The 0-0 draw at Ipswich and a nervy 1-0 victory against Rotherham didn’t exactly have Wolves fans excited; however, those results look to have been a catalyst for the West Midlands outfit to go on to better things.
Impressive away wins at Brentford and Fulham now form part of a 4-match unbeaten run and it’s one which may well be extended when they play at home to Cardiff this week. It won’t be easy, however; narrow defeats at Reading and QPR are about as bad as it’s got for Cardiff recently and they arrive full of confidence.
Paul Lambert isn’t exactly renowned for a free-flowing style of football, but likes his teams to be solid and should stick with the very much in-fashion 4-2-3-1 with the following personnel:
GK – Cark Ikeme
There’s no reason why he shouldn’t retain his place in goal.
RB – Conor Coady
Equally as effective in midfield, Coady can provide some attacking impetus from the right flank to back up Costa.
CB – Daniel Batth
With the skipper now back in contention, it seems Mike Williamson will miss out.
CB – Kortney Hause
Only 21, the left-footed defender brings a nice balance to the side and has arguably been one of Wolves’ better players in recent times.
LB – Matt Doherty
Left-back is a problem area for Wolves, and a reason that they are solid rather than attack-minded. Doherty, actually a right-back, will offer some defensive solidity if nothing else.
CM – Lee Evans
It’s perhaps a close call with Jack Price in contention, however, Evans may just get the nod this time around.
CM – Romain Saiss
Lambert is unlikely to want 2 inexperienced players in the heart of his midfield and so the Moroccan international should start at Molineux.
AMR – Helder Costa
A revelation this season, Costa’s return of 9 goals and 8 assists is only part of the story and there’s no doubt he’ll be the biggest threat to the Cardiff defence on Saturday. He’s held in high regard and it’s simple to see why.
AMC – Dave Edwards
A versatile performer, Edwards will most like move forward into the 3 behind the striker this week where he can attempt to add to his 10 goals this season.
AML – Ben Marshall
Previously with Lambert at Blackburn, the talented midfield player may well be deployed in the centre though will most likely keep his place on the left for this game.
ST – Andreas Weimann
Although Ivan Cavaleiro may push him, the former Aston Villa man should probably start again up front. The Austrian has just 2 goals to his name so far at Wolves, but is very capable of adding to that tally.