Predicted Wolves Lineup To Face Middlesbrough In Season Opener
What a fascinating season opener this is. The two most ambitious clubs in terms of signings and money spent, clash on day one and if their respective new boys gel well, they will both be among the promotion contenders.
Given home advantage, Wolves will be looking to get off to a flyer here and having beaten Leicester City in their last pre-season game, they will feel this is utterly possible. Middlesbrough too are in decent nick after a win against Augsburg, but this atmosphere will be a different prospect altogether. This should be a tremendous encounter.
Formation: 3-4-3
Manager: Nuno Espirito
GK – John Ruddy
The free signing from Norwich City has undoubted quality and will not let anyone down here.
CB – Conor Coady
The converted midfielder really enjoyed his time as an attacking right-back last term and can only get better in this role. A good start against Boro is essential for his confidence.
CB – Willy Boly
On loan from Porto, the Frenchman brings a touch of class to what is a well covered position at the club. So he may get the nod to start the season opener.
CB – Roderick Miranda
See above. Competition is vast with the likes of Ryan Bennett, Kortney Hause and of course Danny Batth. But the Portuguese player could probably get the go-ahead.
LWB – Barry Douglas
Another canny signing and certainly a necessary one in this role, Douglas is well travelled and brings great experience to the side even for a 27-year-old.
CM – Dave Edwards
In this role, he may be allowed to get forward a little more and that will be right up his street. He has a great goal scoring record from midfield and I wouldn’t bet against him starting the season with a bang here.
CM – Ruben Neves
The new buy from Porto will anchor this midfield and will quietly go about his business. A very effective player, Neves will be crucial to Wolves this season and really belongs in the Premier League.
RWB – Matt Doherty
I expect Matt Doherty to start as the right wing-back in this all new 3-4-3 which brings a lot of solidity to the defensive part of the game.
RW – Michal Zyro
With Cavaleiro out suspended, expect Zyro to start on the right-hand side of the attacking trident.
LW – Diogo Jota
The Portuguese under-21 international may be given a run early on in the season and can show immediately what he is capable of.
ST – Leo Bonatini
The new man, on loan from Al-Hilal in Riyadh, will need to hit the ground running. But for certain, Wolves need someone to make this position their own.