Gary O’Neil’s team will be full of confidence after advancing to the fifth round with a win over fierce rivals West Bromwich Albion, as well as recent Premier League play.
All attention will now be focused on the midweek cup showdown with some Premier League opponents at Molineux, which promises to be a fascinating match.
When dealing with the media yesterday, O’Neil stated that he has yet to select his team, which is still healing from their victory over Sheffield United on Sunday.
The manager did not provide any new injury information, just stating that Matheus Cunha has returned to grass training following a hamstring injury.
Because of the club’s frequent fixtures and limited roster, the manager may rotate a few faces to avoid weariness, with one name having the chance to impress.
Why should Jean-Ricner Bellegarde start against Brighton?
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, who was signed from Strasbourg on deadline day, has had an exciting start at Molineux after impressing in his debut against Liverpool.
Since then, the Frenchman has struggled to adjust to the role that the boss wants him to play and has failed to make the starting XI.
Against Brighton, O’Neil might finally play the 25-year-old in his preferred attacking midfield position, giving the former Ligue 1 ace a chance to impress the manager.
The Shropshire Star reported earlier this month that O’Neill wants to see more from Bellegarde.
“Sometimes he shows you real glimpses and other times he leaves you wanting a little bit more.”
With the FA Cup match coming just three days after Wolves’ victory over Sheffield United and three days before their trip to St James’ Park, O’Neil may rotate his players, giving Bellegarde an opportunity to shine.
The 25-year-old’s talents are evident, as Thom Harris of The Athletic describes him as “incredibly direct and uncomplicated on the ball”; he simply needs to prove himself deserving of continuous playing time at Molineux.
When he was deployed behind the front line of attack for Strasbourg, the Frenchman had an impressive start to the 2023/24 Ligue 1 season, scoring four goals in three appearances.
If Bellegarde is given the opportunity to play in his preferred position, rather than as a number nine, which hasn’t worked for him thus far, the manager may reconsider the summer signing.
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