Wolves return to action this evening as the Old Gold welcome Burnley to Molineux in the Carabao Cup.
Aside from wanting to see his side progress in the cup, Gary O’Neil will be most eager to witness an improvement on Sunday’s defeat to Chelsea.
Wolves lost 6-2 at Molineux in the first home game of the Premier League season, making Wednesday night’s fixture all the more important.
Several stars will be eager to redeem themselves as a result of their performances against the Blues, with a chance also there for some to make their mark.
Five Wolves players who have something to prove against Burnley
Rayan Ait-Nouri
The need to see a higher level of performance from Rayan Ait-Nouri goes without saying after his horror show against Chelsea.
In a rare 90 minutes of nightmares, the Algerian was exposed at left-back, adding emphasis to his need to redeem himself this evening at Molineux.
What could be a masterstroke from O’Neil is to exercise his very few options at left-back to allow the 23-year-old to assume a position higher up, where his attacking strengths can flourish.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde
After securing only 10 Premier League starts last season, the manager has shown great faith in Jean-Ricner Bellegarde early into this campaign.
The Frenchman has started both of Wolves’ opening fixtures and must now grasp the opportunity there for him to finally lock down consistent football at Molineux.
Against Burnley, a bright performance could be decisive to how Bellegarde’s season looks, with competition set to rise once more after deadline day.
Toti Gomes
In a similar position to Ait-Nouri comes Toti Gomes, who has been one of Wolves’ worst performers in the early stages of the season.
It’s unlike the defender, who shone last term in O’Neil’s back line, hinting at the extent that the switch in defensive formation has altered his performance levels.
If the manager is to stick by his plans to make a back four work this season, the best option for the 25-year-old could be to play on the left side, as he did at times when Julen Lopetegui was at the helm.
The boss must take the opportunity to be more flexible with his side away from the pressures of the Premier League, with Toti being one player needing to improve promptly.
Chiquinho
This summer, Chiquinho was linked with a host of interest, however, has made it clear that he wants to fight for a place in O’Neil’s side.
There has been a lot of attention regarding the winger in the build up to tonight’s fixture, with the 24-year-old being the featured player on Wolves’ matchday programme.
It would be fitting to see the forward get a chance to impress the manager this evening, particularly at a time when the club are in limbo over recruiting a new attacker.
Chiquinho was dubbed ‘electric’ during his brief loan spell at Stoke City, and could now have the perfect opportunity to show his worth in the Carabao Cup.
Dan Bentley
Another player who will be hoping to take his opportunity is Dan Bentley, who was Wolves’ cup goalkeeper last season.
The Englishman didn’t take his opportunity in the cup last term, with a disastrous display against Ipswich Town memorable for the wrong reasons however, it could be his last chance to impress.
Wolves’ interest in Sam Johnstone is heating up, which could offer Jose Sa a competitor if the goalkeeper remains at the club, making Bentley’s chances even more likely.
Bentley could have the perfect opportunity this evening, as Wolves fans will be craving a strong performance between the posts after Sa’s nightmare display against Chelsea.
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