“Huge Setback”: O’Neil could now face a ‘major setback’ at Molineux.

•  Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Gary O’Neil hopes his side can get a positive result at Luton Town this weekend.
•  Wolves have endured a difficult start to the season amid behind-the-scenes chaos.
•  The Molineux outfit were on the end of a 3-1 defeat at home to Liverpool last weekend.

Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Gary O’Neil believes his side will suffer a “huge setback” if they lose at Luton Town this weekend, as journalist Dean Jones assesses the Molineux outfit’s chances to GIVEMESPORT.

Wolves have had a rocky start to their Premier League campaign this season.

Wolves news: Luton Town preview

After a busy summer, Wolves executives will be relieved that the spotlight can now shift to on-pitch matters, with behind-the-scenes instability dominating headlines throughout the market. The dismissal of Spanish head coach Julen Lopetegui less than a week before the Premier League season began was due to a shortage of transfer funds as a result of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability requirements.

The 57-year-old head coach’s contract was mutually terminated after the club sold key characters such as Ruben Neves, Conor Coady, and Raul Jimenez in order to comply with Financial Fair Play requirements. Joao Moutinho and Adama Traore were also permitted to leave when their contracts expired this summer.

Wolves put forth a gallant performance in a frustrating 1-0 defeat at Manchester United on the opening weekend before losing 4-1 to Brighton & Hove Albion the following weekend with O’Neil drafted in. Victories over Everton and Blackpool in the Premier League and Carabao Cup, respectively, lifted supporters’ spirits before disappointing defeats to Crystal Palace and Liverpool. There have been some encouraging signs, with Jones telling GIVEMESPORT that left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri has looked like a new player under O’Neil.

What did Jones have to say about Wolves and O’Neil?

A defeat to useless Luton Town, according to Jones, would sour the atmosphere at Molineux and certainly raise questions about O’Neil’s future as Wolves manager so early in his tenure. According to the journalist, GIVEMESPORT:

“Luton will pick up points at some point, and you don’t want to be the team that gives them that opportunity because it will reflect very poorly on you.” Luton are not a team that will come out and attack you. They will stay in their half and sit behind the ball, attempting to hit you on the break or with a set piece.

“Wolves must be ready for that this weekend, or O’Neil will be reeling from the fact that Wolves may hand Luton their first win of the season.” I believe Wolves will be fine in this game, and I have faith in O’Neill to manage the situation so that they do not become the first victims of Luton Town. But if he loses, it’s certainly a significant setback, and you’re definitely at the point where people are wondering what the future holds for him, as ludicrous as that may sound so early in the season.”

Who might start for Wolves against Luton Town?

Despite losing 3-1, Wolves put up a terrific performance against an in-form Liverpool team last weekend and may have earned a draw on another day. O’Neil is unlikely to make significant changes to the team. However, Santiago Bueno and Toti Gomes will believe they can replace one of Craig Dawson and Max Kilman, who have conceded 11 goals in five Premier League games this season.

Full-backs Nelson Semedo and Ait-Nouri could preserve their starting spots, while Mario Lemina, Joao Gomes, and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde are expected to stay. Pedro Neto, who is tied for first in the Premier League with four assists this season, and Hwang Hee-chan are set to back up a number nine.

However, it is unclear who will fill the center-forward position, with Matheus Cunha and Fabio Silva struggling to make an impact in front of goal, and Sasa Kalajdzic regaining fitness after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury last term.