'Surprising' attacking change as Gary O’Neil starts ‘energetic’ midfielder - Wolves predicted XI v Sheffield United

Wolverhampton Wanderers have the opportunity to soar into the Premier League top half as they take on relegation battlers Sheffield United at Molineux on Sunday afternoon.

The Old Gold did well to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat to Brentford, earning a hard-fought 2-1 victory away at Tottenham Hotspur, but a very different encounter awaits. Last week, it was all about attack beating attack. This time around, it’s more a matter of Wolves surpassing a low block.

The Blades, who were thrashed 5-0 by Brighton & Hove Albion last time out, head into this one knowing they must win at least half of their matches remaining to have any real chance of staying up. Chris Wilder’s men will be fighting hard from the very start and the first goal is likely to be vital.

Wolves predicted lineup vs Sheffield United

As per usual, Gary O’Neil is expected to name a very attacking lineup to give Wolves the best chance of a positive result. Here are the 11 players we predict will start.

GK - Jose Sa

Sa, who is undoubtedly the first-choice goalkeeper, will be keen on slowing down the rate Wolves are conceding goals at the moment.

RWB - Nelson Semedo

Semedo has done brilliantly this season at both ends of the field. Inconsistency sometimes creeps in but he’s improved.

CB - Max Kilman

The skipper has been vital to Wanderers’ success this season. Not only has he been a leader from the back, but also been very solid defensively.

CB - Craig Dawson

Dawson has been a rock at the back and helps Wolves dominate in the air. His experience shines through most weeks.

CB - Toti Gomes

Toti, who has been superb as a left-sided centre-half, still hasn’t given O’Neil an excuse to drop him for Santiago Bueno. 

LWB - Rayan Ait-Nouri

The Algerian will have to do something seriously wrong to fall behind Hugo Bueno and Matt Doherty in the pecking order.

CM - Mario Lemina

Lemina needs to slow down with the yellow cards he’s receiving - already eight this term - but he’s brought so much energy to Wanderers’ midfield.

CM - Joao Gomes

The Brazilian was the star of the show at Tottenham as he scored both of Wolves’ goals to claim all three points.

RW - Jean-Ricner Bellegarde

It may come as a surprise to see Sarabia benched in good form but this is a good opportunity to give Bellegarde some game time.

LW - Pedro Neto

Neto has been utilised as a striker in recent weeks but Hwang’s return means Portuguese will spend more time out on the wing.

ST - Hee-chan Hwang

Hwang didn’t play the full 90 last time out but he’ll be keen to do so this weekend. Getting back on the scoresheet would be great to reignite his confidence.