Jorgen Strand Larsen injury decision made as £9m defender earns rare start - Wolves predicted XI vs Brighton

Wolverhampton Wanderers are in home Premier League action for the penultimate time this season as they play host to European hopefuls Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Old Gold saw their remarkable six-game winning streak come to an end last time out in a narrow 1-0 defeat away at Manchester City. Vitor Pereira and his men will be eager to respond to that setback with an improved result this weekend, but it won’t be easy as Brighton have plenty to play for.

The Seagulls, currently 10th in the standings, are just one point behind Brentford and AFC Bournemouth. If Man City win the FA Cup, eighth will be enough to qualify for the Europa Conference League, so Brighton are desperate to ensure they finish above the Bees and the Cherries, with maximum points eyed this weekend.

Wolves were without striker Jorgen Strand Larsen for the recent trip to the Etihad Stadium as the Norwegian picked up a groin strain. He’s had ample time to recover, though, so Pereira will have to decide whether to start him. Most other positions pick themselves, but there could be a surprise inclusion in defence.

Wolves predicted lineup vs Brighton

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

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 skipper is such a vital player for Wolves and he has been for quite some time. Wanderers will be desperate to get him tied down to a new contract.

CB - Santiago Bueno: In for a rare start, perhaps, Bueno has improved under Pereira and could start to see an incremental rise in game time. He’ll likely be a backup next season, but it’s important to give him enough opportunities.

CB - Emmanuel Agbadou: Already living up to his £16 million price tag, Agbadou has really sured up Wolves defensively. It’s truly amazing how much of a difference one signing done right can make.

CB - Toti Gomes: Pereira has got great faith in Toti as the left-sided centre-back in his system. The Portuguese is in his very best form at the moment.

LWB - Rayan Ait-Nouri: Enjoying a more advanced role as a wing-back, Ait-Nouri is a top threat. Just like with Semedo, Wolves are hoping to tie the Algerian down to a new long-term contract.

CM - Andre: Sitting deepest of Wolves’ midfield players, Andre is showing signs of the potential he was signed for. He’s finally finding some real consistency, too.

CM - Joao Gomes: Completing a Brazilian partnership in the middle of the park, Gomes looks so confident alongside Andre. This pair could really propel Wolves to new heights.

RAM - Marshall Munetsi: An absolute powerhouse and a clear favourite of Pereira’s, Munetsi has been superb since signing in January. The Zimbawean just never stops running.

LAM - Matheus Cunha: Still in the XI despite his pending transfer away, Cunha has helped Wolves carry on their momentum. The Brazilian scored one and assisted two against Leicester recently.

ST - Jorgen Strand Larsen: Back and available following a groin strain, Strand Larsen should return to the XI. In the case that the medical staff recommend he comes off the bench instead, Cunha could lead the line with Jean-Ricner Bellegarde off the left.