Wolves are travelling to Deepdale for their EFL Championship fixture against Preston North End on Saturday. The hosts are in the 7th spot of the points table and are hoping to slide into the playoff spots by the end of the regular season. With the Wanderers perched at the top, the successive five spots are constantly getting shuffled around with each passing gameday.
Preston did not help their case by drawing 1-1 to Brentford last week but a 3-point gap behind Bristol City can be bridged.
However, will it be against the dominant leaders themselves? Wolves are long-time rangers leaving the pack far with a 12-point lead. Nuno Espirito Santo’s men have left no trail behind and are already preparing for life in the Premier League next season.
After drawing 0-0 to Barnsley and then losing 0-2 to Nottingham Forest, they have come back with 3 back-to-back wins against Ipswich Town, Sheffield United and Queens Park Rangers.
Wolves got their revenge against the Rangers last week with a 2-1 showing at home as Derby County dropped points against Sheffield Wednesday themselves.
The Portuguese manager has made the least number of changes to the starting XI than any team in the Championship – 33. One would think it would have been the other way around after assembling a team with so much talent.
It seems to be working in fine fashion and they are well matched to go up against a side who have not lost a game in their last 15 league fixtures. While Preston is expected to attack from the get-go, Santo will be tactically prepared to come away with the 3 points away from home.
Here is how the Wolverhampton Wanderers might lineup on matchday.
Formation: 3-4-3
Defence
John Ruddy has been a solid presence in between the sticks this season and should get the nod for this matchup.
The defensive trio to feature in front of him might be filled up by regular starters – Willy Boly, Ryan Bennett and Conor Coady.
Midfield
A midfield quartet of Matt Doherty, Barry Douglas, Alfred N’Diaye and Ruben Neves can be expected to fill up the middle of the park for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Attack
Ivan Cavaleiro is expected to start on the right. He will be supported by star performer Diogo Jota who also has entered the double digits for the season with 12 goals to his tally. Helder Costa is expected to be the third attacker on the right.
