Among the 20 Premier League sides, two had African players for their captains – Ipswich and Wolverhampton. Until today! From now on, the Tractor Boys will remain the only club with a skipper from the “Mother Continent” – the Egyptian Sam Morsy, given that the Wolves’ decided to change their leader on the pitch.Mario Lemina has been stripped of the Wolves captaincy. Nélson Semedo replaces him as captain following the post-match altercation he had with West Ham captain Bowen and Wolves assistant coach Shaun Derry. pic.twitter.com/iPd36hvDo1— Football24/7 (@foet247europa) December 13, 2024 Namely, speaking in the press conference ahead of Wolverhampton’s Premier League clash against Ipswich (what a coincidence!), Wolves’ boss Gary O’Neil confirmed that the Gabonese Mario Lemina would no longer wear captain armband. Instead of him, the Portuguese Nelson Semedo will take over the duty.”The discussions with Mario were good. We get on very, very well. He’s been a big part of what we’ve been able to do here, and we have a large amount of respect for each other. I have a lot of respect for Mario, and what he’s still going to be able to do for us. He’ll still be around the senior group that leads the team, but at this moment we feel it’s best for Nelson to lead the group,” said the 41-year-old tactician via the club’s official website.Everton’s joint-second PL top scorer – Wolverhampton defender?!The decision has allegedly been mutual, although sources claim that the altercation with one of Wolves’ staff members and West Ham’s captain Jarrod Bowen, after the last week’s clash against the Hammers cost the Gabonese his captaincy.Wolverhampton currently sit in the penultimate Premier League position with nine points and have suffered three consecutive defeats. Hence, O’Neil’s move could represent some sort of “shock therapy” ahead of the duel against the direct relegation rivals, Ipswich, at Molineux Stadium. Still, should the Wolves fall short again, the manager could be the next one to be changed.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 15Saturday18:00: (1.25) Arsenal (6.25) Everton (15.0)18:00: (1.33) Liverpool (5.50) Fulham (8.50)18:00: (1.35) Newcastle (5.60) Leicester (9.50)18:00: (2.00) Wolverhampton (3.60) Ipswich (4.00)20:30: (2.65) Nott.Forest (3.50) Aston Villa (2.75)Sunday17:00: (1.90) Brighton (3.50) Crystal Palace (4.10)19:30: (1.63) Man.City (4.55) Man.Utd. (5.20)22:00: (1.33) Chelsea (5.50) Brentford (8.50)22: 00: (4.40) Southampton (3.90) Tottenham (1.75)Monday23:00: (1.75) Bournemouth (3.70) West Ham (4.70)***odds are subject to change***
