Wolves are back in action on Wednesday night as the Old Gold welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Molineux in the fifth round of the FA Cup, giving Gary O’Neil a chance to rotate his squad.
Wolves return to action in the FA Cup on Wednesday night, with Molineux poised to welcome Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton to the Midlands
Gary O’Neil’s side will be beaming with confidence after securing their place in the fifth round thanks to a win over fierce rivals West Bromwich Albion, as well as accumulating some form in the Premier League of late.
Now, all attention will be on the midweek battle with some Premier League opposition in the cup, in what is set to be an interesting clash at Molineux.
Wolves team news
When speaking to the media yesterday, O’Neil admitted that he is yet to select his team, who are still recovering from their win over Sheffield United on Sunday.
The manager didn’t report any fresh injury news, only that Matheus Cunha had returned to training on grass after sustaining a hamstring problem.
Due to the frequency of the club’s fixtures and the limited squad, it’s possible that the manager will rotate a few faces to avoid fatigue, with one name potentially having the opportunity to impress
Why Jean-Ricner Bellegarde should start against Brighton
Signed on deadline day from Strasbourg, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde had an exciting start to life at Molineux after impressing during his debut against Liverpool.
Since then, the Frenchman has had a difficult time adapting to the role that the manager wants him to play in, as well as failing to make the cut in the starting XI.
Against Brighton, O’Neil could finally field the 25-year-old in his favoured attacking midfield position, which could offer the former Ligue 1 ace the chance to prove himself to the boss.
Earlier this month, it was reported by Shropshire Star that O’Neil wanted to see more from Bellegarde.
“Sometimes he shows you real glimpses and other times he leaves you wanting a little bit more.”
With the FA Cup clash coming just three days after Wolves’ win over Sheffield United and only three days before their trip to St James’ Park, O’Neil could rotate his squad which could give Bellegarde a chance to impress.
Lauded as “incredibly direct and uncomplicated on the ball” by The Athletic’s Thom Harris, the 25-year-old’s talents are clear, he just needs to prove himself worthy of consistent game time at Molineux.
When fielded behind the front line of attack for Strasbourg, the Frenchman made an emphatic start to the 2023/24 Ligue 1 season, where he recorded four goal contributions in three appearances.
If Bellegarde is handed the opportunity to play in his favoured position, as opposed to as a number nine which hasn’t worked for him so far, the manager could change his view on the summer arrival
