Wolves continued their pre-season preparations yesterday, as they played out a 1-1 draw with Celtic.
Julen Lopetegui’s side took on the Scottish giants at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, with the squad having recently flown there from Portugal.
Lopetegui’s side beat FC Porto out in the Algarve, and then there was also a game against the manchester City academy.
Against Celtic, Lopetegui named the same starting XI as he did againstto. Porto
The players that played will likely be the ones lining up against Manchester United on August 14 in the club’s opening Premier League fixture.
It is going to be particularly interesting to see who actually leads the line against the Red Devils.
Matheus Cunha has had a productive pre-season so far. But it’s been clear that he is much better playing off a striker, rather than playing as one himself.
One wonders if Lopetegui might now be thinking about Fabio Silva, who came off the bench against Celtic and made a real difference.
Fabio Silva made a difference against Celtic in 1-1 draw yesterday
Wolves struggled in the first-half yesterday.
Celtic went ahead early doors through Kyogo Furuhashi and in truth, the Scottish giants could have gone in at half-time with a bigger lead.
Wolves’ defending once again left a lot to be desired.
But there was also not much happening in attack – something Wolves fans have grown quite used to in recent times.
It didn’t really work with Cunha leading the line, as it often hasn’t done since he’s been at the club.
With around 15 minutes to go though, Lopetegui threw on Silva – and the Portuguese youngster really made a difference.
He immediately set up Cunha for a shot on goal, but the Brazilian delayed his shot and could only win a corner.
Then, Silva played in Matt Doherty who was able to win a penalty off a challenge from Joe Hart.
Cunha then slotted in the spot-kick.
That goal then put wind into Wolves’ sails, but there wasn’t enough time for Wolves to score again.
But it was undoubtedly a positive cameo from Silva.
Silva should be kept
Silva looked good against Porto and he was useful again here.
There is no doubt that he has returned to Wolves a better player after his loan spells at Anderlecht and PSV Eindhoven.
The £80,000-a-week star looks bigger, stronger and faster.
Recently, the exit-linked Silva said that he would give his all while he was at the club. That was exactly what the fans needed to hear, given there has been speculation he wants out.
And Wolves should now aim to keep hold of the £21 million-rated player.
The club’s financial situation will dictate what happens with him, of course. But potentially, Silva could finally come good for Wolves from this point on if he stays put.
