Predicted Wolves XI to face Besiktas in the UEFA Europa League
Wolves beat Watford 2-0 on Saturday to register their first victory in the Premier League this season and they will be looking to continue their winning run when they make the trip to Turkey to face Besiktas on Matchday 2 of the UEFA Europa League.
Nuno Santo’s side suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Braga at home on Matchday 1 and they will be desperate to come away with a positive result away at Besiktas, who were comprehensively beaten by a 4-2 scoreline by Slovakian giants Slovan Bratislava.
With both teams looking to get their Europa League campaign back on track after disappointing results on Matchday 1, Thursday’s encounter at Vodafone Park seems to have all the makings of a riveting contest.
Team News
Nuno Santo doesn’t have too many injuries to contend with ahead of the Europa League clash, with Diogo Jota the only player doubtful to feature due to an ankle injury.
Star midfielder Ruben Neves featured as a substitute against Watford but he will be expected to start on Thursday.
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Manager: Nuno Espirito Santo
Predicted XI
1. Rui Patricio (GK)
The Portuguese international didn’t have too much to do in the last game against Watford and he has always been a figure of reliability between the sticks for Wolves.
2. Romain Saiss (RCB)
The Moroccan international put in a solid shift at the back on Saturday and he is likely to be handed a start ahead of Ryan Bennett, who had a poor outing against Braga on Matchday 1.
3. Willy Boly (LCB)
The former Porto man looked pretty commanding at the heart of the defence in the triumph over Watford and he is likely to be amongst the starters once again on Thursday.
4. Conor Coady (CB)
Wolves will rely heavily on his leadership qualities at the back once again he will be expected to continue his good work after putting up an assured display in the previous Premier League outing.
5. Matt Doherty (RWB)
Having endured a poor start to the season, the Irishman returned to form with a goal in the last game and he will be high on confidence ahead of the trip to Turkey.
6. Jonny Otto Castro (LWB)
The Spaniard has been one of the mainstays over the past twelve months since his move from Atletico Madrid and there is hardly a reason for Nuno Santo to leave him out for this fixture.
7. Ruben Neves (CDM)
Wolves’ chief controller of possession in the middle of the park should be fresh and ready to start against Besiktas after playing a cameo off the bench in the last game.
8. Joao Moutinho (CM)
The Portuguese veteran came on as a substitute against Braga on Matchday 1 but Nuno Santo might want him to start in the away fixture on Thursday night.
9. Adama Traore (LAM)
The pacey trickster has been one of the standout performers for Wolves thus far this term and has added a lot more guile and finesse to his game.
10. Morgan Gibbs-White (RAM)
Pedro Neto started the last game against Watford but the dazzling academy star could get the nod for this one.
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11. Raul Jimenez (ST)
The Mexican international has already hit the ground running with some crucial goals this term after a prolific season last time around and Wolves will once again look up to him to deliver the goods in front of goal.
