Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Bruno Lage has a number of incredibly tough decisions facing him ahead of Saturday’s huge derby clash with Aston Villa.
Top scorer Raul Jimenez will miss the contest after receiving a red card in the 3-2 defeat to Leed United last time out whilst influential midfielder Ruben Neves is also confirmed out after picking up an injury in that same contest.
Those two absences added to the mounted problems already facing Lage with Pedro Neto, Nelson Semedo and Ki Jana-Hoever all already doubts for the contest.
But in fairness, it’s nothing the team haven’t dealt with all season.
The injury luck has been rotten, the squad depth has been stretched to its very limit and the gold and black are still within touching distance of a European spot.
Wolves of course won the reverse fixture in memorable fashion and whilst that wouldn’t go amiss again this time around, for the blood pressure of everyone involved, something a little more straightforward would do the trick this time.
But on derby day, nobody is expecting that.
Here’s the eleven we feel Lage may go with to try and complete the double over the claret & blue on Saturday afternoon.
1. GK - Jose Sa
Arguably Wolves’ best player so far this season. Photo: Getty Images
2. RWB - Nelson Semedo
Had started training prior to the international break and should be available for Saturday’s game.
3. CB - Conor Coady
Captain Coady’s place is in no doubt.
4. CB - Willy Boly
Back fit and back in the eleven. Starts in the heart of defence.