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Preview: Burnley vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Wednesday's Premier League game between Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers, including team news and predicted lineups.

Wolverhampton Wanderers make the trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley looking for another three points which would strengthen their hold of sixth position in the Premier League standings.

However, Burnley play host to the West Midlands outfit knowing that victory would move the club to within two points of their next opponents with two matches remaining.


Match preview

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Nuno Espirito Santo pictured on June 27, 2020© Reuters

While Wolves' convincing win over Everton was as much down to the lack of intent from their opponents than anything else, it was a result desperately required after two ineffective performances against Arsenal and Sheffield United respectively.

In the aftermath of the defeat to the latter, Nuno Espirito Santo received widespread criticism for his lack of substitutions and suggestions that not enough chances were being handed to his squad members.

However, the three players which came into the team against the Toffees - Leander Dendoncker, Pedro Neto and Daniel Podence - all provided a goal or assist on Sunday afternoon, leaving fans and general critics to praise Nuno for his change of approach.

Nevertheless, with teams as low as 10th place still in the picture, the win represents just one of four which will be required to guarantee European football next season.

Having performed so poorly against two of their direct rivals over the past 10 days, there is an argument that squaring off against Burnley on Wednesday is coming at the wrong time.

While Sean Dyche seemed on the brink of a departure earlier in the campaign, he has inspired a quite stunning upturn in results, the latest of which came at Anfield on Saturday.

Although Burnley found themselves under pressure for much of that contest, claiming a share of the spoils ended Liverpool's perfect Premier League home record, as well as extending their own unbeaten streak to five matches.

The North-West outfit still have plenty of work to do, but performing so efficiently at both ends of the pitch will fill even the most pessimistic of Burnley supporter with confidence heading into this contest.

With Norwich City and Brighton & Hove Albion to follow this game, claiming maximum points on Wednesday could be the difference between qualifying for Europe or having to settle for a top-half finish.

Burnley Premier League form: LWWDWD

Wolverhampton Wanderers Premier League form: WWWLLW


Team News

Pedro Neto pictured for Wolves on August 15, 2019© Reuters

Having limped off with what appeared to be a knee injury against Everton, Neto is not expected to be involved on Wednesday night.

Joao Moutinho is likely to come into the side as his replacement, with one of Diogo Jota, Podence or Adama Traore partnering Raul Jimenez in attack.

Although Jonny suffered with cramp during the closing stages versus the Toffees, the left wing-back should take his place in the team.

Burnley boss Dyche could name an unchanged side for this contest, sticking with Erik Pieters in an unfamiliar right-midfield role.

However, Johann Berg Gudmundsson is pushing for a recall in that position.

Burnley possible starting lineup:
Pope; Bardsley, Long, Tarkowski, Taylor; Pieters, Westwood, Brownhill, McNeil; Rodriguez, Wood

Wolverhampton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Patricio; Boly, Coady, Saiss; Doherty, Dendoncker, Moutinho, Neves, Jonny; Jota, Jimenez


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We say: Burnley 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Despite Wolves' return to form at the weekend, we are backing Burnley to emerge victorious in this contest. Dyche's side are well equipped to handle Wolves' attacking threat, as well as providing a threat at the other end of the pitch.


ID:406297:

Who will win Wednesday's Premier League clash between Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers?

Burnley
Draw
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Burnley
33.0%
Draw
21.1%
Wolverhampton Wanderers
45.9%
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Wolverhampton Wanderers players celebrate Raul Jimenez's goal against Everton in the Premier League on July 12, 2020
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Raul Jimenez: 'Wolverhampton Wanderers have hit top form again'
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rhs 2.0
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CLiverpool37313382325096
2Manchester CityMan City37253997356278
3Manchester UnitedMan Utd371712864362863
4Chelsea371961267541363
5Leicester CityLeicester371881167392862
6Wolverhampton WanderersWolves371514851381359
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs3716101160461458
8Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd371412113836254
9Burnley37159134248-654
10Arsenal371314105346753
11Everton371310144353-1049
12Southampton37147164859-1149
13Newcastle UnitedNewcastle371111153755-1844
14Crystal Palace37119173049-1942
15West Ham UnitedWest Ham37108194861-1338
16Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton37814153753-1638
17Aston Villa3797214066-2634
18Watford37810193461-2734
19Bournemouth3787223764-2731
RNorwich CityNorwich3756262670-4421

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