Wolves will be travelling to Elland Road for their EFL Championship fixture against Leeds United on Thursday. The Wanderers are coming off a 2-0 loss to Fulham in their last league fixture, their second loss of the year with their first one coming against Nottingham Forest on 20th January.
Fulham sent out a real statement of intent in the Sky Bet Championship promotion race as they ran out 2-0 winners over leaders Wolves at Craven Cottage.
After a confident start, Whites’ top scorer Ryan Sessegnon opened the scoring with his 13th of the season, reacting quickest after John Ruddy had spilt Aleksandar Mitrovic’s shot.
Though Nuno Espirito Santo’s men improved after the break, Mitrovic held off Conor Coady to fire home a low effort and double the hosts’ lead and secure a valuable three points.
This fixture will be in no way a walk in the park as the Wanderers look towards resurrecting their giant lead at the top of the table. After last week’s defeat to Fulham, they are currently just 6-points ahead of Cardiff City at the summit and a final stage drama can be instigated by a loss in this game.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s men have dominated the second division from the very beginning but teams have choked in the last stretch of the season before. With both teams eager to fulfil their own agendas, Thursday night is expected to produce a thriller at West Yorkshire.
Here is how the Wanderers might lineup of matchday.
Formation: 3-4-3
Defence
John Ruddy can be expected in goal for the match. The defensive three is likely to consist of on-loan player Willy Boly, Ryan Bennett and Conor Coady in the central anchor role. The trio has looked impressive in the backline but unfortunately has left little space for Danny Batth and Kortney Hause.
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. Romain Saiss replaced Neves in the last lineup but the Spaniard is expected to make a return to the starting XI after serving his one-match suspension.
Attack
Ivan Cavaleiro is expected to start on the right. He will be supported by star performer Diogo Jota in the number nine role. Helder Costa is expected to be the third attacker on the right.
Leo Bonatini is still rusty but might appear from the benches if required.
