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.
9. RW - Pablo Sarabia
Sarabia was benched at the weekend with this fixture in mind. O’Neil wanted to protect the Spaniard, who has played a lot of minutes lately. | Wolves via Getty Images
10. LW - Mario Lemina
Lemina, now fit for a start, has often played in an advanced position during Wolves’ injury crisis. This will probably continue as Matheus Cunha is a major doubt. | Getty Images
11. ST - Hwang Hee-chan
Hwang could only play 50 minutes against Arsenal but that’s bound to increase a little this time. Cunha has a “rare” calf problem and O’Neil says he’s unlikely to risk it. | Wolves via Getty Images