Wolverhampton Wanderers return to Molineux on Saturday afternoon with the hosting of fellow European football chasers West Ham United in the Premier League.
The Old Gold will be eager to display an improvement after a disappointing 1-1 draw away at relegation battlers Burnley. Gary O’Neil’s men struggled on Tuesday night as the Clarets, benefiting from the home advantage, just about edged the encounter at Turf Moor.
Wolves, still depleted by injuries, named Leon Chiwome up top for just his second-ever Premier League appearance. Matheus Cunha returned off the bench for a brief cameo, though, and the Brazilian could feature from the start this weekend if he ticks enough boxes in training.
It’s a good time to face West Ham as David Moyes’ side are without a win since beating Everton 3-1 on March 2. Three draws and a defeat have followed, with eight goals conceded in those four matches. The Old Gold, meanwhile, have won two, lost two and drawn one over the same period.
Including a decision for Cunha and a dilemma for experienced defender Craig Dawson, here’s the starting lineup we predict O’Neil will name against Burney.
1. GK - Jose Sa
Sa put on an excellent display against Burnley, helping the Old Gold hang on for a point with a string of vital saves.
2. RWB - Nelson Semedo
Semedo will revert to the right wing-back role this weekend if O’Neil reverts to a three-back formation, which we expect him to do.
3. CB - Max Kilman
The skipper has had two fairly poor games in a row but will be as eager as anybody to bounce back, putting right his wrongs.
4. CB - Santiago Bueno
Bueno could come back in for a start with Craig Dawson unlikely to play from the off. The veteran defender is nearly ready but this game probably comes too soon.