‘Disastrous’ defender dropped as Vitor Pereira struck by suspension - Wolves predicted XI vs Aston Villa

Wolves return to Molineux on Saturday evening for an English top-tier clash under the lights with local rivals Aston Villa.

The Old Gold are in desperate need of a positive result having lost each of their last four Premier League outings, with 10 goals conceded and just the one scored throughout that period. New manager Vitor Pereira started well with wins over Leicester City and Manchester United but his side have picked up just one point out of an available 15 since.

Wanderers remain in the market for a new central defender with Kevin Danso a priority target but no second arrival has made it through the door just yet. Emmanuel Agbadou was the first and he’s done well but Wolves want a second new face before the February 3 deadline.

Without any of the targets secured just yet, Pereira must make do with what he’s got this weekend. Toti Gomes has fully returned from an injury so he’s up for selection at least, while a decision must be made in midfield with Joao Gome suspended. With those dilemmas considered, here’s the XI we reckon will be fielded at Molineux.

Wolves predicted lineup vs Aston Villa

GK - Jose Sa

The goalkeeper has become the clear number one under Pereira, comfortably ahead of Sam Johnstone in the pecking order for league fixtures.

RWB - Nelson Semedo

The wing-back is such a vital player for Wolves and he has been for quite some time. Wanderers will need to exploit the space out wide with Villa’s narrow formation.

CB - Matt Doherty

As much as Doherty has been rather hot and cold over the past couple of months, he certainly offers a goal threat and often combines well with Semedo on the right.

CB - Emmanuel Agbadou

Agbadou looks absolutely worth the £16 million paid earlier in the transfer window. Most signings without prior Premier League experience take a while to settle but the Frenchman has taken to the division like a duck to water.

CB - Toti Gomes

Now finally back from injury and with over a week’s full training under his belt, Toti is likely to come into the starting lineup. Santi Bueno, meanwhile, has been in disastrous form and should drop to the bench.

LWB - Rayan Ait-Nouri

Ait-Nouri enjoys his more advanced role as a wing-back as he can sometimes be a little exposed defensively when deeper. We should see the best of the Algerian under Pereira.

CM - Andre

Andre looks more settled under Pereira than he did Gary O’Neil and he should continue his run of starts. Mario Lemina, meanwhile, won’t be anywhere near the squad let alone the XI with an exit on the cards.

CM - Tommy Doyle

The perfect replacement for the suspended Joao Gomes, in our opinion, is Doyle. Villa are often left open on the transition and Doyle’s quality of threaded pass could prove effective.

RW - Goncalo Guedes

Wolves looked a better team when Guedes was starting, so he could come back in. His chances are bettered by the fact Jorgen Strand Larsen is out injured, so Cunha will likely move to the striker position.

LW - Rodrigo Gomes

Starts were just beginning to rack up for Rodrigo but he’s been benched for the last two outings. We reckon he could be re-introduced here, though, with Wolves lacking goals. It’s worth noting Rodrigo could arguably swap positions with Ait-Nouri.

ST - Matheus Cunha

The talisman of this side, Cunha has been linked with a transfer away but it looks unlikely before the end of the window. Wolves fans will be desperately hoping this isn’t the Brazilian’s last game in gold.

In other news, Wolves have seen an approach rebuffed for a Manchester City transfer target.