Wolves go into their Saturday home tie against Fulham in patchy form and riddled with key injuries. However, they know that victory could lift them as high as seventh. In line for a potential debut is academy product, Nathan Fraser, who could start up top in the absence of injured strikers in this predicted lineup.
Wolves Predicted Lineup vs Fulham at Molineux
How Wolves Have Lined-up Recently
Whilst manager Gary O’Neil has tried to keep the same eleven throughout, injuries have forced his hand to rotate somewhat in recent weeks.
Dan Bentley came on at halftime in goal for the injured Jose Sa in The Wanderers’ last match, a 3-0 defeat to Newcastle. However, his Portuguese counterpart is confirmed fit again and likely to start against The Cottagers. Nelson Semedo and Rayan Ait-Nouri will remain as fullbacks, whilst Max Kilman and Toti Gomes will also keep their place in the heart of defence. The Black Country side often play the veteran centre-back, Craig Dawson as part of that defensive three. Unfortunately, a “sore groin” means we are more likely to see the Uruguayan Santiago Bueno start.
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In midfield, O’Neil has given more minutes of late to English youth Tommy Doyle, especially in the absence of Joao Gomes. The Brazilian disruptor missed the last match with an injury, but his fitness has been confirmed for the visit of Fulham.
There are far more question marks about the forward positions. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde has been favoured with minutes, although the stocky Frenchman has failed to make a huge impact. Pablo Sarabia remains a constant in the side, and the West Midlands team will rely on his deft passing ability to unlock what could be a very stubborn West London defence.
Pedro Neto went off at half time with an injury against Newcastle, but he should be available for Saturday. A potential option in the traditional number nine position is academy prospect Nathan Fraser. The young striker scored his first competitive goal for the senior side in an FA Cup Fourth Round replay against Brentford earlier in the season. He also looked dangerous off the bench in the second half against Newcastle. Clearly still a raw talent and expectations will be tempered, but this is an enormous opportunity for Fraser to cement a place in a normally competitive forward line.
O’Neil is quoted pre-match: “Nathan Fraser is ready.”
Wolves Recent Form and Tactics
The writing was on the wall for Wolves when they lost 3-0 to Newcastle last weekend. The two 1-0 wins that preceded that game, against Sheffield United in the league and Brighton in the cup, were scrappy and extremely fortunate. The team’s lack of depth is on show for the world to see, and key injuries have really highlighted that, particularly in forward positions.
The famous old gold side looked exhausted and tactically adrift against the Magpies, having faced Brighton in the FA Cup midweek. The absence of Joao Gomes left the team lightweight in midfield, missing his ability to break up play and recycle the ball efficiently. They instead relied on the young Tommy Doyle, who does not have the same level of physicality.
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That game aside, Wolves continue to struggle when they cannot play on the counter and fully utilise the terrifying pace and directness of Neto. They have relied on him for moments of magic nevertheless, and he permanently retains the ability to deliver, but that reliance belies a systematic incoherence in the side when they are not at the peak of their powers.
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Key Absences
Matheus Cunha remains injured with a serious hamstring tear. The club has speculated that he could be available after the upcoming international break, but even that remains to be seen.
Hee-Chan Hwang went down injured against Newcastle and had to be substituted. He too joins Cunha in the hamstring repair clinic for another 5 weeks, according to Express and Star reporter, Liam Keen.
Experienced defender, Dawson, has a sore groin and is expected to miss the game.
Predicted Lineup
Jose Sa – GK
Nelson Semedo – RB
Max Kilman – CB
Toti Gomes – CB
Santiago Bueno – CB
Rayan Ait-Nouri – LB
Mario Lemina – CM
Joao Gomes – CM
Pablo Sarabia – CAM
Pedro Neto – FW
Nathan Fraser – FW
