Having secured a place in the Premier League next season, Wolverhampton Wanderers need just 1 point to clinch the Championship title. Wolves earned a 2-0 win against Birmingham City last weekend and on Saturday, Nuno Espirito Santo’s troops are due to make a trip to the Macron Stadium to face Bolton Wanderers in their next league fixture.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Team News
Ivan Cavaleiro is nursing his hamstring injury and apart from him, Espirito Santo has every key player available in his arsenal.
Here is how we expect him to dish out the starting line-up against Phil Parkinson’s men.
Goalkeeper
John Ruddy has certainly been one of the stand-out performers for Wolves this season. The 31-year-old custodian has garnered 22 clean sheets from 43 league games, making 1.88 saves per game on an average and should find himself being stationed between the sticks once again.
Defence
A three-man defensive wall is set to be rolled out by the Portuguese gaffer once again, comprising of Willy Boly, Conor Coady and Ryan Bennett. The level of understanding between these three defenders has been exemplary to say the least and Espirito Santo has yielded substantial dividends by fielding them in his starting line-up on a regular basis this season.
Wingbacks
Matt Doherty should keep his place in the right-wingback slot once again. Fullbacks play an important role in the tactical nous of Espirito Santo and Doherty has certainly proved his mettle. He has knit a fine balance between his defensive duties and offensive endeavours and deserves to get the nod to start this weekend.
From the left-wingback position, Barry Douglas is set to operate once again. The 28-year-old has impressed the fans and manager, having scored 4 goals and plundered 14 assists in 36 appearances in the Championship this season and will be one of the first names in the starting XI.
Midfield
Ruben Neves is likely to be pencilled in the middle of the park yet again. The central midfielder has contributed to his side massively and has done a huge favour to his credentials. We expect Alfred N’Diaye to be rolled out this weekend instead of Romain Saiss to partner Neves.
Attack
Benik Afobe found the back of the net against the Blues and he is expected to be given the green light to lead the line. Meanwhile, we expect Diogo Jota to start from the left-wing whereas from the right-wing, Helder Costa might get the nod to start to showcase his attacking prowess in the final third.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored & Squawka
