Possible Wolves Lineup Fitting Alexandre Guedes In
It was another disappointing campaign in the Championship last season for Wolverhampton Wanderers, but with a change of manager and a change of direction, things could be looking up for the West Midlanders.
Nuno Espirito Santo, rather predictably, has been actively going after players from Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula and as long as it doesn’t take over the identity of the club, this may not be a bad thing. Having players he can communicate with effectively in his first year could be crucial.
Alexandre Guedes is next on the former goalkeeper’s list of wanted men and could arrive at Molineux imminently. Here’s how their XI could look with him in the side in the manager’s preferred 4-3-3 formation:
GK – Carl Ikeme
The 31-year-old played most of Wolves’ games last season and may start as no.1 again.
RB – Conor Coady
The midfielder turned right-back is a good attacking outlet for Wolves on the right and it would be a major shame if the new boss ousted him from the position.
CB – Danny Batth
Batth had a brilliant season last term and might be slightly perturbed about the two new centre-backs who have been brought in. It’s hard to exactly know how Nuno will line them up, but for now I would say Bennett may settle for a place on the bench.
CB – Roderick Miranda
The former Rio Ave man is likely to start in the defence ahead of Bennett and Hause.
LB – Sylvain Deslandes
The 20-year-old has been on loan at Bury and unless a new left-back is brought in, he would be given his chance.
RM – Dave Edwards
This formation would free up the excellent Edwards a bit more. The midfielder would be excellent in and around the opposition box.
DM – Lee Evans
The young midfielder grew into the role last season and should play a big part this time around.
LM – Ben Marshall
Marshall was on the left of the 3, behind the striker last season and will be even more comfortable in a slightly more withdrawn role.
RW – Helder Costa
Wolves’ shining light; Costa may progress even further playing for his countryman and will no doubt be the subject of bids from desperate Premier League clubs in January.
LW – Ivan Cavaleiro
Another Portuguese in the Wolves ranks, he may find this role much more to his liking, cutting in from the left hand side.
ST – Alexandre Guedes
The potential new arrival scored 13 in 37 last season for Desportivo Aves and requires a step up in quality to do the same here.