After engineering a 3-0 away win at the Elland Road against Leeds United, Nuno Espirito Santo will be readying his troops to face Aston Villa on Saturday at the Villa Park. The Wolves are placed at the top of the league table with 76 points to their name after 35 games and would be aiming to strengthen their grip on the 1st spot. However, the Villans are no pushovers and the fixture promises to be a cracker.
Team News
Ruben Neves has completed his two-match suspension and is set to return and it goes without saying that this is a huge boost for the Championship leaders.
Here is how we expect Espirito Santo to roll out his starting line-up against Steve Bruce’s men.
Goalkeeper
John Ruddy is set to get yet another start between the sticks. The 31-year-old shot-stopper has been brilliant this season, having notched up 18 clean sheets from 35 league outings and would be aiming to up the tally further this weekend.
Defence
Danny Batth was used by Espirito Santo against the Whites and the defender did put forth a commendable performance. He dealt meticulously with everything that was thrown at him and he might get the green line to start at the back once again. Alongside him, we expect to see Conor Coady and Willy Boly being stationed to construct a three-man defensive wall.
Wingbacks
The wingbacks do play a pivotal role in Espirito Santo’s tactical nous and he has two competent players in Barry Douglas and Matt Doherty. These two have been in a great shape and Doherty is expected to take up the left-wingback slot once again with Douglas set to operate from the other side.
Midfield
With Neves back in contention to start, there is no denying that Espirito Santo has to choose one of Alfred N’Diaye and Romain Saiss. Considering the most recent performances, it would be unfair to dethrone N’Diaye from the starting line-up as he has been a solid player for Wolves and performed exceptionally well at the Elland Road. Thus, we expect Neves to be stationed in the middle of the park alongside N’Diaye.
Attack
Diogo Jota is expected to keep his place on the left-wing as his offensive prowess and vision has proven to be handy for his employers’ attacking endeavours in the final third. In the right-wing, Ivan Cavaleiro should be stationed and we expect Benik Afobe to be placed up top instead of Leo Bonatini after the latter’s stuttering displays lately.
