Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 20.
Matheus Cunha (WOL)
New signing Cunha is a wholehearted and adaptable forward who provides Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Julen Lopetegui with fresh tactical options for the second half of the season.
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Cunha has initially arrived at Molineux on loan from Atletico Madrid, but will join on a permanent deal this summer.
Although not prolific - his best return in a season is seven goals with Hertha Berlin in 2020/21 - he offers strength, industry and creative qualities.
During his 16 months with Atletico, Cunha had to settle for a bit-part role under Diego Simeone.
Overall, the 23-year-old made 10 LaLiga starts and a further 30 substitute appearances.
In that time Cunha contributed six goals and six assists, regularly coming off the bench to make an impact.
Cunha's attacking stats*
| Club | Season | Apps | Mins/goal involvement |
| Hertha Berlin | 20/21 | 25 (2) | 196.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hertha Berlin/Atletico Madrid | 21/22 | 9 (21) | 101.6 |
| Atletico Madrid | 22/23 | 2 (9) | 186.0 |
* brackets denote sub. appearances
Cunha was not always deployed in a central striking role.
He was often used on the left of the attack, or as a withdrawn forward in a No 10 role.
That position suits Cunha, who won Olympic gold with Brazil in 2020, as he enjoys dropping into pockets of space where he can turn and run at defences.
From those areas he can split defences with a quality through-ball.
Wolves’ latest recruit is accustomed to supplying an end product. Last term he either scored or assisted every 101.6 minutes.
Positive start
Cunha is set to make his second Premier League appearance on Saturday when 19th-placed Wolves host West Ham United, who are one point and two places above their relegation rivals.
Lopetegui handed Cunha his top-flight debut in the 1-1 draw at Aston Villa, where he replaced Diego Costa as the main striker on 66 minutes.
He immediately showcased his dribbling ability with a good run that drew a foul from compatriot Philippe Coutinho, who was booked.
Cunha had one half-chance with his head, showed good pace and held the ball up well, but it was his physicality in duels that caught the eye most.
Wolves' duels/aerial duels v Aston Villa*
| Player | Duels | Player | Aerial duels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semedo | 11 (90) | Cunha | 4 (24) |
| Hee-chan | 11 (59) | Semedo | 3 (90) |
| Nunes | 10 (90) | Kilman | 3 (90) |
| Ait-Nouri | 9 (31) | Traore | 3 (45) |
| Cunha | 8 (24) | Collins | 2 (90) |
| Kilman | 8 (90) | - | - |
* brackets denote mins played
In just 24 minutes Cunha competed in four aerial duels, more than any other Wolves player. He was also involved in eight ground duels, winning 50 per cent in both categories.
Cunha may not prove to be a goal machine for Wolves, but he should offer plenty of quality and effort for Lopetegui’s side.