EFL Cup: Wolves v Burnley - Cup offers chance to kick-start season

Wolves are wounded after their 6-2 defeat Chelsea and albeit against two top six sides, they have begun the season with two defeats and by shipping eight goals.

The manner of the defeat to Chelsea will be the most concerning thing, after an impressive first half – still marred by its own defensive errors – was followed up by an uncharacteristically poor second half.

Disjointed, erratic and bewildered – Wolves looked lost and it is O’Neil’s job to put it right.

It will be fascinating to see the attitude Wolves take to tonight’s test of Championship side Burnley.

Is it swift opportunity to put right the wrongs of Sunday, or is it an unwelcome distraction from a big Premier League game at Nottingham Forest at the weekend?

O’Neil is always keen to do well in the cup competitions but last season prioritised the league and FA Cup over the Carabao Cup, making several changes before they were eventually knocked out to Ipswich.

With plenty of players needing minutes, O’Neil is likely to ring the changes again, but the head coach will also be desperate for a result in front of a Molineux crowd – particularly after Sunday’s capitulation.

That offers O’Neil a dilemma and he must strike the right balance between winning the game and rotating his side, with one eye on the weekend.

For that reason, it is incredibly difficult to predict O’Neil’s side for this game.

Dan Bentley is likely to start the game, replacing the struggling Jose Sa in goal.

Rayan Ait-Nouri had a torrid time on Sunday and probably needs taking out of the limelight, but with Nelson Semedo serving the final game of his three-match ban, that leaves O’Neil with limited options.

New signing Pedro Lima is yet to make a match day squad this season but the teenager could start at right-back, meaning Matt Doherty moves over to cover at left-back.

The experienced Craig Dawson is also likely to get some minutes, if he is fit enough to start the game.

Boubacar Traore and Tommy Doyle will be desperate for a start in midfield, while Rodrigo Gomes and Pablo Sarabia offer quality on the wings, if chosen.

Hwang Hee-chan has started both Premier League games on the right wing and he failed to have any impact on Sunday.

It is unlikely that number nine Jorgen Strand Larsen will be risked from the start, meaning Hwag could lead the line tonight. Matheus Cunha is still building up his minutes after a hamstring issue and it would be a surprise to see him play.

Daniel Podence and Goncalo Guedes could still leave the club in the final days of the window, but if their futures are still uncertain by kick-off then Podence may get some minutes after coming off the bench in the last two games.

Burnley have a big derby against Blackburn coming up and will also have their own priorities, but Wolves must find a way to get their season up and running.