Wolves Predicted Lineup vs Sunderland for October 18

Wolverhampton Wanderers travel to the Stadium of Light in what promises to be a tight, cagey affair. With Wolves struggling for consistency and Sunderland enjoying a solid start in their return to the top flight, the match could come down to narrow margins. With the visitors desperate to get their first win in the Premier League this season, here is our Wolves predicted lineup.

Wolves Predicted Lineup vs Sunderland as Visitors Still Winless

How Wolves Have Lined Up Recently

Last time out in their 1-1 draw with Brighton, Wolves played a 4-3-3 system with Sam Johnstone starting in goal. The back four was made up of Jackson Tchatchoua, Santiago Bueno, Ladislav Krejčí, and Hugo Bueno.

A midfield trio consisted of Marshall Munetsi, André, and João Gomes. The forward three was made up of Hwang Hee-chan, Jørgen Strand Larsen, and Jhon Arias. 

Wolves Recent Form and Tactics

Wolves have endured a difficult start to the season; they have been unable to win any of the opening seven games and have picked up just two points along the way, which has left them at the bottom of the Premier League table. The Molineux club’s attacking output has been modest, and creativity in the final third has been limited.

Tactically, Vítor Pereira has switched the defence to a back four in a 4-3-3 formation, but tends to shift back to the 3-4-2-1 formation when defending a lead, which has invited pressure for long periods of games, resulting in Wolves conceding late equalisers in the last two matches. Against Sunderland, who tend to be disciplined defensively and use transitions intelligently, Wolves will need to be alert to counterattacks and maintain their defensive shape when pushing forward.

Injuries and Suspensions to Consider

Pereira will be available on the touchline following his red card against Brighton, as his FA charge will be after this game. He had this to say during the press conference:

“My behaviour was not proper. It was a moment of frustration because we lost two balls and conceded dangerous counterattacks. I kicked a ball, and it cannot happen again. I apologise.”

Hwang and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde are dealing with some minor injury issues. Strand Larsen has been reported as still not 100% fit due to an Achilles issue. Matt Doherty is recovering from surgery on his wrist, but is said to be available.

Wolves Predicted Lineup

GK: Sam Johnstone

Defence: Jackson Tchatchoua – Santiago Bueno – Ladislav Krejčí – Hugo Bueno

Midfield: André – João Gomes – Marshall Munetsi

Forwards: Jhon Arias – Jørgen Strand Larsen – Fer López