Wolves will be a side full of confidence when they take on Burnley this Sunday. Just before the international break, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side picked up their first win following their return to the top flight and they have been the most impressive promoted side so far this season.
Burnley have had their problems, and perhaps the taxing experience of playing in the Europa League qualifiers took a toll before the international break.
Sean Dyche’s side now have to focus on the league and try and match their performance of last season. They have lost three out of four and are winless in the league.
Based on current form, Wolves should be able to beat the Clarets.
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Espirito Santo doesn’t have too many injury concerns to deal with. Mexican striker Raul Jimenez is a doubt with a muscle injury but the squad is deep enough. Ivan Cavaleiro is still nursing a back injury and isn’t expected to feature.
Predicted Wolves Lineup (3-4-3)
Defence
Rui Patricio has done reasonably well in goal and should start in between the sticks. Espirito Santo has preferred the three-man backline and the defence, though inexperienced at the Premier League level, has delivered so far.
Conor Coady will start in the middle of the back three while Willy Boly and Ryan Bennett will feature as the left and the right-sided centre-backs. Boly has the highest tackles amongst the three defenders and is expected to have a busy afternoon with Aaron Lennon set to play on that side of the pitch.
Midfield
Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho are expected to start in the midfield pivot. The two of them have the quality on the ball but have worked incredibly hard as well. Moutinho has averaged 3.3 tackles a game while Neves isn’t far behind with 2.5 tackles a game.
Jonny Castro and Matt Doherty are expected to start as the two wingbacks. The former is incredibly good when it comes to reading the game and his starting position this season has been impressive. That has allowed him to muster 2 interceptions a game, the most in the team.
Attack
Jimenez is a doubt for the game, so we could see Brazilian forward Leo Bonatini leading the line. Adama Traore is still adapting to the style at his new club, but we could see him starting over Helder Costa this weekend.
Traore scored the winner against West Ham last time and has been impressive off the bench, so he deserves a start. Diogo Jota is likely to complete the front three.
Jota – Bonatini – Adama
Castro – Moutinho – Neves – Doherty
Boly – Coady – Bennett
Patricio
Stats via Whoscored
