Matheus Cunha decision & attacking rejig - Wolves predicted starting XI gallery vs Aston Villa
Here’s how we predict Wolverhampton Wanderers’ starting lineup to look against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Wednesday.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are back on the road in the Premier League on Wednesday but they won’t have to travel far as they take on local rivals Aston Villa. Eager to bounce back after a rather unfortunate 1-0 defeat to Manchester United at the weekend, Julen Lopetegui’s side will try and replicate their trip to Everton.
The new man in the dugout led his side to a dramatic late 2-1 win at Goodison Park on Boxing Day, courtesy of goals from Daniel Podence and Rayan Ait-Nouri. Wolves were unable to find the back of the net against the Red Devils, but there were plenty of positives to take - especially on the defensive front.
Still right in amongst it in the relegation battle, the Wanderers are on just 13 points after 17 games – eight fewer than Wednesday’s opposition. The Villans have been increasingly impressive under a new manager of their own, as Unai Emery has guided them to three victories in his first four league fixtures in charge.
The most recent of these was a surprise 2-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur on New Year’s Day, as Emiliano Buendia and Douglas Luiz scored to round off an impressive performance. Wolves will take confidence from previous meetings as they did the double over Villa last season, but this appears to be a very different side.
With that in mind, here is the strong starting lineup we think Lopetegui will go for - including some risky inclusions - in a 4-3-3 formation.
1. GK: Jose Sa
Came back from the World Cup and immediately re-secured his place between the sticks. Sa remains the number one choice, ahead of Matija Sarkic.
2. LB: Hugo Bueno
Had another good game last time out as he dealt well with the threat of Antony. Lopetegui will be hoping for more of the same with Villa’s pacy attackers.
3. CB: Max Kilman
Until if and when the Wanderers make a defensive signing, Kilman is likely to stick as Collins’ centre back counterpart. Has shown far better form under Lopetegui.
4. CB: Nathan Collins
Surely cannot be dropped after one of his best performances in a Wolves shirt; Collins was sublime despite defeat as he threw himself at everything.