
Wolverhampton Wanderers head into their home clash with Burnley desperate for a positive result. Under Vítor Pereira, Wolves are still searching for their first win of the Premier League season, and the pressure is now mounting. Burnley, meanwhile, will be looking to go eight points clear of Wolves. Given the stakes, this promises to be a tense fixture at Molineux, and one where Wolves will be looking to impose themselves early. Here is our Wolves predicted lineup.
Wolves have experimented tactically in recent weeks, though the key objective remains stability and control. Pereira has largely favoured a 4-3-3 system in recent matches, a shift away from the 3-4-2-1 shape he deployed last season. The change is designed to give Wolves greater attacking width and defensive balance. In this setup, Sam Johnstone has started in goal, with Matt Doherty and Hugo Bueno operating as full-backs. Santiago Bueno and Ladislav Krejčí have been the central defensive pairing, offering both aerial strength and composure on the ball.
In midfield, the trio of Marshall Munetsi, André, and João Gomes provides energy, aggression, and technical quality. Munetsi anchors the midfield, allowing André and Gomes to support transitions and dictate play.
Going forward, Pereira has used Jhon Arias on the right wing, Hwang Hee-Chan and Rodrigo Gomes on the left, and Jørgen Strand Larsen leading the line. This trio offers a mix of pace, pressing intensity, and physical presence, key traits if Wolves are to dominate possession and threaten Burnley’s backline.
Wolves recent form has been nothing short of disastrous, making unwanted history of being only the second team in Premier League history to not win their opening eight games in back-to-back seasons. Zero wins in eight have left the Molineux outfit rooted to the bottom of the league following last week’s loss to Sunderland.
Tactically, Wolves look to press in spells, particularly when the opposition builds from the back, but they can also sit compact when out of possession. The 4-3-3 formation gives the team balance while allowing the full-backs to advance when in control of the ball, while the midfield trio maintain stability.
Going forward, the wide players are crucial: Arias’ dribbling and Hwang’s direct runs can help stretch defences, while Strand Larsen provides a target for crosses and link-up play. Against Burnley, Wolves will likely look to dominate territory, move the ball quickly in the final third, and exploit any defensive gaps in Scott Parker’s side.
Pereira was shown a red card for kicking a ball into the officials’ area during the draw with Brighton, but has since been fined and not suspended from the touchline.
Wolves have no fresh injury concerns, Pereira said during his pre-match press conference: “Bellegarde is back and working with us, Hee-chan also. Larsen is also better. This week, he improved his level.”
GK: Sam Johnstone
Defence: Matt Doherty – Santiago Bueno – Ladislav Krejčí – Hugo Bueno
Midfield: André – João Gomes – Marshall Munetsi
Forwards: Jhon Arias – Jørgen Strand Larsen – Hwang Hee-chan
IMAGO / Action Plus: Wolves
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