£15m reunion as Vitor Pereira names controversial first lineup - Wolves predicted XI vs Leicester City

A new era commences at Wolves in the most dramatic fashion as the Old Gold travel away to Leicester for a proper, old-fashioned relegation six-pointer.

Wanderers will be desperate to bounce back after suffering a devastating 2-1 defeat to fellow bottom three battlers Ipswich Town last weekend. That result proved to be Gary O’Neil’s last as manager with Pereira now drafted in to try and improve the club’s situation.

Five points below Leicester heading into this clash, Wolves will see this as a must win. It’s already a mountain to climb to escape relegation to the Championship but it would become even tougher of a task if the Foxes were to run away with all three points this weekend.

It’s difficult to work out exactly how Pereira will line up as the Portuguese has only been through the door for a matter of days. His prior experience suggests a back three, perhaps a 3-5-2 formation, so that’s what we’re assuming will be used at Wolves. With that in mind, here’s the team we reckon Pereira will go with.

Wolves predicted lineup vs Leicester

GK - Sam Johnstone: The goalkeeper is likely to continue in the XI as Jose Sa is still a doubt with a shoulder injury.

RWB - Nelson Semedo: Yet to find out if he’ll carry on the captaincy, Semedo is best utilised on the right rather than as a wide centre-back.

CB - Santi Bueno: The Uruguayan isn’t the most physical presence but that may be a little less exposed as the furthest right of a three.

CB - Craig Dawson: Wolves’ biggest aerial presence, Dawson surely has to start a game as important as this. His leadership is valuable too.

CB - Toti Gomes: A useful option, both at left-back and centre-back, the 25-year-old will probably move into the latter role if it’s a three.

LWB - Matt Doherty: With Rayan Ait-Nouri suspended, Doherty is probably the best alternative as the Irishman is comfortable on either side.

CM - Mario Lemina: As passionate as anyone else in the squad, Lemina will be keen to put his inconsistencies behind him and impress Pereira.

CM - Andre: Signed for £21million in the summer, Andre has shown signs of real quality. His aggressive nature could be handy in such a big game.

CM - Joao Gomes: Back from suspension, the £15million Brazilian has worked with Pereira before and is bound to start the new boss’ first game in charge.

ST - Matheus Cunha: Wolves’ star man thrives when playing just off Strand Larsen as a second striker as he can drop into spaces between the lines.

ST - Jorgen Strand Larsen: The Norwegian, proving to be a practical outlet up top, has contributed six goals and two assists in 16 Premier League games so far.