Gary O’Neil makes ‘ballsy’ defensive choice as £27.5m star left out - Wolves predicted XI vs Bournemouth

The Old Gold have finally escaped their rut, now out of the relegation zone following two successive victories in the English top flight.

Last weekend’s 4-1 thrashing of Fulham was the perfect way to prove the 2-0 win over relegation candidates Southampton was no fluke. Wolves are still in great danger with just goal difference separating themselves and the 18th-placed Ipswich Town, but another victory this weekend could see a rise up to 15th.

Gary O’Neil has added motivation this Saturday, too, as Bournemouth, his previous employers, forced him out the door 18 months ago to pave the way for current manager Andoni Iraola. The last meeting with the Cherries didn’t go so well as Wanderers lost 1-0 at Molineux but the trip to the Vitality Stadium earlier in the campaign ended in a 2-1 win.

Wolves were forced to play with a make-shift back three last weekend as a host of central defenders were unavailable. O’Neil opted for Mario Lemina and Rayan Ait-Nouri as the wide centre-halves, with Toti Gomes in the middle. It strangely worked well as Wanderers had better fluidity in possession.

With Santi Bueno and Craig Dawson expected to be back, O’Neil has a decision to make. Should he stick with similar personnel from last weekend or go back to what he believes is the strongest XI? With that very decision in mind, here’s the Wolves lineup we think will be named at Molineux this weekend.

Wolves predicted XI vs Bournemouth

GK - Jose Sa

The Portuguese has forced his way back as the first-choice goalkeeper ahead of summer signing Sam Johnstone, and rightfully so.

RB - Nelson Semedo

Semedo was one of Wolves’ standout players throughout the rough patch and he’s been crucial to the two successive wins.

CB - Craig Dawson

Dawson has had a mixed start to the season but he remains ahead of the likes of Santi Bueno and Alfie Pond in the pecking order.

CB - Mario Lemina

O’Neil could - and probably should - be ballsy by keeping Lemina out of position at centre-back after he played so well there in his auxiliary role last weekend. Even if Bueno is fit, Lemina being in defence allows a preferable midfield duo.

LB - Toti Gomes

Toti has been such a useful option in defence, both at centre-back and left-back. The 25-year-old would move into the latter role if the central pairing is as predicted.

RM - Jean-Ricner Bellegarde

Starting to hit form again, Bellegarde provides energy and determination down the right flank. Goncalo Guedes stays on the bench despite his £27.5million price tag.

CM - Andre

Andre has been hot and cold as the deepest-lying midfielder, but he’s shown signs of promise. The £21 million summer signing has settled in fairly well.

CM - Joao Gomes

Gomes, effective with his break-up play, scored his second goal of the season last time out. There aren’t many Wanderers players who can match his competitiveness.

LM - Rayan Ait-Nouri

Ait-Nouri has certainly improved his attacking output this campaign and he’s most effective when able to worry a little less about the defensive side of his game.

CAM - Matheus Cunha

The man of the match away at Fulham with two goals and an assist, Cunha is in the form of his life. Wolves need to tie the Brazilian down to a new contract as soon as possible.

ST - Jorgen Strand Larsen

The Norwegian has made three goal contributions in his last three games and he’s proving to be a practical outlet up front.