Wolverhampton Wanderers are back in Premier League action just four days after their last outing as they take on Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Both teams come into the game in contrasting fashion as Wolves won convincingly midweek but Brighton suffered a surprise defeat.
Julen Lopetegui’s side made it three home wins on the bounce on Tuesday as they beat Crystal Palace by two goals to nil. Ruben Neves returned to the starting lineup with a bang, dominating his midfield battles and earning a deserved goal from the penalty spot well into added time.
The Seagulls, meanwhile, looked exhausted as they were outfought by Forest at the City Ground on Wednesday. Facundo Buonanotte opened the scoring for Albion on his first Premier League start but Steve Cooper’s men recovered very well to win 3-1 under the lights in Nottingham.
That result could have a positive impact on Wolves’ chances as they look to hit the 40-point mark with another win. Wanderers have had a busy schedule too but not quite as much so as Brighton, who went the distance in the FA Cup semi final against Manchester United on Sunday.
Wolves have done so well recently that we think Lopetegui will go with a similar team to the one against Palace, but there is a potential change in midfield and attack. With that in mind, here is our predicted starting XI for Saturday.
1. Wolverhampton Wanderers predicted starting lineup vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Here are the 11 players we think Julen Lopetegui will start at the Amex Stadium.
2. GK - Jose Sa
Wolves’ number one has no threat to his place between teh sticks with three clean sheets in his last four games.
3. RB - Nelson Semedo
Probably better going forward than he is defensively but stays in the XI. He’s the best option to put up against dangerous winger Kaoru Mitoma.
4. CB - Craig Dawson
Back to his best on Tuesday night with a brave performance at centre back. His experience has been so key since signing in January.