Gary O’Neil takes £27.5m gamble and Rayan Ait-Nouri injury assessed - Wolves predicted XI vs Aston Villa

The Old Gold are in desperate need of a response following yet another disappointing result midweek, a 3-2 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion and a consequent exit from the Carabao Cup.

Gary O’Neil’s side now have merely two wins in their last 16 outings in all competitions, making grim reading even when considering the injury struggles of last campaign. Squad depth is still an issue but not much can excuse the lack of victories over recent months and better results are now a requirement, not just a want.

Wolves have had decent spells in matches recently but lacked consistency throughout 90 minutes. That’s an issue Wanderers seriously need to correct this weekend otherwise Villa, with three wins in four so far, will likely walk all over them.

Unai Emery’s men head into this weekend’s clash at Villa Park with a spring in their step following a comfortable 3-0 win away at Young Boys to kick-start their Champions League campaign. The only defeat in any competition so far this season was against Arsenal, and even that game could’ve gone either way.

Wolves do have the benefit of having a fairly refreshed squad, though, as O’Neil made 10 changes for the game at Brighton. It should be a near full strength lineup at Villa Park, or at least that’s what we’re predicting.

Wolves predicted XI vs Aston Villa

GK - Sam Johnstone

Johnstone, signed from Crystal Palace on deadline day, has become the new first choice goalkeeper. That will continue, especially after Jose Sa’s poor performance at the Amex.

RB - Nelson Semedo

Semedo should reclaim his starting spot as one of Wolves’ best defenders. O’Neil will be hoping he can get a full 90 minutes of the right-back this time.

CB - Yerson Mosquera

The Colombian has had a mixed start to his first proper season involved in the first-team Wolves setup but he has the potential to be a top player.

CB - Craig Dawson

Dawson’s return to the centre of defence has added confidence to Wolves’ back line. He was handed a rest in the week and should be full of energy for this one.

LB - Rayan Ait-Nouri

Ait-Nouri rolled his ankle last time out and missed the midweek clash at Brighton. He’s touch and go for this one but will start if available.

CM - Andre

The £21 million summer signing impressed as the deepest-lying midfielder in a trio last weekend as Wolves played well for the first hour or so.

CM - Joao Gomes

Gomes needs to find more consistency in his game or his starting XI spot could arguably be at risk. He should stay in for now, though.

CM - Mario Lemina

The skipper, as he so often is, was Wolves’ best player despite defeat to Newcastle. Lemina is one of the first names on the team sheet.

RW - Goncalo Guedes

O’Neil could take a gamble on £27.5 million winger Guedes as he was one of the best performers at Brighton, with a third cup goal of the season.

LW - Matheus Cunha

Cunha continues to be one of the Old Gold’s biggest threats week in, week out. He’s bound to be among the club’s top scorers this season.

ST - Jorgen Strand Larsen

Strand Larsen has one goal and one assist in his first four matches, not a bad output considering he’s only just arrived. Hopefully he’ll properly hit the ground running soon.