After a disappointing defeat to Watford, Wolverhampton Wanderers will look to bounce back to winning ways when they travel to Falmer Stadium to face Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend.
The Wolves are ninth in the league table but a win could potentially lift them ahead of sixth-placed Bournemouth.
Brighton, on the other hand, have picked up back to back wins against West Ham United and Newcastle United and will be confident of their chances.
Wolves team news
Wolves don’t have any fresh injury concerns ahead of their clash against Brighton and Hove Albion. Nuno Espirito Santo will have the privilege of choosing from a fully fit Wolves squad as they look to get the better of the Seagulls this weekend.
Predicted Wolves Lineup
Defence
Nuno Espirito Santo is more than likely to resort to his trusted back three of Ryan Bennett, Conor Coady and Willy Boly despite a shaky performance against Watford last time out. Bennett, in particular, looked out of sorts last weekend and needs to redeem himself against Brighton this time out.
Boly attempted five tackles, made two clearances and won three aerial duels against Watford. His domineering presence will be needed against Glenn Murray who has been impressive this season.
Rui Patricio has been consistent this season and should keep his place in goal.
Midfield
Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves appeared uncharacteristically out of touch against Watford last weekend. However, a solid performance against Brighton could give them the ideal boost as they brace for a congested fixture list during the upcoming weeks.
Moutinho has attempted the most number of tackles in the league this season and it will be interesting to see how he deals with an in-form Beram Kayal this weekend.
Elsewhere, Wolves’ teenage sensation Ruben Vinagre could come into the side, after impressing as a substitute against Watford.
Vinagre is expected to replace Jonny as the left-sided wingback while Matt Doherty will retain his place on the opposite flank, having won the most number of aerial duels in the team this season.
Attack
Diogo Jota is likely to retain his place in the lineup as the wide attacker. He was Wolves’ brightest attacking spark against Watford while Helder Costa could make way for Adama Traore after a disappointing display.
And finally, the Wolverhampton attack will be led by Raul Jimenez, whose work-ethic coupled with his goalscoring traits could hand his team the advantage in the final third.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
