Wolverhampton Wanderers have the opportunity to soar into the Premier League top half as they take on Sheffield United away from home on Saturday afternoon. Five games unbeaten as it stands, Gary O’Neil’s men are buoying with confidence and sit just one point behind Brentford in tenth.
The Old Gold held Newcastle United to a point at Molineux last time out, following on from wins over AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City, as well as points gained from Aston Villa and Luton Town. The expectation will be to gain all three this weekend, though, as Sheffield United are in dire form.
Blades manager Paul Heckingbottom is in the pressure cooker after failing to guide his team to a single win in the opening 10 matches of the season. Just one draw – against Everton – and nine defeats leaves the newly promoted side in a great deal of bother.
Even despite the immense disparity in form, Wolves need to take care not to underestimate their opponents and we think O’Neil will field a strong lineup as a result. With that in mind, here are the 11 Wanderers players we reckon will start at Bramall Lane.
1. GK - Jose Sa
Made a couple of errors against Newcastle but was in good form beforehand and undoubtedly remains as first choice in goal. | Getty Images
2. RB - Nelson Semedo
An injury to a key player means Wolves are likelier to stick to a back four rather than a three. Semedo is ahead of Matt Doherty in the pecking order as it stands. | Getty Images
3. CB - Max Kilman
The new skipper has worked well on the right side of a back three when called upon and is able to venture out with driving runs. | Getty Images
4. CB - Craig Dawson
Doesn’t seem to ever put on a bad performance. The 33-year-old is not only a leader at the back but also a great physical presence. | Getty Images