This weekend is a critical time for Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Old Gold have been in poor form for the majority of this season, and are second bottom of the Premier League after 11 games. Defensively, they have been suspect, and have let in 27 goals thus far; no side has conceded more.
However, there was an upturn in form before the November international break. Wolves beat Southampton 2-0 thanks to a goal and assist from star man Matheus Cunha, to earn their first three points of the season.
It was a win that reduced the pressure off under-pressure manager Gary O’Neil, who will be hoping to have a couple of key players back from injury.
Wolves team news
The Midlands club travel down to West London to face high-flying Fulham on Saturday afternoon. Marco Silva’s side currently sit seventh in the table and are unbeaten in their last three games, which includes victories in their last two.
Fulham striker Raul Jimenez
Several players have struggled with injury of late for the Old Gold. Of those, a few are some way from a return to first-team action, which has been a blow for the relegation-threatened side.
However, O’Neil might be able to count on one of his key defenders ahead of the trip to Craven Cottage this weekend. Santiago Bueno withdrew from international duty with Uruguay last week following an injury.
Wolves-Bueno-Premier-League
There was a positive update from the Wolves boss in his pre-match press conference, via journalist Liam Keen. O’Neil explained the defender will travel down to London with the squad. That is good news for the Midlands club given he has played 90 minutes in each of their last four games.
The Old Gold boss was vague with his other updates but did allude to the fact some other key players might return to the first team fold soon, including Hwang Hee-chan. The striker has missed the last nine matches but did train before their clash with Southampton. O’Neil explained that a few players need fitness tests but he is “hopeful” they will be fit.
O’Neil also discussed another of his players in the press conference, in a position where competition for places is tough. However, he could make a big impact if given the nod against Fulham.
Who could start vs. Fulham
The man in question here is Brazilian midfielder Andre. The Wolves manager praised the Brazil international in his press conference and said he is “working very hard” and still getting used to the Premier League. He also explained “he will be big” as the season goes along.
Andre
So far, opportunities have been limited for the summer signing from Fluminense. The £21m midfielder has played just seven times this term, featuring for just 364 minutes in the top flight. He has not started since the 2-1 home defeat to Manchester City and has been an unused substitute for the last two games.
However, Saturday afternoon’s clash at Craven Cottage could be the perfect place for Andre to show his worth. The Old Gold are set to come up against the in-form Emile Smith Rowe, who has been fantastic for the Cottagers since moving from Arsenal in the summer. He has three goals and two assists to his name in 11 top-flight games.
