Wolverhampton Wanderers are in Premier League action this Christmas Eve as they play host to fellow mid-table battlers Chelsea at Molineux. The first English top-flight fixture on December 24 since 1995, there's been plenty of controversy ahead of the game but both teams will be focused solely on the football.
Wolves' form has slumped a little recently as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Nottingham Forest two weeks ago and then were beaten 3-0 by a confident West Ham United side last time out. The Old Gold will be eager to bounce back from those results with a positive showing this weekend but it won't be easy.
O’Neil will be frustrated by illness ravaging through the Wanderers camp earlier in the week, taking away some preparation time for a few of his key players. Those impacted have seemingly bounced back, though, and it could’ve been worse if the issue occurred closer to the fixture itself.
Here's the Wolves starting lineup we think O'Neil will put out this weekend.
1. GK - Jose Sa
Sa was an injury doubt for much of this week but has trained the last few days and is said to be ready to start on Sunday.
2. RWB - Nelson Semedo
The former Barcelona man was one of multiple Wolves players to be hit with illness earlier this week but should be fine to play.
3. CB - Max Kilman
The skipper didn’t have much joy on either of his last two outings but will be eager to bounce back with an improved performance.
4. CB - Craig Dawson
Dawson was another to miss training sessions a few days ago due to illness but he’s had some time back with the group since.