Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch has dropped a glowing verdict on Wolves ahead of the two clubs’ meeting on Saturday afternoon.
Wolves are preparing to go to West Yorkshire without a recognised centre-forward.
Raul Jimenez will be missing for several weeks after picking up an injury against Besiktas in pre-season.
And there is no Fabio Silva, who recently joined Anderlecht on loan for the season.
It is expected that one of the wide forwards will play through the middle, with it looking very unlikely that Wolves will sign a new centre-forward ahead of the game.
It will be fascinating to see that first starting XI of the season, and what system Bruno Lage will go with.
It is thought the manager will opt for a back four, which has mostly been the formation of choice throughout pre-season. Back three sessions have supposedly been ditched in training.
Wolves have actually been looking quite good in pre-season with the new system, and Marsch has showered praise on Wanderers ahead of the game.
He said (via Leeds Live): “They have changed to four in the back with Jimenez being out. Podence more in the striker role. See where he plays. Manager very intelligent. Good tactical ideas. Tight spaces, really intelligent. Fit well together. Defend really well, one of the best in the PL. Gain an edge on set-plays. Big challenge and we are excited for it.”
Regarding the Whites, they are thought to be without eight players for the game (via Birmingham Mail).
Dan James, Liam Cooper, Junior Firpo, Adam Forshaw, Luke Ayling, Luis Sinisterra, Stuart Dallas and Mateusz Bogusz are all out.
Wolves must take the game to Leeds on Saturday, as Jesse Marsch gives glowing verdict
Hopefully if Wolves are lining up with a back four on Saturday then it will prompt a more attacking performance.
The system has looked pretty good over pre-season.
Wolves, with the players they’ve got, have the potential to become a really effective and watchable team.
It would be brilliant to see Wolves taking the game to Leeds in front of their own fans.
They’ll be full of optimism, but if Wolves can find their passing rhythm early on then it could frustrate the home side and the crowd.