Gary O’Neil will have an opportunity to rotate his team as Wolves return to action on Wednesday night when the Old Gold host Brighton & Hove Albion at Molineux in the FA Cup fifth round.
Wednesday night marks Wolves’ FA Cup comeback, with Molineux set to host Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton in the Midlands.
With a victory over bitter rivals West Bromwich Albion and some recent form in the Premier League, Gary O’Neil’s team will be brimming with confidence as they lock up a spot in the fifth round.
All eyes will now be on the midweek match at Molineux, which is expected to be an intriguing matchup with some Premier League opponents.
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 Deserves a Start Against Brighton
Following his deadline day signing from Strasbourg, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde made an impressive debut for Wolves against Liverpool. However, he has since struggled to adapt to his manager’s preferred role and secure a spot in the starting lineup.
Against Brighton, there is an opportunity for Bellegarde to play in his preferred attacking midfield position. This could be his chance to show his worth and prove himself to the manager, especially after recent comments from O’Neil suggesting a desire for more consistency from the player.
With the FA Cup clash coming shortly after Wolves’ previous match and just before their next fixture, O’Neil may choose to rotate the squad, providing Bellegarde with a chance to impress.
Described as “incredibly direct and uncomplicated on the ball” by The Athletic’s Thom Harris, Bellegarde’s abilities are evident. However, he must demonstrate his capabilities consistently to earn regular playing time at Molineux.
During his time at Strasbourg, Bellegarde excelled when playing behind the front line, showcasing his talent with four goal contributions in three appearances at the start of the 2023/24 Ligue 1 season.
Should Bellegarde be given the opportunity to play in his preferred position, rather than as a number nine, there is potential for the manager to reassess his value to the team.
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