Predicted Wolves Line-up To Face Birmingham In EFL Championship
With Wolves’ new squad now settled, they are realising their potential and are on a run of five wins in a row, which has put them in control of the Championship.
Having beaten Leeds and Bolton 4-1 and 5-1 respectively at home, they are full of confidence and now travel the short distance to St. Andrews for a West Midlands derby, which could get a little tasty.
Goalkeeper Carl Ikeme and right-back Phil Ofosu-Ayeh are long-term absentees, while quality central midfielder Ruben Neves is suspended for this game and is likely to be replaced by Alfred N’Diaye, giving the on-loan Senegalese midfielder a rare taste of the action.
Nuno Espirito Santo is likely to stick with his usual 3-4-3 formation, using the following personnel:
Formation: 3-4-3
Manager: Nuno Espirito Santo
GK – John Ruddy
Nine clean sheets already this season for the ex-Norwich man who has been an underrated performer for most of his career.
CB – Ryan Bennett
Seems to have deposed Danny Batth in this position, though that could change as the boss rotates his squad.
CB – Conor Coady
Has become a master at marshalling this defence and will no doubt carry on in his usual position.
CB – Willy Boly
A goal last time out capped another fine performance. One of a number of ‘Premier League’ quality players in this Wolves team.
RWB – Matt Doherty
The admirable full-back seems to be relishing this role and scored a cracking goal recently.
LWB – Barry Douglas
In danger of a yellow card suspension like Neves but nonetheless, he will be needed in a game of this nature.
CM – Romain Saiss
Apparent interest from Liverpool, although only really from the press in Morocco. However, it shows his quality and he will be needed more than ever, with Neves missing.
CM – Alfred N’Diaye
Has had to wait patiently but may come in for Ruben Neves to maintain Wolves’ usual shape.
RW – Ivan Cavaleiro
It’s hard to imagine Helder Costa having to sit on the bench at a Championship club, but you simply cannot leave Cavaleiro out right now.
LW – Diogo Jota
Another player of undoubted Premier League talent, Jota should start on the left once more and looks almost certain to score or create a goal here.
ST – Leo Bonatini
The Brazilian striker is going great guns up front and is liable to get even better, whether that’s because of him learning his trade or because of the threat of new competition coming in during January.
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