Toti Gomes could start for Wolves for the first time in two months in the West Midlands derby against Aston Villa.placeholder image
Toti Gomes could start for Wolves for the first time in two months in the West Midlands derby against Aston Villa. | Wolves via Getty Images
Predicting Wolverhampton Wanderers’ lineup at home to Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Wolves return to home soil this Friday night as they play host to local rivals Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Molineux, expected to be packed out for a West Midlands derby under the lights, will be hoping for a response following Sunday’s frustrating 1-0 defeat away at Crystal Palace.
The Old Gold competed well for the most part at Selhurst Park but went down to 10 men when Ladislav Krejci received a foolish second yellow card for kicking the ball away. Villa loanee Evann Guessand then scored Palace’s winner in the 90th minute in a sucker-punch blow to Wolves.
There’s a good opportunity to bounce back this Friday, though, especially with local bragging rights on the line. Wolves haven’t had much to cheer this season but getting one over Villa would bring at least some joy.
Rob Edwards will have to replace the suspended Krejci in his lineup, so that’s at least one change, while there could be some rotation in midfield and attack. With that in mind, here’s how we reckon Wolves will line up to face Villa.
Wolves predicted lineup vs Aston Villa
GK - Jose Sa: Edwards’ preferred option between the sticks at the moment, Sa is likely to remain as Wolves’ first-choice goalkeeper. Sam Johnstone is waiting in the wings, offering strong competition.
RWB - Jackson Tchatchoua: The rapid wing-back has been hot and cold since signing but has the pace to cause Villa problems on the counter-attack. He’s also more than quick enough to keep Jadon Sancho at bay.
CB - Yerson Mosquera: The Colombian had a poor start to the season but he’s redeemed himself recently. Mosquera still has plenty of potential that Wolves can tap into, as long as he stays in the Championship.
CB - Santiago Bueno: In the heart of the defence, Bueno has been imperious of late and he scored the winner away at Grimsby recently. The Uruguayan’s performances have been somewhat of a silver lining in Wolves’ awful season.
CB - Toti Gomes: The skipper has been sidelined since mid-December but returned to the matchday squad at Palace. It’s risky to throw him straight into the starting lineup, but he’s by far the most natural replacement for the suspended Krejci.
LWB - Hugo Bueno: Seemingly the preferred option at left wing-back instead of David Moller Wolfe, Bueno has the very tricky task of dealing with England international Morgan Rogers.
CM - Andre: The former Fluminense man has been starting ahead of Brazilian compatriot Joao Gomes lately and that’s likely to continue as Edwards prioritises defensive solidity at the base of midfield.
CM - Angel Gomes: Exciting new signing Gomes had to be subbed early against Arsenal but he’s ready and raring to go for this one. The ex-Manchester United midfielder can provide some much-needed energy.
CM - Mateus Mane: Wolves’ incredible prospect deserves to start every week now he’s made his breakthrough. It won’t be long before bigger clubs come knocking, but Wanderers are expected to rebuff approaches.
ST - Adam Armstrong: The winter signing has started all four games since his arrival from Southampton and there’s no reason for that to change. Edwards will want Armstrong to build up a head of steam before next season.
ST - Tolu Arokodare: Similar can be said for Tolu, who can be an effective outlet up top for Wolves to feed off. The 6ft 6in striker has only scored two Premier League goals but he’ll be determined to improve his tally.
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