Wolves started the weekend holding a 6 point lead at the top. They had no threat going into the next weekend to win at any cost with the next side Cardiff City down at 70 points. The expensively assembled Wolves side is expected to qualify for the riches of the English Premier League come May 2018. With the Championship trophy expected to head their way, Wolves are now suddenly within reachable distance.
They had started the last weekend holding a solid lead at the top and were up against playoff contenders Aston Villa. The Wanderers were expected not to have lost, however, as they have been excellent this season in top side clashes. However, they were thrashed 4-1 by Villa and hence the league has now been thrown open.
As the match progressed, it turned out to be a frustrating night for the league leaders who were initially fighting in the match but went on to lose 4-1 on the night. Their weekend frustration has grown even bigger, with Cardiff City stretching their winning run to six games with a 3-2 win over relegation-threatened Birmingham City to cut down the lead at the top to 3 points.
With 76 points after 36 game weeks, the team from Molineux Stadium who entered the New Year at the summit of the table, Wolves be worried about their recent form. They have collected only 14 points from 9 games Wolves are struggling to get wins. However, Wolves will be buoyed by the fact that the last 12 teams to enter the New Year at the top, have all gone on to secure automatic promotion.
Wolves will be looking to produce a fine display of football this against Reading to tighten their spot at the top and leave no chance for the chasing pack.
Here is how he will look to line up his team for the first clash of the New Year.
Formation: 3-4-3
Defence
John Ruddy can be expected in goal for the match. The defensive three is likely to consist of on-loan player Willy Boly, Ryan Bennett and Conor Coady with captain Danny Batth sitting out.
Midfield
A midfield quartet of Matt Doherty, Barry Douglas, Ruben Neves and Alfred N’Diaye can be expected to fill up the middle of the park for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Attack
Top scorer Ivan Bonatini who already has 12 goals this season will be expected to continue in the starting line-up. He will be supported by star performer Diogo Jota who also has entered the double digits for the season with 13 goals to his kitty. Helder Costa is expected to be the third attacker on the night.
