Wolverhampton Wanderers are back in Premier League action on Monday evening as they travel south to take on Brighton & Hove Albion at the American Express Stadium.
Gary O'Neil's side are in terrific form heading into this one, with five games unbeaten across all competitions. A narrow 2-1 win over Chelsea on Christmas Eve was backed up brilliantly by two comfortable victories – a 4-1 away at Brentford and a stunning 3-0 against Everton at Molineux.
Rather sensationally, the trip to Brighton is Wolves' first Premier League fixture of 2024 as the only games in January to date have been two FA Cup clashes with Brentford. Three of the last four clashes have been against the Bees, too, meaning it will be rather refreshing to have a fresh opposition.
Wanderers can move level on points with Brighton if a win is claimed away from home but it will be tough as the Seagulls are a dangerous side to face. Roberto De Zerbi has Albion playing arguably the best football in the club's history, even if their form has dropped off a little recently.
Here's the XI we reckon Gary O'Neil will name to give Wolves the best chance of a positive result on the south coast.
1. GK - Jose Sa
Sa has maintained his number one spot in the Wolves XI, even in the FA Cup. There’s no doubt over the goalkeeper position as a result.
2. RWB - Nelson Semedo
Semedo, who scored last time out, has really improved this season and is expected to continue his lengthy run of starts.
3. CB - Max Kilman
The skipper has been linked with a move away to West Ham recently but that’s unlikely to come to fruition. He’s dedicated to Wanderers.
4. CB - Craig Dawson
Dawson is expected to come back into the XI now he’s fully recovered from injury. Santi Bueno did well in his absence but will probably return to the bench, as brutal as it is.