Vitor Pereira selects two new debutants with ‘surprise’ starter in attack - Wolves predicted XI vs Blackburn
PredictingWolverhampton Wanderers’ lineup against Blackburn Rovers as two deadline day additions make their debuts.
Wolves continue their FA Cup campaign this Sunday with a trip to Championship side Blackburn Rovers in the fourth round.
The Old Gold head into this clash with great confidence following last weekend’s win over local rivals Aston Villa. Goals from Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Matheus Cunha sealed an absolutely pivotal three points to move out of the Premier League relegation zone on what was an excellent night at Molineux.
Wanderers will be hoping to replicate that success as they head out on the road, targeting a spot in the fifth round of the FA Cup for the sixth time since the turn of the century. Wolves will be desperate to move one step closer to Wembley after missing out by just one game last year – losing to Coventry City in the quarter-finals.
This weekend’s opponents have been a force to be reckoned with in the Championship so far this season, currently fifth in the English second-tier standings after 31 games played. John Eustace’s side have stuttered a little recently, however, losing four of their last five outings.
Wolves will be eager to rub salt in Rovers’ wounds this weekend and there could be debuts for two new signings. Nasser Djiga and Marshall Munetsi, brought in from Red Star Belgrade and Stade de Reims respectively, have had a few days’ full training and will be raring to go. With that in mind, here’s the team we reckon will be named at Ewood Park.
Wolves predicted lineup vs Blackburn
GK - Sam Johnstone
The summer signing from Crystal Palace has fallen back behind Jose Sa in the pecking order but he started in the previous round.
CB - Emmanuel Agbadou
Pereira’s first addition has taken to English football like a duck to water. Agbadou has been so impressive and long may his form continue.
CB - Nasser Djiga
Brought in on deadline day, Djiga could be handed a start straight away with the FA Cup an ideal competition to help him settle.
CB - Toti Gomes
Back in the team with a bang, Toti performed brilliantly in the 2-0 win over Villa. The Portuguese seems to thrive in a back three.
RWB - Pedro Lima
Game time has been rare for Lima so far but this could be a good opportunity for the Brazilian to impress. Nelson Semedo, meanwhile, could do with a rest.
LWB - Rodrigo Gomes
The versatile 21-year-old will be itching to start as many games as possible. Another performance like the one at Leicester would be handy.
CM - Marshall Munetsi
Another deadline day addition, Munetsi has been signed for depth and competition at the base of midfield. The Zimbabwean will be desperate to get started.
CM - Jean-Ricner Bellegarde
Starts have been few and far between this term but Doyle has one of the best passing ranges at the club. He just needs a run of games to show it off.
RW - Carlos Forbs
A surprise starter, perhaps, but he was signed to make an impact when required and should be utilised in a game like this. His pace could terrify Blackburn’s defender.
LW - Matheus Cunha
Recently signed on for the long term, Cunha will be itching to play as many matches as humanly possible. The Brazilian adores this club.
ST - Hwang Hee-Chan
With Jorgen Strand Larsen not yet back to full fitness and Pereira able to rotate slightly, Hwang could come in to lead the line at Ewood Park.