Wolves predicted XI vs Ipswich Town: Vitor Pereira makes key change for crucial bottom of the table clash

Wolves manager Vitor Pereira took another step towards securing the Old Gold’s Premier League status as his team earned a vital 1-0 win against West Ham.

Jorgen Strand Larsen grabbed the winner in the first half of the contest to momentarily put his team 12 points clear of the drop zone before a defiant Ipswich breathed life back into their push for survival with a surprising 2-1 victory away to European hopefuls Bournemouth.Now they have the chance to reduce the gap down to six with a victory at Portman Road against a Wolves side they have already beaten once earlier in the campaign at Molineux.

It represents last chance saloon for Ipswich, who are nine points behind with eight games to spare, while Wolves know that a victory could essentially squash any fears of them playing Championship football next season.

Pereira has proven to be an inspired appointment since his arrival in December when he inherited a team that were five points adrift of safety in 18th position. However, the Portuguese coach knows he still has a number of key selection decisions to get right if he is to get the team over the line. With that in mind, we take a look at the predicted Wolves line-up for Saturday’s encounter with Ipswich as one change is made for the trip to Suffolk.

Goalkeeper and defence

GK - Jose Sa: The Portuguese goalkeeper has become the clear number one under Pereira, comfortably ahead of Sam Johnstone in the pecking order and will be hopeful of keeping another clean sheet.

RWB - Nelson Semedo: The former Barcelona defender is Wolves’ skipper and a stalwart in the team this season. He will be tasked with limiting Leif Davis’ crossing opportunities if fit, and dealing with either Jack Clarke or Jaden Philogene out wide.

CB - Matt Doherty: The 50-time Republic of Ireland international’s versatility has been important to Wolves this season, especially in a back three under Pereira.

CB - Emmanuel Agbadou: A solid January addition who has definitely brought great stability to a backline that was previously leaking goals for fun. The £16m addition is already living up to his price tag.

CB - Toti Gomes: Pereira has got great faith in Toti as the left-sided centre-back in his system. The Portuguese is getting closer to his best form after initially finding things difficult this season.

LWB - Rayan Ait-Nouri: One of the standout left-backs in the division this season. Algeria international Rayan Ait-Nouri continues to grow from strength to strength and is also a key source of goals and assists when bombing forward.

Midfield and attack

CM - Joao Gomes: The Brazilian ended all talk surrounding a summer exit by signing a new long-term contract at Wolves in an incredible boost to the club’s goals of climbing up the table in future seasons. He has a massive role to play at the heart of midfield.

CM - Andre: Another Brazil international, Andre has been a dependable presence in the middle of the park and the best could still be yet to come from the former Copa Libertadores winner.

CAM - Jean-Ricner Bellegarde: The 26-year-old is starting to produce his best form in a more advanced role and has contributed two goals and six assists this season in a hugely improved second campaign in terms of numbers.

CAM - Pablo Sarabia: The Spaniard hasn’t played as much as he would have liked in recent weeks but could play a role behind the striker to try and add further spark to the Wolves midfield.

Striker - Jorgan Strand Larsen: The match-winner last week and Wolves’ top-scoring forward other than Matheus Cunha after reaching double figures. This one needs little explanation.

Wolves predicted starting lineup: Sa; Doherty, Agbadou, T. Gomes; Semedo, J. Gomes, Andre, Ait-Nouri; Munetsi, Bellegarde; Strand Larsen.

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