First start for £8.5m signing as Gary O’Neil risks ‘struggling’ defender - Wolves predicted XI vs Burnley

Wolves welcome Championship promotion hopefuls Burnley to Molineux this midweek as both sides seek to progress to the third round of the Carabao Cup.

No matter the competition, Gary O’Neil’s side need a response on Wednesday following the weekend’s humiliation at the hands of Chelsea. Wanderers went toe-to-toe with the Blues in the first half as they went into the interval level at 2-2 but capitulated after the break, going on to lose 6-2.

Confidence in the squad will have taken a mighty blow on Sunday, so it’s pivotal that Wolves bounce back as best as possible. A Premier League trip to an in-form Nottingham Forest side awaits on Saturday, too, so it’d be beneficial to regain some momentum.

It awaits to be seen just how much O’Neil will want to rotate but opportunities will probably be handed to a host of fringe players eager to get minutes. It could be the same case for Burnley, though Scott Parker is a little likelier to play a stronger team the difference in quality between the two teams.

Wolves predicted lineup vs Burnley

Here are the 11 players we reckon O’Neil will name against the Clarets at Molineux.

GK - Daniel Bentley

The backup goalkeeper has been heavily linked with Arsenal this window but looks likely to stay. This is a good opportunity for some game time.

RB - Pedro Lima

The £8.5 million signing could get his first start as O’Neil looks to rotate in the cup. Nelson Semedo, meanwhile, is still suspended.

CB - Santiago Bueno

The Uruguayan did well when called upon last campaign but has been sidelined by Yerson Mosquera for the first couple of matches. A run-out is likely.

CB - Craig Dawson

Dawson could do with a competitive start to build back some fitness as he looks to force his way back into O’Neil’s plans.

LB - Rayan Ait-Nouri

The Algerian needs a boost after struggling defensively against Chelsea. It was so unlike him and a good performance should offset any knock to his confidence.

CM - Boubacar Traore

Traore was back on the bench at the weekend and it’d be great to see him back in the fold. He’s unlikely to be a regular starter this term but he’s a true powerhouse.

CM - Tommy Doyle

Doyle, signed permanently from Manchester City, is another player who will be keen to nudge himself into the starting XI reckoning with a strong showing.

RW - Daniel Podence

Podence has been linked with a transfer away to an array of foreign clubs but remains a Wolves player and needs to maintain his match sharpness.

CAM - Pablo Sarabia

Sarabia will have to get used to a more rotational role this campaign. It may frustrate him, but he’ll need to play the team game.

LW - Rodrigo Gomes

Gomes is a raw talent and will benefit from any extra game time that comes his way. This is a good chance to build confidence.

ST - Goncalo Guedes

Guedes appears to be sticking around this summer after a very difficult first couple of years at Wolves. The Portuguese certainly has a point to prove.