Wolves are taking on Aston Villa on Saturday in the Premier League – and there is one player in particular who could be more key than usual for Gary O’Neil.
Wolves are looking to bounce back from the disappointing defeat to Coventry City in the FA Cup before the international break.
The team missed out on the chance to go to Wembley, with Coventry scoring two late goals to turn the contest around.
That result still stings, but Wolves can help supporters forget all about it by beating Villa on Saturday.
It will be a tall order. Villa are having a great season and are challenging for Champions League football, and have been especially strong at home.
But fans will believe in Gary O’Neil to upset the odds, as he has done several times already this season. And there is one player in particular who could be very important for the manager…
Why Toti Gomes could be very important for Wolves against Aston Villa
If there is one thing that has been notable about Villa this season, it’s their pace up top.
There are some real speed demons in Unai Emery’s team, especially in their forward line, and the Wolves defenders are going to have to be on top form to keep them at bay.
Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby are all rapid and have the ability to hurt any side in the division. Jhon Duran is also quick.
That is why Toti Gomes could be even more important than usual on Saturday.
Toti is undoubtedly the fastest centre-back at O’Neil’s disposal. The 25-year-old is very athletic and mobile, and can get across the ground much quicker than the likes of Max Kilman, Craig Dawson and Santi Bueno.
The Portugal international – who was hailed as ‘incredible’ earlier this year by O’Neil – plays on the left side, but it’s likely he will be tucked in more than usual against Villa, as they are likely to have more of the ball. So Wolves’ man of the moment Rayan Ait-Nouri will probably be dropping back in and covering the space out wide.
Villa will be a stern test for Wolves amid injury problems
This has the potential to be a really difficult game.
At the moment, Wolves are missing Pedro Neto and Hwang Hee-chan, two players who would have been absolutely perfect for this game with their speed on the counter.
Matheus Cunha is pushing to be fit, having been back in training recently. But he may not start, and if he doesn’t then it could be a bit of a slog for Wolves.
Villa will have more of the ball and apply pressure.
So the three centre-backs will have to be on top form – especially Toti with his pace and strength. Hopefully, Wolves can then make the most of their opportunities when they come.