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Predicting Wolverhampton Wanderers’ lineup against Everton in the Premier League.
Wolves return to Molineux for another cup final-like Premier League clash as Everton come to town on Saturday evening.
Vitor Pereira’s side suffered almighty disappointment last time out in a narrow penalty shootout defeat to AFC Bournemouth in the FA Cup fifth round but the squad must pick themselves up and turn the focus back to the league.
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Wanderers are five points clear of the relegation zone as it stands but that gap could soon close if Ipswich Town and Leicester City are able to secure positive results against Crystal Palace and Chelsea. Wolves need to focus on themselves to extend the gap ahead of their vital matches against the current bottom three before the end of the season.
It’ll be difficult to beat Everton, though, as they are in excellent form since David Moyes’ romantic return to the club. The Toffees have lost just once in their last eight Premier League outings and that was Moyes’ first game back, a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa. Since then, Everton have beaten the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace to secure 13 points out of an available 21.
To have any chance of victory, Wolves must be at their absolute best. To give his side a fair shot at three points, Pereira will undoubtedly name what he feels is his strongest lineup of those available – possibly welcoming back a host of injured players following their returns to training this week.
Wolves predicted lineup vs Everton
Without further ado, here’s how we reckon the Old Gold will shape up against the Toffees.
GK - Jose Sa
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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 are glad to have Semedo on song.
CB - Matt Doherty
The Irishman may have missed the decisive penalty last time out but he’s really stepped up under Pereira so far, playing in an auxiliary central defensive role.
CB - Santi Bueno
Bueno has filled in during Emmanuel Agbadou’s absence and that’s likely to continue with Agbadou only just returning to training this week.
CB - Toti Gomes
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Back in the swing of things, Toti’s return from injury has been welcomed with open arms by Pereira. Having the Portuguese back helps Wolves’ defensive structure.
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’ve seen some improvements.
CM - Andre
Sitting deepest of Wolves’ midfield players, Andre is showing signs of the potential he was signed for. He just needs to become more consistent to reach the next level.
CM - Joao Gomes
Completing a Brazilian partnership in the middle of the park, Gomes is facing lots of competition but should retain his place for now.
RAM - Pablo Sarabia
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Sarabia started against Bournemouth and will probably do so again as Jean-Ricner Bellegarde is a doubt, while the likes of Hwang Hee-Chan, Rodrigo Gomes and Goncalo Guedes are only just returning to fitness.
LAM - Marshall Munetsi
Munetsi has played a very fluid role for Wolves in recent weeks, sometimes as a striker, sometimes as an attacking midfielder, sometimes deeper. Pereira may actually settle on a similar role to the suspended Matheus Cunha due to his ball-carrying ability, as controversial as that may be.
ST - Jorgen Strand Larsen
The Norwegian wasn’t meant to play more than 70 minutes last week but he managed the full 90 plus extra time. It’s great to have a proper number nine back.
In other news, we asked artificial intelligence to name Wolves’ next three managers and it’s response was intriguing.