes
Gomes, one of the hardest workers in the squad, is thriving with the pressure off at Wolves. O’Neil will be hoping his progress can continue. | Getty Images
8. CM - Tommy Doyle
The Manchester City loanee has been a regular starter recently after being more of a utility player to start with. With Lemina higher up the field, there’s no need to drop Doyle. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images