Rock-bottom in the Premier League table, Swansea City are due to make a trip to the Molineux Stadium on Saturday in order to lock horns with Wolverhampton Wanderers in the third round of the FA Cup.
Wolves are flying high in the Championship under the tutelage of Nuno Espirito Santo and are placed at the top of the league table. The upcoming fixture promises to be a cracker and here is how we expect Carlos Carvalhal to place his starting line-up against the English second division side.
Defence
Lukasz Fabianski has been used between the sticks in every league game so far this time and it goes without saying that he might rightfully be rested against Wolves. Instead of him, Kristoffer Nordfeldt is set to be given the nod to start with the gloves in the cup fixture.
Angel Rangel is unavailable and his fellow right-back, Kyle Naughton, is also sidelined owing to his suspension, which implies that Carvalhal might have to use Tyler Reid at the aforesaid position. At the left-back slot, Martin Olsson is expected to be pencilled.
At the heart of the defence of the Premier League side, Carvalhal is seemingly likely to manoeuvre the duo comprising of Kyle Bartley and Mike van der Hoorn, who should be expecting a tough day at the office against Championship’s leaders.
Midfield
Some ramifications in the tactical nous are expected in the middle, although we might see Roque Mesa and Leroy Fer in the central midfield. These two, if used, have to withstand a lot of pressure from Espirito Santo’s side and they must keep things neat and tidy in the middle.
Ki Sung-Yueng is still unavailable and in the upcoming fixture, we could potentially see Luciano Narsingh wide on the right to stretch Wolves’ defence and create some notable crosses into the box. On the left, Wayne Routledge would be a sensible option and is anticipated to be handed a start.
Attack
There is an apparent fitness concern with Tammy Abraham and it is unlikely that he will be forced into the game, given that he would be needed in the coming league games and he certainly can’t be trifled with.
This might allow Oli McBurnie to get the nod to start, for he is certainly an impressive youngster with lots of potential on offer and should be given the pedestal to showcase his calibre. Alongside him, Jordan Ayew is anticipated to be chalked to give Swansea City a cutting edge in the attacking zone.
