‘Awful’ attacker dropped amid ‘huge’ injury update - Wolves predicted XI vs Bournemouth

Wolves take on another tough away Premier League clash this weekend as they travel to surprise European football contenders AFC Bournemouth.

Vitor Pereira’s men may have lost 2-1 to Liverpool last time out but they performed exceptionally well in the second half at Anfield and will be keen to carry over the momentum. Wolves will certainly have to be on song if they are to secure a point or three this Saturday as Bournemouth, currently fifth in the league standings, are in the form of their lives.

Andoni Iraola has got the Cherries playing exhilarating attacking football at the Vitality Stadium, with 44 goals scored in the 25 league matches to date. Bournemouth have lost just six times all season - the equal-third least in the entire division - while winning 12 and drawing seven. Only one point behind fourth-placed Manchester City, the Cherries have an outside shot of qualifying for next season’s Champions League if they can carry on their fine form.

Pereira, knowing the height of Wolves’ challenge, is bound to name as strong of a lineup as possible this weekend. Emmanuel Agbadou is sidelined through injury and will be a huge miss but Jorgen Strand Larsen is in line for a start after returning from an issue himself. Elsewhere in the team, the competition is fierce for places.

Wolves predicted lineup vs Bournemouth

Without further ado, here’s how we reckon the Old Gold will shape up at the Vitality.

GK - Jose Sa

The goalkeeper has become the clear number one under Pereira, comfortably ahead of Sam Johnstone in the pecking order for league fixtures.

RWB - Nelson Semedo

The wing-back is such a vital play for Wolves and he has been for quite some time. Wanderers will need to Semedo on song for against a clinical Bournemouth side.

CB - Matt Doherty

As much as Doherty has been rather hot and cold over the past couple of months, he certainly offers a goal threat and often combines well with Semedo on the right.

CB - Nasser Djiga

Djiga could make his Premier League debut this weekend as Emmanuel Agbadou is sidelined through injury. It’s a big call, but Djiga’s physicality and pace probably make him a better option than Santiago Bueno.

CB - Toti Gomes

Now finally back from injury, Toti’s pivotal return has been welcomed with open arms by Pereira. Having the Portuguese back helps Wolves’ defensive structure hugely.

LWB - Rayan Ait-Nouri

Ait-Nouri enjoys his more advanced role as a wing-back as he can sometimes be a little exposed defensively when deeper. We’ve seen some improvements under Pereira.

CM - Andre

Sitting deepest of Wolves’ midfield players, Andre is showing signs of the potential he was signed for. He just needs to become more consistent to reach the next level.

CM - Joao Gomes

Completing a Brazilian partnership in the middle of the park, Gomes is facing lots of competition but should retain his place for now.

RW - Jean-Ricner Bellegarde

Ricner-Bellegarde made such a huge difference off the bench at Anfield last time out and should start. Pablo Sarabia, on the other hand, was awful against Liverpool and deserves to be dropped.

LW - Matheus Cunha

The talisman of this side, Cunha recently signed a new contract following intense transfer speculation in the recent window. He scored an excellent goal against Liverpool.

ST - Jorgen Strand Larsen

In a huge boost for Wolves, Strand Larsen has finally returned from injury to lead the line. Goncalo Guedes, meanwhile, hasn’t been anywhere near clinical enough.

In other news, Wolves have reignited their interest in signing a striker transfer target wanted by West Ham and Southampton.