Wolverhampton Wanderers, after their goalless stalemate against Swansea City in the FA Cup last weekend, are due to face Barnsley at the Oakwell Stadium tomorrow in the Championship.
The Wolves have been absolutely dazzling under the tutelage of Nuno Espírito this season and are placed at the top of the league table with 61 points to their name after 26 games.
With the league pretty much in the bag already, all the side needs to do is avoid a bad run so that they can finish the season as Champions and seal their Premier League return.
Here is how we expect Espírito Santo to field his starting line-up against the Tykes.
Defence
Will Norris was handed a start between the sticks for the FA Cup fixture but now that the attention turns to the Championship once again, John Ruddy is expected to return to the starting XI.
We are probably going to see a three-man defensive wall once again. Ryan Bennett is expected to be stationed right at the heart of the backline given the resilience he has managed to inject. Willy Boly is likely to get the nod to start as the left centre-back. Boly has been one of the finest defenders in the league this season. Conor Coady is likely to complete the three-man backline.
Midfield
Roman Saiss is anticipated to start from the middle of the park once again as the Moroccan has proved himself to be more than capable of plying his trade regularly. Alongside him, Ruben Neves is expected to get the green light from Espírito Santo.
Together, these two have been really solid in the middle and have dictated the tempo of the games really well. Besides, they have actively participated in their side’s attacking endeavours and have looked pretty confident.
Barry Douglas should keep his left-wingback position as his industry has been quite evident. He has also contributed four goals this season and is a goal threat. On the right, we expect to see the Matt Doherty. He has really been a surprise package under the tactical nous of the Portuguese manager.
Attack
With 12 goals and 5 assists to his name in the Championship, Leo Bonatini is one of the first names on Espírito Santo’s teamsheet. The 23-year-old striker should be the one leading the line once again.
To aid him, we expect Diego Jota to start on the left-wing, whereas on the right, Ivan Cavaleiro is likely to retain his place. The two wide players have contributed 18 goals, so stopping them will take some doing.
