Newly promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers have already shown that they are here to stay in the top tier following a successful summer transfer window. Nuno Espirito Santo, their Portuguese gaffer, won Premier League Manager of the Month award for September as Wolves scripted the best start by a promoted club since Hull City ( in 2008-09) banking on an unbeaten run in the past six league outings, winning four of the last five. They have held both the Manchester clubs to a draw and are now set to host Watford on Saturday afternoon at Molineux in their first ever Premier League meeting.
The Hornets won their first four league outings but failed to win any in their next four and their miserable record at Molineux (won just once in last 17 away meetings versus Wolves in lower divisions) should make Javi Gracia anxious who is desperate to bring his side back on track again after such an overwhelming start to the season. The hosts, on the other hand, will be keen on continuing the momentum they gathered before the international break and keep surprising the supporters with their incredible start to this season.
Team News
Wolves have no injury casualties in their squad, and Nuno has the luxury to pick up the best possible lineup for the matchday squad. Rui Patricio, the veteran Portuguese custodian, had a minor fitness concern, but is fit now and set to keep his place between the sticks against Watford.
Formation
Nuno’s ‘back three’ earned Wolves superiority in the last term in the Championship and a similar strategy in the Premier League has worked out splendidly so far in these early encounters. The gaffer is unlikely to experiment and line them up in a familiar 3-4-2-1 pattern which could shift to a 3-4-3 if the situation demands.
Defence
Rui Patricio had a minor muscle strain but should become fit for the weekend tie to take charge of the goal. He has been beaten only once in past five games, that too at Old Trafford against Manchester United and must eye another clean sheet against the Hornets.
Nuno has a stable ‘back three’ that will remain unaltered with skipper Conor Coady occupying the central role. Ryan Bennett will feature on the right-hand side whereas Willy Boly should continue down the left of Wolves three-man backline.
Midfield
Matt Doherty, the Republic of Ireland international, has been sensational as a right wingback and scored the solitary goal of the game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park to seal all three points before the break. He has impressed with his overlapping runs and attacking attributes from the right flank as has Jonny, the Atletico Madrid loanee who has settled in pretty well in new surroundings. The midfield core of Wolves is perfectly balanced with veteran Joao Moutinho and young Ruben Neves, the Portuguese duo, occupying the central role.
Attack
Diogo Jota, who was majestic last season, is yet to hit his best form down the left wing. Helder Costa has been instrumental from the opposite flank but needs to contribute more regarding goals and goal-bound opportunities. Raul Jimenez, on loan from Benfica, is making his presence known shaving scored twice and assisting three times already whereas the likes of Ivan Cavaleiro, Adama Traore and Leo Bonatini have shown glimpses of excellence coming off the bench in previous games.
