Wolverhampton Wanderers return to Premier League action this Saturday as Gary O’Neil and his men travel 50 miles northeast to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
In a rough patch of form with four defeats and just one win in the last six across all competitions, Wolves will be eager to put things right this weekend. A miraculous qualification for European football could still be on the cards but for that three points in Nottingham is probably a necessity.
Former Old Gold boss Nuno Espirito Santo is under pressure in the Forest dugout with Saturday’s hosts above the relegation zone by merely four goal difference. The four-point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules has thrust them into the relegation fight, especially with Luton Town looking threatening.
The desperation for a win could either benefit or hinder Wolves, it’s hard to tell. The first goal could be vitally important for the atmosphere at a usually loud and proud City Ground, with Wanderers perhaps able to take advantage of frustrations if they can get on the scoresheet early.
O’Neil has a huge boost this weekend as Matheus Cunha is ready to start and Hwang Hee-chan has been back in full training. There’s bad news, however, as Rayan Ait-Nouri could miss out through an impact injury. Including those key dilemmas, here’s the Wolves lineup we predict will be named at Forest.
1. GK - Jose Sa
Sa is without a clean sheet since the 1-0 win over Brighton in the FA Cup. He’ll be determined to get a shut-out on the board sooner rather than later.
2. RWB - Nelson Semedo
Semedo reverted to the right wing-back role against West Ham after a back four at Burnley. It’s likely to be a three again and Semedo is nailed.
3. CB - Max Kilman
The skipper had a tricky game last time out as he gave away a penalty and had a late equaliser ruled out. He’ll want the rut to end as much as anyone else.
4. CB - Craig Dawson
Dawson has been nearing a return for a fortnight and he’s now undergone a week of full intensity training. He should be able to start.