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Unexpected attacking change made as ‘Vita’ defender returns – Brentford expected XI versus Wolves as Thomas Frank makes bigger club claim
Gary O’Neil is expected to give an attacking player his first Premier League start this weekend when Wolves face Brentford.
Wolverhampton Wanderers will be anxious to halt their winless skid when they travel to the capital to play Brentford on Saturday afternoon.
The Old Gold are at the bottom of the Premier League after five defeats and one draw in their first six games, trailing even Southampton, who have been dubbed as relegation candidates. Gary O’Neil’s side has had a particularly difficult schedule, with all half-a-dozen opponents sitting in the top half.
Brentford are not an easy opponent, but Wolves will be relieved to finally play a team on a comparable level. So far, the only comparable fixture has been away at Nottingham Forest, which resulted in one point. There is optimism that a strong result at the Gtech Community Stadium will boost the tally.
O’Neil confronts a few selection quandaries once more, particularly on defence. Craig Dawson could conceivably return after contracting a virus, but this is not guaranteed. Santiago Bueno is a new injury doubt after a glute issue last week, while Toti Gomes was hurried back earlier than expected.
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.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank believes star forward Bryan Mbeumo will play for a larger club in the future following a great start to the season.
Mbeumo has five goals in his first six outings and faces Wolves tomorrow.
Brentford became the first team in Premier League history to score in the first minute of three consecutive games, with two of those goals coming in the last two.
Despite his high praise, Frank also insists his Cameroonian forward is happy at the club.
He said: “He’s added another layer this year. I’m convinced one day he’ll play for a bigger club. I’d definitely buy him if I were at a bigger club.
“That said, he’s very happy here.”
Frank reveals Brentford has worked on kick-off methods to take opponents off guard.
Despite a promising start to the season, with the London club sitting 12th in the table, injuries have taken their toll on the team.
Up to nine first-team players could be out for the weekend, but they were boosted by the return of Paris Maghoma for the under-21s this week, as well as the fact that Kevin Schade was only suffering from cramp after being withdrawn against West Ham, raising fears that he could join fellow forwards Igor Thiago and Yoane Wissa on the bench.
Mbeumo missed four months of last season due to an ankle ailment, and given their reliance on the 25-year-old, Frank will be eager to keep him fit when Wolves visit tomorrow, who are also reliant on Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha.
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