Wolverhampton Wanderers are back in Premier League action on Saturday afternoon as they take on Brighton & Hove Albion. Back in front of home supporters at Molineux, Steve Davis’ side will be desperate to put on an improved display.
With just two wins in 13 games, Wolves have made a catastrophic start to the campaign. The Wanderers are currently two points deep in the relegation zone and are just one point above newly-promoted strugglers, Nottingham Forest.
With Julen Lopetegui now reportedly in advanced talks to become Bruno Lage’s long-awaited successor, Davis’ men will need to do well to impress the Spaniard. It won’t be easy against Brighton, though, as the Seagulls have been rather impressive under Roberto De Zerbi.
The Italian, who took to the dugout replacing Graham Potter, may have only claimed one win in six matches but has displayed some very entertaining football. Many would argue their recent results, including a 0-0 draw with Forest and a 2-0 defeat to Brentford, were not representative of their actual performances.
Wolves will have to be at their best to shut out a free-scoring Albion team who recently netted four against Chelsea and three at Liverpool. Wanderers will also need to improve in attack, too, but this could be a struggle with no strikers available. With that in mind, here is our predicted starting XI for Saturday’s clash.
1. GK - Jose Sa
No doubt Wolves’ first choice goalkeeper, even considering the team’s woeful form of late. Sa keeps his place - after all, there isn’t much competition. | Getty Images
2. LB - Hugo Bueno
Maintained a 100% pass completion rate last time out and got involved at both ends of the field. Deserves to keep his place. | Getty Images
3. CB - Max Kilman
Hasn’t been very good playing out from the back, misplacing quite a few passes recently. But he is a real aerial presence and has recently improved in that department. | Getty Images
4. CB - Nathan Collins
Not been as successful of a signing as many hoped but is still young and doesn’t have much competition for a spot in the team at the moment. | Getty Images