Report: What Gary O'Neil could now change at Wolves in attempt to solve worrying form

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Oct 6, 2024 - 22:00

Report: What Gary O'Neil could now change at Wolves in attempt to solve worrying form

Wolves find themselves in a rut under Gary O’Neil right now.

The Old Gold are still without a win after seven Premier League games of the 2024/25 campaign, losing six of those outings – a run which has left Wolves bottom.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
18	Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace	7	0	3	4	5	10	-5	3
19	SouthamptonSouthampton	7	0	1	6	4	15	-11	1
20	WolvesWolves	7	0	1	6	9	21	-12	1

TBR Football understand Wolves are backing O’Neil and believe the situation will improve, with those in the boardroom at Molineux admirers of the 41-year-old’s style of play.

After all, Liverpool looked at O’Neil after Jurgen Klopp announced his departure, so the man from Beckenham is worth sticking with.

Now – however – Gary O’Neil could make a significant change to improve the situation at Wolves.

Gary O’Neil could change formation at Wolves

A story from the Telegraph states that the Wolves boss could alter his formation in an attempt to halt the worrying run of results.

It is said that O’Neil may reintroduce the system from last season, which involved three central defenders and wing-backs.

A dejected looking Mario Lemina of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at ... — Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

So far this season, Wolves have been using a 4-1-4-1 formation, compared to the 3-5-1-1 shape we witnessed last term, a tactical setup which saw the Old Gold finish 14th in the Premier League and well clear of any relegation trouble.

No brainer for O’Neil

O’Neil was almost forced into using a defender-heavy formation last season, due to the lack of a traditional No.9 upfront at Molineux.

That – however – has changed since the arrival of Jorgen Strand Larsen from Celta Vigo.

Alex Richards of the Mirror even pre-empted back in July that O’Neil would change his formation with the Norwegian striker arriving in the Midlands.

Wolves have their new No.9 & have bolstered their attacking ranks. Gary O'Neil wants back 4 switch & to get more forward threat on the pitch. Sales to come – who depends on offers/interest. Kilman to West Ham question remains, so much talk but not near asking price so far. #WWFC— Alex Richards (@AA_Richards) July 2, 2024

Unfortunately, the tactical switch has not paid off for Wolves by any means, so it would make sense to revert back to the formation which led Liverpool to gain admiration for O’Neil last season, especially with some winnable fixtures on the horizon after the international break – once Manchester City are out of the way, that is.