Wolves: O’Neil needs a “quality” summer addition to replace Bellegarde
Gary O’Neil could make several changes for their Carabao Cup clash with Ipswich.
With four losses from their first six games, Wolverhampton Wanderers would have anticipated a relegation fight in the Premier League this season. Those worries are now being realized.
The most recent of these disappointing outcomes occurred on Saturday afternoon at Kenilworth Road when the Old Gold crashed to a 1-1 draw against Luton Town. Gary O’Neil would have viewed that result as one point won rather than two points squandered, though, given his team played the whole second half with 10 men.
The Old Gold can leave their poor league performance to the side on Tuesday night and concentrate on their trip to face Ipswich Town, a team riding high in the Championship.
With seven victories out of their first eight games and one loss against Leeds United, the Tractor Boys have made their return to the second division in spectacular fashion.
Wolves will need to be on the ball against a team bursting with confidence who will know an upset may be in the offing. Although this tournament may be a diversion, it isn’t an easy one at that for Wolves.
What is the most recent Wolves team news?
O’Neil is anticipated to make a number of changes against Ipswich but at least one of those will be forced due to the opportunity to utilize the entire depth of his squad.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, who stood out for Wolves in their 3-1 loss to Liverpool, put on an even better performance against Luton until being sent for an egregious tackle on defender Tom Lockyer.
On a far more positive note, midfielder Joe Hodge, who stood out in their 5-0 demolition of Blackpool in the previous round, is recovering from a muscle injury he suffered in the previous round and has a remote possibility of playing in this match.
Aside from Sasa Kalajdzic, Matt Doherty, Boubacar Traore, Toti Gomes, Fabio Silva, and Sasa Kalajdzic, on-loan midfielder Tommy Doyle from Manchester City, who has made two Premier League substitute appearances thus far, should all have the opportunity to make an immediate impression on O’Neil.
Ipswich game: Should Tommy Doyle start?
Doyle’s opportunities in the Wolves club have been restricted thus far after signing on loan with an option to purchase for £4.3 million; but, with Bellegarde suspended and Mario Lemina set to be rested, the Englishman might have his time to shine.
The 21-year-old was a key member of the Sheffield United team that won promotion to the Premier League last season, contributing seven assists along with four goals. He made an impression at Bramall Lane in a Paul Heckingbottom system that allowed his technical skills to shine, playing alongside James McAtee and Sander Berge in a potent midfield three.
The midfield metronome looked a cut above his positional peers at Championship level when compared to his passing range and technique, which were honed at Man City. He ranked in the top 5% for expected assists, top 12% for shot creating actions, top 13% for passes into the final third, and top 15% for progressive passes, according to FBref.
Although Doyle is unable to match the impact of the Portuguese midfielder, he can offer O’Neil a calmness on the ball in midfield, and that could be crucial tonight with Ipswich likely to start quickly. Wolves have struggled at times this season without the technically gifted Ruben Neves, and while Doyle cannot replicate that impact, it may be crucial.
Wolves have also missed having talent in dead-ball situations without Neves, but the 5 foot 8 “set-piece specialist” praised by England under-21 teammate Charlie Cresswell can also provide them that.
Doyle was a standout performer in the Championship last season, and his performances over a sustained period of time helped him win a transfer to a Premier League team. Now that everything is in place, he can use upcoming bouts to demonstrate to O’Neil what he can bring to the Old Gold.
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