This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Wolves return to Premier League action this weekend, having taken a short break for the Carabao Cup in midweek, and they now come face to face with a team in turmoil right now in Arsenal.
Nuno Santo’s side currently sit 12th in the table having lost just two of their ten matches, but it could have been so much better, especially in recent weeks.
Last Sunday’s match against Newcastle United epitomised that entirely as the west Midlands club went behind in the first half to a Jamaal Lascelles header before needing Jonny’s equaliser as the left-back was in the right place at the right time to secure a point at St James’ Park.
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Although Matty Longstaff’s red card left the Magpies in the lurch, Wolves still couldn’t capitalise.
Just like the Slovan Bratislava game, and just like the Southampton game too, Nuno set out his side originally in a 3-5-2 formation, only this time, he absurdly chose Matt Doherty at centre-back despite having Jesus Vallejo and Max Kilman at his disposal.
Both of their last two fixtures saw him quickly revert back to a 3-4-3 formation, and you guessed it the same happened last weekend.
It begs the question – why he doesn’t just set out his side like that initially?
The 3-5-2 has left them exposed and a goal down in three successive matches, leading to the Portuguese native changing it up by the second half.
Surely he wouldn’t have that problem if he ran the formation they’ve ended with from the beginning.
A sign of his stubbornness, perhaps.
All three games they have had to come from behind to salvage a result with Wolves only picking up a victory against Slovan.
Football FanCast have previously stated why a 3-4-3 can pay dividends for the side this season, so maybe it is time Nuno listened.
Now they have Diogo Jota back from injury and Matt Doherty closer to being 100%, this formation just seems most natural as it will allow a front three of the Portuguese winger, Raul Jimenez, and Adama Traore – the trio have scored six of their 13 Premier League goals this campaign.
