In a clash between two of the many teams currently vying for the valuable fourth (potentially fifth) spot, Nuno Espírito Santo’s Wolverhampton Wanderers side are set to face off against last season’s Champions League runner-ups Tottenham Hotspur. The away side are coming into this fixture on the back of a motivating display against Espanyol in Europe where they secured progress into the next round of this campaign’s Europa League.
The last league meeting between the two sides at the Molineux ended 2-1 to the Lilywhites, but the scenario surrounding either club is rather different now that it was back then. Wolves have been recognised as one of the main challengers for the European places, and a victory could end up having massive long-term implications on the table as well.
The Premise
Tottenham Hotspur currently find themselves in sixth place, behind fourth-place Chelsea by five points, and trailing Manchester United in fifth by a mere point. Wolves, alarmingly, are just a singular point off Spurs in 8th place, with Sheffield United separating the two in seventh. While a draw should ideally be considered an acceptable result, neither team will be willing to settle for the point, meaning that the loser could be left with a massive mountain to climb in the race for Champions League qualification.
Here Are Three Things Nuno Must Ensure To Get The Win Against Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham:
Allow Adama Traore The Freedom He Needs
Spanish speedster Adama Traore has undoubtedly been the biggest breakout star of the season, and his influence within this Wolves team simply cannot be underplayed. The direct and physical attacker has been nothing short of a sensation, and his intense work in the final third will be a useful weapon against Jose Mourinho’s pragmatic approach to the game. Irrespective of whether Ben Davies or Japhet Tanganga start, it’s safe to say that Traore is capable of giving either of them a torrid time.
Ensure That Joao Moutinho And Ruben Neves Are In Full Flow
The Portuguese youngster-veteran duo has unquestionably been both the heart and brain of this Wolves team ever since they got promoted to the Premier League. While Neves offers a degree of control in possession, Moutinho can tear an opposition defence apart with just a single pass. Considering that it’s a home game, Tottenham will look to dominate possession right from the off, and it’ll be up to Neves and Moutinho to disrupt the Lilywhites’ momentum and thereby open up play.
Utilise Raul Jimenez’s Sharp Movement Efficiently
The Mexican international has been transformed into one of the league’s deadliest strikers over the last couple of seasons. His finishing and movement in the final third are now the stuff of legend, and Nuno must bring him into the game against Spurs. The striker must be tasked with giving Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld a tough time in the heart of the defence, thereby opening up spaces for the likes of Jota and Traore to run into.
