Wolves vs Swansea – Team news, Predicted Line-Ups, Match odds, Prediction And More
Wolverhampton Wanderers will face off against Premier League side Swansea City, in the third round of the FA Cup at the Molineux, on Saturday.
The Wolves have been on a roll this season and occupy the top spot in the EFL Championship and club manager Nuno Espirito Santo will be hoping that his side carries that form into the cup competition and advance further, with a win over the struggling Swans. They come into the game high on confidence following their 3-0 win over Brentford on Wednesday.
Team News
Club captain Danny Batth is ruled out of the tie, following his sending off against Bristol City on December 30, which earned him a three-match ban. Goalkeeper Carl Ikeme and right-back Phil Ofosu-Ayeh are sidelined as well.
There is a chance that manager Nuno could receive a touchline ban, after the FA charged him with misconduct, for his actions in the same game against Bristol City that saw the Portuguese being sent to the stands.
Here’s how Wolves might take the field against the Premier League side at home:
Probable Wolves XI
Formation: 3-4-3
Will Norris (GK)
Has been the anointed goalkeeper for the cup competitions and will start in place of John Ruddy on Saturday.
Conor Coady (CB)
The former Liverpool man has been brilliant this term, moving into a centre-back role. Should start against Swansea.
Roderick Miranda (CB)
The Portuguese defender hasn’t been used much of late by the manager. But, might be in for a recall for this cup game.
Kortney Hause (CB)
The youngster has been linked with a move away, but Saturday will provide him with a chance to prove himself as a valuable option to have in the squad.
Oskar Buur (RWB)
The 19-year old has made just one appearance for Wolves, which came in the Carabao Cup tie against Bristol Rovers. Could make his FA Cup debut as Nuno might look to rest Matt Doherty.
Jack Price (CM)
Has been a constant fixture in the Wolves midfield for the xt cup games. Expect him to feature from the start against the Welsh side.
Alfred N’Diaye (CM)
The Senegalese midfielder, on loan from Spanish side Villarreal, is likely to partner Price in the middle of the park at the weekend.
Ruben Vinagre (LWB)
The promising 18-year old loanee from AS Monaco should get the nod at left wing-back, with Barry Douglas likely to be given some time off.
Ivan Cavaleiro (RW)
The Portuguese wide man could make an appearance from the start on Saturday, having not started during the midweek. Will be intent on adding to his tally of 7 goals for the season.
Bright Enobakhare (ST)
The teenage forward might get a run out from the kick off on Saturday as the manager would want to give star man Leo Bonatini some rest.
Helder Costa (LW)
The 23-year old Portuguese winger could be given the nod on the left-side of the attacking trident for the clash against the Swans.
Match odds
Wolves are 5/6 (1.83) for a remarkable 23rd victory of the season in all competitions, having allied their league dominance with a run to the Fourth Round of the EFL Cup before they were knocked out on penalties against Manchester City.
A third consecutive draw between these sides is 12/5 (3.6) – although we are unlikely to see a repeat of the 4-4 at the Liberty in April 2012, when Swansea threw away a three-goal lead.
The Swans, now led by former Sheffield Wednesday head coach Carlos Carvalhal, are 7/2 (4.5) to progress to the Fourth Round by recording back-to-back away wins for the first time since August.
Source: Goal
Past Meetings
The two sides have come head to head a number of times, in all of England’s top three leagues. The most recent encounter, which took place almost exactly a year ago, saw Swansea emerge victorious the Football League Cup. Of course, in line with regulations, this was played as a U-23 match, and very different XIs will face off on Saturday.
Prediction
Considering how Wolves gave it their all in the league cup tie against Manchester City, it is quite evident that Nuno Espirito Santo is keen on something more than just the EFL Championship title. They’re going strong in the league, did well in the Carabao cup, and should give their best in this FA Cup tie against Swansea as well.
Final Score: Wolves 2-1 Swansea City