Wolves are looking to pull further clear of the relegation zone, with Newcastle United their next opponents in the Premier League today.
Julen Lopetegui’s side pulled off a brilliant 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.
But things are still very tight down at the bottom of the table.
Everton and Bournemouth both won yesterday and Leeds United drew.
So at the moment, Wanderers are only four points above the drop zone.
Newcastle are up next for Wolves and it’s a chance to get points on the board, with the Magpies having stuttered lately.
They are winless in five and have found scoring goals tricky.
So Lopetegui will be looking for maximum points at St. James’ Park, and here’s how he could set up…
Predicted Wolves XI to face Newcastle – Matheus Nunes drops out as Matheus Cunha returns
The Wolves defence actually finished with three players in it against Tottenham.
But Lopetegui will most likely set up with Craig Dawson and Max Kilman as a pairing again in front of Jose Sa to start with.
Nelson Semedo and Jonny Castro Otto both played well against Spurs and it’s hard to see the manager dropping either against Newcastle. But Rayan Ait-Nouri could get the nod today if the manager wants a more attacking-minded option.
In midfield, Ruben Neves and Mario Lemina are pretty much certain to play. It’s just about who, if anyone, joins them.
Matheus Nunes has been heavily involved for Wolves lately. But the Portuguese – signed for an initial £38 million – has really struggled to stamp his authority. He’s been sloppy in the last few games, and Lopetegui may feel it is now time to swap him out.
Given Newcastle go with three in midfield, Wolves could match them.
While Joao Gomes should be considered, the manager may well turn to experienced head Joao Moutinho, who was absolutely superb against Spurs.
In attack, Raul Jimenez will surely lead the line after his performance against Tottenham. Lopetegui spoke at his press conference about how the Mexican is improving and is in a good way.
It’s very hard to predict the wingers. But Pablo Sarabia seems to have the manager’s trust and could operate from the right again.
Maybe Matheus Cunha will play from the left but come inside and allow Ait-Nouri to overlap.
Cunha and Jimenez both playing is something that could prove dividends for Wolves. They both seems to link up well with one another. If Cunha can get in and around the number nine it could be fruitful for Wolves.
Adama Traore would be unlucky not to start. But his impact from the bench lately has just been so good.
The Wolves players should be feeling good heading into this one, and hopefully it will be another three points.
Wolves (4-3-3): Sa/Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, Ait-Nouri/Neves, Lemina, Moutinho/Sarabia, Jimenez, Cunha
(Four changes from last weekend – IN: Ait-Nouri, Moutinho, Jimenez and Cunha. OUT: Jonny, Nunes, Neto and Costa)