Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolves dropped a couple of points in the domestic league at the weekend and will look to get back to winning ways this week, when they travel to Liberty Stadium, to face a struggling Swansea City side, in the second leg of the 3rd round of the FA Cup this year. The first leg ended in a 0-0 draw, that saw both sides pick up a red card each.
The Swans managed to take a point from Newcastle United at the weekend and will look to push the Championship outfit out of the competition, in front of their home crows. Nuno Santo is expected to play a strong side and here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
Team News:
Full-back Ruben Vinagre is expected to be the biggest absentee for the Wolves, who can welcome Danny Batth back from a suspension. He could be pushed into the starting XI straight away.
Expected lineup (3-4-3):
Defense:
24-year old Will Norris put in a decent shift in the first leg against Swansea and could keep his place in the side on goal, giving Ruddy a break. He should be partnered by a first choice backline, that could see skipper Danny Batth start on the left side.
Connor Coady has been solid at the heart of the defence and will be tested by Wilfried Bony while Ryan Benett will hope to have yet another comfortable game against a misfiring Swansea attack.
Midfield:
The manager used a midfield of Alfred N’Diaye and young Morgan Gibbs-White, who did well in the game a week earlier and there is no reason for Santo to change this combination. Matt Doherty, one of the best players for the club this season should keep his place on the right flank as a wing-back but Wolves do not have Ruben Vinagre on the other flank.
However, they have an able replacement in Barry Douglas, who should walk into the side on the left flank.
Attack:
It will be interesting to see if the manager decides to make any changes to his attack, to try and take the initiative in this game. Bright Enobakhare did not have the greatest games in the reverse fixture and could be replaced by Diogo Jota, who is the first choice for the club, even in the domestic league.
Helder Costa was withdrawn after the hour mark at the weekend and could keep his place on the other wing. Leo Bonatini is an important part of the squad but Spanish ace Rafa Mir might be given his chance to lead the side in this tie.
Here is how they might line up:
