Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Predicting Wolverhampton Wanderers’ lineup at home against Manchester United in the Premier League.
Vitor Pereira makes his Molineux managerial bow as Wolves play host to Premier League giants Man Utd on Boxing Day.
The Old Gold head into this clash with renewed confidence following Pereira’s impressive debut, a 3-0 win away at fellow relegation battlers Leicester City. Goals from Goncalo Guedes, Rodrigo Gomes and Matheus Cunha secured a huge three points on Sunday, lifting Wolves to within just two of safety.
It was only one result but it felt much more significant than that as Pereira and his Portuguese-speaking counterparts sparked revived faith among the travelling supporters at King Power Stadium. Repeating such heroics in the first home game would go down even more of a treat, especially given the opposition.
It’s an excellent time to play United as they are struggling under Ruben Amorim with just two wins in their last five Premier League matches. Down in 13th, the Red Devils look well off the pace and appear set to continue mid-table mediocrity if they can’t change their fortunes.
Vitor Pereira made a dream start as Wolves manager, leading his team to a comfortable 3-0 victory away at Leicester.Vitor Pereira made a dream start as Wolves manager, leading his team to a comfortable 3-0 victory away at Leicester.
Vitor Pereira made a dream start as Wolves manager, leading his team to a comfortable 3-0 victory away at Leicester. | Wolves via Getty Images
Pereira is unlikely to make many changes from his first lineup considering the game at Leicester went so well, but there could be a switch or two. Rayan Ait-Nouri returning from suspension throws a spanner in the works - in a positive sense - while Matheus Cunha still isn’t out of the woods with his misconduct charge from the FA.
With those factors in mind, here’s the Old Gold XI we think will take on Man Utd.
Wolves predicted lineup vs Manchester United
GK - Jose Sa: The goalkeeper returned to the XI and kept a clean sheet at Leicester following a spell on the sidelines 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 - Matt Doherty: An unlikely hero as a right centre-back, Doherty combined well with Semedo last time out and notched the assist for Rodrigo Gomes’ goal.
CB - Santi Bueno: The Uruguayan isn’t the most physical presence but that wasn’t overly exposed in the win at the King Power.
CB - Toti Gomes: A useful option both at left-back and centre-half, the 25-year-old looks set to continue in the latter as Pereira prefers a back three.
LWB - Rayan Ait-Nouri: It seems harsh to bench Rodrigo Gomes after a goal but Ait-Nouri is back from suspension and simply has to start when available.
CM - Andre: Signed for £21million in the summer, Andre has shown signs of real quality. His aggressive nature came in handy last time out.
CM - Joao Gomes: One of Pereira’s former colleagues in Brazil, Gomes is bound to start most games under the new boss. Mario Lemina, meanwhile, can’t find a way in.
RW - Goncalo Guedes: An extraordinary performer at Leicester, Guedes scored one and assisted another. The 28-year-old should be rewarded with another start.
LW - Matheus Cunha: Wolves’ star man thrives when playing just off Strand Larsen 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 17 Premier League games so far.
Continue Reading