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Wolves are still searching for their first three points of the season as they travel to Brentford this weekend.

Wolves have shown promising signs in each of their first six but have failed to capitalise during their periods of dominance in matches.

Last weekend, Gary O’Neil was criticised for not urging his team to attack late on in the defeat to Liverpool, with the Reds not looking at their best.

O’Neil still has faith from the Wolves board that he can turn the situation around, perhaps starting with a positive result against Brentford.

The Bees have collected two wins from their first six matches while Paul Merson has predicted Wolves to clinch their first win of the season.

In their last visit to Brentford, the Old Gold secured a handsome 4-1 victory in December, with Hwang Hee-chan scoring a brace.

O’Neil would love his side to replicate that performance on Saturday afternoon to relieve some of the pressure he’s currently under.

Wolves team news ahead of Brentford

This week, Wolves have been dealt some positive news on the injury front.

Supporters feared the worst when Santi Bueno went off injured against Liverpool however, he’s since returned to training alongside Craig Dawson, who has recovered from his illness.

Dawson’s return to the starting XI will be a big boost to the defence as the veteran brings organisation and a wealth of experience to the back line.

As it stands, the only notable absentees at Wolves are Yerson Mosquera – who is expected to miss the rest of the 2024/25 campaign with an MCL and ACL injury – while Boubacar Traore and Sasa Kalajdzic are also out for the long term.

Realistically, O’Neil can have few complaints about his squad at the minute, with the manager perhaps tempted to make a few changes this weekend.

Wolves predicted lineup vs Brentford

Sam Johnstone was warned that he has to improve quickly after looking ‘rattled’ against Liverpool but the Englishman should keep his place between the sticks.

Dawson should return to the back four alongside Toti Gomes despite Bueno’s promising display last Saturday while Nelson Semedo and Rayan Ait-Nouri will provide the attacking threat down the right and left.

O’Neil’s midfield is where it could get interesting. Captain Mario Lemina really needs a rest at the moment and his performances are suffering for it.

Previously dubbed ‘incredible’, Lemina is unlikely to be dropped however, Wolves should start with a double pivot of Joao Gomes and Andre at Brentford.

Dropping the Gabon international also means another player comes in, with Carlos Forbs making his first start on the right while Rodrigo Gomes deserves a shot on the left wing.

The only part of O’Neil’s attacking that should remain untouched is Matheus Cunha playing in behind Jorgen Strand Larsen.

Wolves (4-2-3-1): Johnstone; Semedo, Dawson, Toti, Ait-Nouri; Andre, Gomes; Forbs, Cunha, R. Gomes; Strand Larsen.

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