Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Besiktas Prediction: Wolves line-up

Wolverhampton Wanderers host bottom-placed Besiktas in their last Group K Europa League encounter at the Molineux Stadium on Friday.

With 10 points from 5 games, manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolves have already secured qualification to the next round. They are currently second in the group behind Braga by one point.

Wolves striker Raul Jimenez celebrates after scoring the equaliser against Southampton. (Getty Images)

However, with the top spot up for grabs, Wolves would be aiming for nothing less than a win when they meet their Turkish opponents.

Besiktas, on the other hand, have had a terrible campaign, managing to win just one match until now. They lost their opening four matches but found success recently, overcoming Slovakian outfit Slovan Bratislava 2-1.

Wolves, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last four Europa League games, having won three and drawn one.

Abdullah Avci’s Besiktas have nothing to lose and would try to make life difficult for Nuno’s men.

Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo. (Getty Images)

Team news

Star striker Raul Jimenez has been suspended for the game against Besiktas after receiving his third booking of the competition against Braga.

Nuno’s key man in defence Willy Boly is not expected to return until next year as he recovers from a broken fibula sustained earlier. Young midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, who had missed Wolves’ last seven matches due to a lower back pain meanwhile remains ruled out.

Predicted Wolves line-up

Formation: 3-4-3

Rui Patricio (GK)

The Portuguese has started in all their Europa League games. He has 2 clean sheets in 5 games.

Wolves custodian Rui Patricio. (Getty Images)

Leander Dendoncker (RCB)

Looked a bit clumsy at times against Brighton but has been a crucial presence at the back this entire season.

Conor Coady (CB)

A definite starter, Coady have been consistent since the season’s opening. The skipper has looked solid in defence and has played all 5 Europa League games.

Max Kilman (LCB)

Put up a pretty decent display whenever he was offered the chance. He gets the nod ahead of Romain Saiss, who features regularly in the league.

Wolves defender Max Kilman in action. (Getty Images)

Matt Doherty (RWB)

An undisputed starter in the right flank under Nuno, Doherty’s attacking instincts hold him in good stead.

Ruben Neves (CM)

Acts as a shield protecting the Wolves defence. He has a dangerous right foot and can score stunners from outside the box.

Joao Moutinho (CM)

The veteran playmaker is still going strong but has so far not been so impressive in Europa League. He orchestrates most of Wolves’ attacks.

Jonny Castro Otto (LWB)

His attacking runs down the left flank have come in handy for Wolves most of the time. However, he becomes a little erratic at times.

Wolves midfielder Joao Moutinho in action. (Getty Images)

Adama Traore (RW)

A powerful and pacey customer, Traore is the perfect embodiment of a winger. He has scored just one goal in the cup competition so far.

Patrick Cutrone (ST)

Raul Jimenez’s exuberant displays as a finisher has limited him to the benches. The Italian comes in for the suspended Jimenez.

Diogo Jota (LW)

Ended his league goal-drought with a brilliant brace against Brighton. The Portuguese would now be looking to continue his good form.

[Image] Jimenez out, Cutrone in? Predicted 3-4-3 Wolves XI to face Besiktas