Wolves v Burnley preview, predictions & possible XIs
Wolves return from their latest European adventure with Burnley waiting for them at home on Sunday.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s men were last season’s surprise package in the Premier League, but haven’t really got this campaign going yet, having recorded back-to-back draws.
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They were held to a goalless draw at Leicester City before snatching a point against Manchester United (1-1) whereas Burnley have begun promisingly.
The Clarets humbled Southampton 3-0 and nearly left the Emirates Stadium with a result. Sean Dyche’s side came from a goal down but ultimately fell to a 2-1 defeat.
Both are harbouring grand ambitions which should make Sunday’s showdown in the Black Country intriguing viewing – but who will prevail?
Read on for our predictions, key players, TV info and team news.
When is Wolves v Burnley and where can I watch live?
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Mollineux
Date: Sunday 25 August
Kick-off: 4.30pm BST
TV coverage (UK): N/A
Last five meetings: Wolves v Burnley
30 March 2019: Burnley 2-0 Wolves
16 September 2018: Wolves 1-0 Burnley
19 March 2016: Burnley 1-1 Wolves (Championship)
7 November 2015: Wolves 0-0 Burnley (Championship)
27 April 2013: Wolves 1-2 Burnley (Championship)
Aggregate score: Wolves (LWDDL) 3-5 Burnley (WLDDW)
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Ones to watch
Wolves: Ruben Neves
Given their productivity going forward last season it’s curious that Wolves have bagged just one goal across their opening two league outings. Leicester City and Man Utd were quality opponents, but reputation wasn’t something the Wanderers took into account last term. Their only goal, to date, was courtesy of long-range threat Ruben Neves, who’ll have another key role playing in the hole behind strike duo Raul Jimenez and Diogo Jota.
Key stat: Neves has scored as many Premier League goals from outside of the box (3) as touches inside the opposition penalty box. (3)
Burnley: Ashley Barnes
Burnley just about maintained their top-flight status last season having finished six points above the relegation places. Of the top 15 sides only Newcastle United (42) scored less than the Lancashire-based club (45), so if they’re to stave off any trouble this time out a potent goalscorer is needed. Step forward Ashley Barnes: he finished the 2018/19 season bagging three goals across six matches, and the former Austrian U20 international has carried on that form by registering three goals in two games.
Key stat: Only Teemu Pukki and Raheem Sterling (both four) have scored more Premier League goals than Barnes (3)
Team news
Wolves
Ruben Neves, Jonny and Ryan Bennett were all rested in Wolves’ recent Europa League outing at Torino so expect them to come straight back into Nuno Espirito Santo’s starting line-up.
Predicted XI: Patricio; Bennett, Coady, Boly; Doherty, Dendoncker, Neves, Moutinho, Jonny; Jimenez, Jota
Burnley
Sean Dyche takes his settled Burnley side to Molineux with just three first-teamers unavailable to him: Robbie Brady, Steven Defour and Danny Drinkwater are all ruled out with respective injuries.
Predicted XI: Pope; Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Pieters; Gudmundsson, Westwood, Cork, McNeil; Barnes, Wood
Squawka prediction
Burnley discovered the difficulty of juggling European and domestic football for a side outside the Premier League top six last season and Wolves will be wary of this struggle. The proximity of their emotional 3-2 win at Torino to the Burnley game plus Sean Dyche’s positive start means this could be a close one to call.
Wolves 1-1 Burnley
