Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Burnley
Date: 16/09/2018
K/O: 13.30 hours
Venue: Molineux Stadium
TV: Sky Sports Main Event
Referee: Andre Marriner
Burnley travel to Wolves for the Sunday lunchtime game as the Clarets look to get their first win of the season on the board.
It has been well documented that Burnley have struggled with the added pressure of the Europa League this season. However, they were eliminated from the competition at the end of August and have now had the international break to try and recalibrate themselves.
Wolves have had a much more positive start to their league campaign. They may have only one win under their belts but have recorded impressive performances against the likes of Everton and Manchester City. Many pundits and fans alike have bestowed Wolves the title of a top 10 Premier League team already. If they want to live up to these expectations, then this is the sort of game they must win.
Wolves’ home form has been particularly strong, and Nuno will be hoping to capitalise on this home advantage against a team whose last point and clean-sheet were won on the opening day of the season.
Wolves have no fresh injury concerns with Ivan Cavaleiro remaining a long-term absentee with a back injury. Nuno should not have too many concerns about his squad starting slowly after the international break as such a large contingent of his players have been away with the Portugal national team.
For Burnley, Steven Defour, Nick Pope and Anders Lindegaard all remain injured. Jóhann Berg Guðmundsson, Ben Gibson and Robbie Brady are all recovering from injury but may be fit for the weekend’s game.
Wolves will be looking for midfield duo of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho to run the show at the Molineux. Burnley have looked tired and sluggish in all their matches thus far and the quick incisive passing of the Portuguese could prove damaging.
Burnley desperately need a result in this game if they don’t want their season to start capitulating. They will be looking to their senior players such as Ben Mee and Ashley Barnes to step up to the fold and make the difference for Burnley.
James Tarkowski should come into this game with confidence after an impressive showing for England against Switzerland in the international break.
Predicted Starting XI’s:
Wolves: Rui Patricio; Bennett, Coady, Boly; Doherty, Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho, Jonny Castro; Helder Costa, Jimenez, Diogo Jota
Burnley: Hart; Lowton, Mee, Tarkowski, Ward; Lennon, Westwood, Cork, McNeil; Hendrick; Wood
Score Prediction: Wolves 2 Burnley 0 Burnley’s season will kick off at some point soon but Wolves will just have too much quality for them this time around.
