Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolverhampton Wanderers side picked up a much-deserved draw on the weekend, from their tough home game against Sheffield United. The Blades have been in excellent form over the course of this campaign and were looking to keep their six-game unbeaten streak intact on the night. Wolves did well to rally in the second half and find an equaliser through full-back Matt Doherty.
Wolves have a Europa League group stage fixture to worry about next week as well, meaning that Nuno will have a lot of work to do in the coming days. Their next match is against West Ham United at the Molineux, and the home side will be hoping to get back to winning ways. Nuno’s men are yet to lose a league game since their intense 5-2 defeat at the hands of Chelsea back in the middle of September.
Team News
Nuno’s biggest advantage going into this complicated fixture will be the return of Romain Saïss at the back. The versatile defender missed the game against Villa due to a suspension but is set to return against West Ham United. Also, Ryan Bennett could be ready in time for this crucial encounter, having missed the last few games with a groin strain. Willy Boly’s long-term knock keeps him out of contention for this fixture as well.
Wolves Predicted Lineup
Formation: 3-4-3
Defence
Rui Patricio was Wolves’ saviour against Sheffield United as the Blades piled on the pressure right from the opening whistle. He collected the ball supremely well from set-pieces and made multiple key saves along the way as well. The Portuguese shot-stopper is sure to keep his place in between the sticks. In front of him, expect Conor Coady to retain his place as the Wolves sweeper.
Max Kilman, who had a dream debut at the weekend, is expected to drop to the bench to make way for Romain Saïss who is returning from a suspension. Leander Dendocker will slot in on the other side to complete what is a pretty sturdy looking back three. The trio have all been known for popping up with important goals, and this fixture will be calling out for one.
Midfield
Matt Doherty was an absolute joy to watch in the league last season, and although he hasn’t been able to emulate quite the same form this time around, the signs of his quality are there for everyone to see. He is sure to retain his place on the flank, with Spaniard Jonny Otto occupying the opposite wing. The duo are adept at bombarding forward, providing the Wolves midfielders with a constant out-ball.
Undoubtedly the first names on the team-sheet, Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves have been among the deadliest midfield pairings in the league over the last couple of seasons, and there’s certainly been so signs of let off from either of the Portuguese stars. While the veteran adds guile and finesse to the team that is stacked full of potent attackers, the youngster is responsible for ensuring that the ball is always flowing from side to side.
Attack
Adama Traore’s skill-set puts him amongst the best players in the league, whenever he decided to turn up that is. The amount of pace and directness he adds to this Wolves side is a huge blessing in disguise for Nuno. The gaffer is expected to retain the dangerous front-line from their last outing, completed by Diogo Jota on the other flank, and Raul Jimenez as the central attacker.
