Surprising attacking change made as ‘vital’ defender returns - Wolves predicted XI vs Brentford

Wolverhampton Wanderers will be desperate to put an end to their winless streak when they head to the capital to face Brentford on Saturday afternoon.

The Old Gold are rock bottom of the Premier League following five defeats and one draw in their opening six fixtures, below even Southampton who have been labelled as certainties for relegation. It’s been a mightily tough schedule for Gary O’Neil’s side, though, with all half-a-dozen opponents so far sat in the top half.

Brentford are by no means a side to walk over but Wolves will be relieved to finally face a team at a more similar level. The only comparable fixture so far was away at Nottingham Forest, and that ended in the one point gained. There’s hope the tally can be bolstered with a positive result at the Gtech Community Stadium.

O’Neil faces a few selection dilemmas once more, particularly in defence. Craig Dawson should theoretically come back in following a virus, though there’s no certainty of that. Santiago Bueno is a new injury doubt following his glute strain last week, while Toti Gomes was rushed back quicker than hoped.

In attack there’s one contentious spot, too, with Jean Ricner-Bellegarde a little hot and cold over on the right flank. Carlos Forbs looked promising off the bench in the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool last week as he notched the assist for Rayan Ait-Nouri’s goal. There could be a shout for him to start.

With the above dilemmas assessed, here are the 11 players we predict O’Neil will name to take on the Bees.

Wolves predicted lineup vs Brentford

GK - Sam Johnstone

Johnstone, signed from Crystal Palace on deadline day, has become the new first choice goalkeeper. He’s yet to show his best, but he’s got the capability.

RB - Nelson Semedo

Semedo is without doubt the best right-back at the club, though Pedro Lima will eventually be keen to take the baton.

CB - Craig Dawson

Dawson, vital due to his experience, should come back in for this one after missing the Liverpool clash through illness. Santi Bueno, meanwhile, is a doubt with a glute issue.

CB - Toti Gomes

Toti returned to the lineup last time out, a welcome relief for all associated with Wolves. The Portugal international has proven himself as one of the best defenders at the club.

LB - Rayan Ait-Nouri

Ait-Nouri leaves lots to be desired defensively at times but he’ll be playing left-back in a flat four for much of the campaign now that Toti has to fill in centrally.

CM - Andre

Andre has impressed as the deepest-lying midfielder in a trio. The £21 million summer signing has settled in very quickly.

CM - Joao Gomes

Gomes provides plenty of energy and passion in midfield. Things haven’t quite gone the way of the Brazilian so far this season but his time will come.

CM - Mario Lemina

The skipper, as the most advanced of the midfield three, is one of the hardest-working players in the squad.

RW - Carlos Forbs

A surprising inclusion, perhaps, but Forbs’ cameo off the bench against Liverpool has given O’Neil plenty to ponder. The winger’s pace and directness caused real problems.

LW - Matheus Cunha

Cunha, who scored a great goal at Villa Park two weeks ago, continues to be one of the Old Gold’s biggest threats week in, week out. He simply has to start.

ST - Jorgen Strand Larsen

Strand Larsen has struggled to get in the goals so far - with just one to his name in seven games - but his attacking movement and hold-up play have been promising.