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.
5. LB - Toti Gomes
Cleared one off the line and got an assist in the 2-2 draw with Newcastle. Should start again at left-back. | Getty Images
6. RM - Hwang Hee-chan
Undroppable on current form as Wanderers’ top goal scorer. Hwang would usually be further up the field but with Pedro Neto now injured, the South Korean heads to the right midfield role. | Getty Images
7. CM - Mario Lemina
Scored his first goal for the Old Gold last Saturday to cap off an impressive performance on his return from suspension. | Getty Images
8. CM - Joao Gomes
Heads back into the XI to replace Boubacar Traore after the midfielder had a tricky outing. Gomes is yet to get firing but could gain confidence against a promoted opposition. | Getty Images