Wolves predicted lineup vs Leeds United

Bruno Lage switched to a 3-5-2 formation for Wolves’ last match, against Aston Villa.

That was likely because Raul Jimenez was left on the bench and without a focal point, Lage wanted to field a frontline which dragged Villa’s towering defenders into deeper area.

But Jimenez should return to the side for the game against Leeds United, and that should mean a return to the 3-4-3 which has been exhibited for the rest of the season.

The defence and the goalkeeper picks itself, especially with Willy Boly ruled out injured.

Perhaps Rayan Ait-Nouri’s pace would be useful up against Raphinha, but it would be a surprise to see Lage deviate from Marcal at left wing-back.

In midfield, Wolves will need energy, especially playing a midfield duo against Marcelo Bielsa’s high-tempo 4-3-3.

That is why we have put Leander Dendoncker alongside Ruben Neves in the engine room here.

Lage may decide he wants Moutinho in there to keep the ball, and the decision of which midfielder to drop if Jimenez comes back in is a hard one.

We wrote earlier in the week that Daniel Podence deserves a start this week after his influential cameo against Villa.

We’ve got him coming in for Adama Traore here, against a side the Spaniard has been linked with in the past.

Hwang Hee-Chan is in our team on the left, but Traore and the returning Francisco Trincao will also think they have a chance of getting in too.

Lage could bring Jimenez back and stick with 3-5-2, potentially pairing Hwang and Jimenez together up front, but we think that a return to 3-4-3 is more likely.

• Some Wolves fans will sympathise as Rob Edwards makes heartfelt admission in new Sky interview
• What Fosun are expected to do in the Championship if Wolves fail to stay up
• What Fer Lopez is currently working especially hard on at Wolves as loan exit beckons
• Rob Edwards told he only has three ‘very good’ players at Wolves
• What Fer Lopez is willing to do to rejoin Celta Vigo as Wolves man shares stance to Jorge Mendes