Wolverhampton Wanderers have secured just 2 points from their last 3 league games, with their last game ending in a 2-0 loss at the hands of Fulham. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are currently placed at the top of the Championship table with 73 points from 34 games but they cannot afford to be complacent in any manner whatsoever.
The next challenge for the Wolves would be to face Reading as they host the Royals at the Molineux Stadium and considering the team news, here is how we expect Espirito Santo to roll out his starting line-up.
Team News
Ruben Neves would be out for one more game and apart from this, there is no other major absentee.
Goalkeeper
John Ruddy has been a really handy commodity between the sticks for the Championship league leaders. The 31-year-old shot-stopper has notched up 17 clean sheets from 34 league outings, making 1.97 saves per game on an average and deserves to get yet another start as the custodian.
Defence
Espirito Santo is likely to field a three-man defensive wall yet again comprising of Ryan Bennett, Conor Coady and Willy Boly. While Bennett and Coady have nailed down their place in the starting line-up owing to their commendable performances, Boly has been a stand-out player for the Wolves and has arguably been the best defender in the Championship this season.
Wingbacks
Matt Doherty is expected to start from the right-wing back slot and his crossing will come in handy. From the left-wingback position, Barry Douglas should be the one getting the green light from Espirito Santo to start.
Midfield
In the absence of Neves, Alfred N’Diaye has put forth commendable performances and he is set to get yet another game under his belt from the middle of the park. Roman Saiss has been resilient more often than not and he is likely to partner N’Diaye in the central midfield.
Attack
Leo Bonatini has smashed 12 goals from 32 appearances in the Championship but has been really struggling to make his presence felt in the recent games. He really needs to up the ante and start delivering on a consistent basis in the upcoming fixtures.
Diogo Jota is expected to start from the right-wing as he is excellent while going forward and takes active participation in his side’s attacking endeavours. Ivan Cavaleiro is likely to get the nod to start from the left-wing.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored & Squawka