Wolverhampton Wanderers will look to stretch their winning streak to four games in all competitions. But, they will be dealt with an enormous challenge as they lock horns with the defending champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Wolves will come into this contest on the back of a narrow win over Besiktas in the UEFA Europa League that should give them a much-needed boost as they look to recover after a stuttering start to the campaign.
Here is how Nuno Espirito Santo’s men may line-up against Man City this weekend.
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Defence
Nuno Santo is unlikely to make any real changes to the backline from the team that secured a win over Besiktas in the last game. That means Ryan Bennett will once again have to settle for a place on the bench along with new loan signing Jesus Vallejo. Romain Saiss will continue his role as the centre-back.
The Moroccan defensive midfielder will be partnered by the ever-present figures of Willy Boly and Conor Coady, forming the three-man backline for Wolverhampton this weekend. The defensive trio will operate in a deeper role than usual, in fear of Manchester City’s might going forward. Coady, in particular, will be in charge of keeping tabs on Sergio Aguero.
Rui Patricio, meanwhile, is a guaranteed starter in the between the sticks. The Portuguese international will be hoping for his third clean sheet of the campaign.
Midfield
Ruben Neves made his way back to the starting eleven against Besiktas in midweek. He will hope to retain his place in central midfield, ahead of Leander Dendoncker. The Belgian may have to settle for a place on the bench in this one, along with Morgan Gibbs-White, who also started on Thursday.
Neves will be partnered by the composing figure of Joao Moutinho at the base of Wolves’ 3-4-2-1 setup. The Portuguese midfield duo will be in charge of preventing the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Rodri from dominating the midfield and easing things up for Manchester City in the middle of the park.
Elsewhere, Matt Doherty has been on a good run of form after a mediocre start to the campaign. The Irishman is likely to get the nod ahead of Adama Traore at right wing-back. Jonny Castro, meanwhile, is a guaranteed starter on the opposite flank, with Nuno unlikely to risk Ruben Vinagre against such a high-end opponent.
Attack
Diogo Jota is a doubt into this fixture. The Portuguese attacker was risked in midweek but might have to sit on the bench, paving the way for youngster Pedro Neto to retain his place in attack. The 19-year-old will be partnered by Traore, who will be deployed in a more attacking role. These two will start just behind the main striker Raul Jimenez who will lead the charge for the visitors.
