Wolverhampton Wanderers are back in mid-season friendly action just five days after their last outing, as they take on La Liga side Cadiz on Wednesday morning. Julen Lopetegui’s side were held to a 1-1 draw against Empoli last time out and they will be hoping to go one step further this midweek.
The Wanderers have been put through their paces by the new head coach ahead of the Premier League’s resumption on Boxing Day. There is a sense of urgency to get match fit with a Carabao Cup tie against Gillingham taking place on Tuesday, December 20.
Wolves are still without a number of their key players who have been out in Qatar for the FIFA World Cup for the last few weeks, but the likes of Raul Jimenez and Hwang Hee-Chan are now back and ready for selection. The latter will be eager to get more minutes in the tank after he managed 30 last Friday, whereas Hwang didn’t get any.
Cadiz may seem like a favourable opponent on paper as they are currently 19th in La Liga, but they are by no means a bad side. Just last Wednesday, the Pirates thrashed Premier League giants Manchester United with a dominant 4-2 victory. Lopetegui will have likely kept a close eye on that particular result.
It will likely be a tough challenge for Wolves on Wednesday, and with that in mind, here is the rather strong starting XI we predicted Lopetegui will go with.
1. GK: Matija Sarkic
Has established himself as the second-choice goalkeeper and keeps his spot as Wolves await the return of Jose Sa from the World Cup.
2. LB: Hugo Bueno
Starting to become quite a regular starter and we expect him to keep his spot. Scored a brilliant goal in the friendly against Empoli.
3. CB: Nathan Collins
The Irishman vowed to become better under the new manager and is expected to become a key presence in a new-look side, as long as his performances improve.
4. CB: Max Kilman
Just like Collins, doesn’t seem to be pressured by too many options behind him. Definitely one of Wolves’ stronger options.