Wolverhampton Wanderers are running away with the Championship title, having piled a substantial lead of 12 points over the second-placed side, Derby County, in the English second division table. The Wolves have been absolutely ruthless in their endeavours in the league under the tutelage of Nuno Espirito Santo but this weekend, the attention shifts to the FA Cup.
Espirito Santo’s side are due to face Swansea City at the Molineux in the third round of the cup competition. The Swans are struggling terribly in the Premier League and are placed rock-bottom in the league table. Given the current scenario, Wolves should be backing themselves for a win over the top division side.
Further, Espirito Santo would look forward to shuffling his side and give rest to some of his key players who have contributed a lot in the league and here is how we expect him to dish out his starting line-up.
Defence
John Ruddy deserves a bit of rest, for he has been stationed between the sticks in every Championship game so far this season. Will Norris is expected to be given the chance to show his calibre with the gloves on.
The defence is seemingly likely to be filled by the trio comprising of Ryan Bennett, Roderick Miranda and Kortney Hause. While Miranda is the one who is likely to be used at the heart of the defence, Hause is expected to be pencilled on the left with Bennett on the right.
Wingbacks
Espirito Santo is unlikely to trifle with his tactical nous and thus, should be going with the wingbacks this time around as well. Ahead of Barry Douglas, we expect Ruben Vinagre to be used at the left wingback position whereas, from the right wingback slot, we expect to see the industry of Matt Doherty, who has the potential to play a pivotal role in the upcoming fixture.
Midfield
Roman Saiss and Ruben Neves are likely to sit out and thus, Jack Price and Alfred N’Diaye are anticipated to be chalked in the central midfield. While N’Diaye would be more than a decent figure in the middle, it would be an excellent opportunity for Price to further develop himself.
Attack
Right up front, Bright Enobakhare would be used ahead of a regular striker in Leo Bonatini. Enobakhare is an impressive youngster with huge potential and the 19-year-old should be used by Espirito Santo against the Swans.
From the left-wing, Michael Zyro is expected to start and at the right-wing slot, Ivan Cavaleiro is likely to replace Helder Costa to prove his mettle.
