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Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup tie with Reading presents Wolves with an interesting opportunity, even if success in the competition does result in further fixture congestion later down the line.
For most of the squad, they’ve barely had time to rest as pre-season started in China and that was quickly followed by the start of their Europa League qualification campaign – at this stage, many clubs were still taking it easy in the off-season.
Even during the international break, Wolves had several stars away with their respective national sides, so this game against Reading could be ideal in resting some first-teamers.
Raul Jimenez, for example, has looked absolutely knackered in some matches, but that’s no surprise considering he’s played well over 40 games for club and country this calendar year alone.
Here’s a starting XI we suggest manager Nuno Santo should opt for…
Jimenez, as already mentioned, is quite exhausted and shouldn’t be anywhere near this tie along with the likes of Joao Moutinho, Conor Coady, and Diogo Jota.
Nuno should stick with the 3-4-3 formation that looked dangerous against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Patrick Cutrone can come in and lead the line. We’ve documented how he’s looked promising in spells – especially against Chelsea – but he has started just once in the Premier League.
Pedro Neto and Morgan Gibbs-White could occupy the half spaces behind him, drifting wide if need be. The latter coming off against Braga last week hindered their chances of a result despite looking in good form.
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Ruben Neves was a surprise name on the bench at Selhurst Park so he should come back in to add some seniority to the lineup – Bruno Jordao is undoubtedly in line for an opportunity after being labelled as a superb technician recently.
Only Matt Doherty remains from the 1-1 draw to Palace as he desperately needs a good showing if he’s to knock Adama Traore off his perch anytime soon.
Ryan Bennett comes back in alongside Jesus Vallejo, Max Kilman and Ruben Vinagre with John Ruddy completing the defence.
This starting XI gives Wolves every chance of progressing, while also providing valuable game time to players that need to make an impact on what will be a long and treacherous season for Wolves.
