What an unpredictable mixed bag Wolves fans have been subjected to this season.

After being taken over by a Chinese consortium in the summer, Wolves had the cash to splash but have mainly recruited from the Portuguese leagues with unproven but clearly talented players.

Whether or not that gamble will pay off remains to be seen, as the opening few games have given no indication of how Wolves will fare over the course of the year.

Manager Walter Zenga claimed a couple of weeks ago that he could field two teams at Wolves - such was their strength in depth - but proceeded to do so in two consecutive games and won neither.

They conceded a late injury time equaliser at home to Burton Albion and then were thumped 4-0 at home to Barnsley.

On the flip side, they won 2-0 against champions-elect Newcastle United at St. James' Park last weekend and have also beaten Birmingham 3-1 in a tough away fixture (and Birmingham's only loss).

Walter Zenga needs to learn his best XI ahead of a tough clash against high-flying in-form Brentford.

Here is the XI that he should pick to earn the three points on Saturday...

 

GK: Carl Ikeme

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Ikeme is certain to start in between the sticks for Walter Zenga's men.

The keeper has been in relatively good form for the club so far this season, and will be hoping for a quiet afternoon against Brentford.

RB: Dominic Iorfa

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Dominic Iorfa may only be young but he is a superb talent and prospect for the future.

Comfortable at both right back and centre back, the 21-year-old was subject to a deadline day move by West Ham so Wolves will be delighted to have kept him at the club.

The England under-21 international is comfortable in defence and going forward too.

CB: Danny Batth

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It was a huge boost to Wolves this week when Danny Batth penned a new deal with the club.

The 26-year-old is captain of the club he's been with since he was 10, and is now a regular serving member of the first team defence.

The 6'3'' centre half is commanding in the air and has the physicality to deal with Championship strikers.

CB: Kortney Hause

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After an assured performance at Newcastle in the week, it's about time Kortney Hause returned to the starting line-up.

The England under-21 international is a left-footed centre half, with plenty of experience despite only being 21 years old and he will continue to learn and develop with game time.

Both centre backs will need to be on top of their game to keep their tabs on prolific Brentford striker Scott Hogan.

LB: Cameron Borthwick-Jackson

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Cameron Borthwick-Jackson could prove to be one of the signings of the summer.

The Manchester United loanee has been extremely impressive during his spell at Molineux so far, and easily commands a starting left back spot.

The 19-year-old England youth international was particularly impressive in the league victory over Newcastle, and his defensive and attacking attributes make him a key asset for Zenga.

CM: Romain Saiss

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Romain Saiss made his Wolves debut against Newcastle in the league and dominated the midfield - winning the club's man of the match vote with a staggering 44% of the vote.

The Morocco international arrived in the summer from Ligue 1 outfit Angers and already looks to be a good piece of business.

The 26-year-old is a 6'3'' defensive midfielder who can also play at centre back.

CM: Prince Oniangue

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Prince Oniangue is another 6'3'' defensive midfielder and a perfect counterpart for Saiss.

They both dominated the midfield areas against Newcastle and didn't allow the talented Magpies midfield to create anything.

The defence is very well protected with the 27-year-old Congo international sitting just in front and he can also carry the ball forward with ease too.

RM: Helder Costa

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Helder Costa has been a fantastic signing on the wing for Wolves and has already bagged a couple of goals from the wide areas.

The 22-year-old is on loan from Benfica but if he can keep his form up, Wolves fans will be hoping they can make the deal permanent.

The Portugal youth international gives Zenga's side some flair, pace and trickery on the flanks and will cause problems for the Brentford defence.

 

CAM: Joe Mason

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With all the young, overseas and inexperienced players in this side, they need a centre point like Joe Mason as he knows the English game and has plenty of experience at this level.

The 25-year-old joined from Cardiff last January and has been their main striker ever since.

The former Republic of Ireland under-21 international has the ability to score goals but will need Cavaleiro, Costa and Bodvarsson to provide him with the service to do so.

LM: Ivan Cavaleiro

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Ivan Cavaleiro is still very raw but is already showing glimpses of his tremendous potential.

The 22-year-old is Wolves' club record signing so they need to give him some starts so he can prove what he can do.

The Portugal international has already shown his pace, strength and directness when coming off the bench so Zenga needs to put some faith in the youngster and hand him a start.

ST: Jon Dadi Bodvarsson

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Jon Dadi Bodvarsson offers work rate, passion and teamwork.

He can play as a winger or a striker but the attacking trio behind the main striker will be flexible and constantly changing.

The Iceland international has an eye for goal and will be given license to sit further up the pitch considering the high-profile defensive midfield duo sat behind the 6'3'' man.

The 24-year-old is quick, powerful and technical with a keen desire to impress for Wolves, which makes him an instant fan favourite.