Following a 2-1 victory over a plucky Barnsley side at the weekend, Wolverhampton go into their clash with Sheffield United this evening knowing that a win is likely to see them rise to the summit of the Championship table.
The Blades will offer a significant challenge to Nuno Santo’s expensively assembled squad however, with Chris Wilder’s men just a win away from leapfrogging the visitors into the automatic promotion spots.
Boss Santo has some difficult decisions to make this evening ahead of the clash, with star winger Helder Costa finally returning to bench against the Tykes on Saturday following a long-term injury lay-off.
The Portuguese boss knows the importance of a win this evening, and should consider sending out this XI to secure an important result…
John Ruddy will continue in goal as expected, with a back three of Danny Batth, Roderick Miranda and Conor Coady keeping tabs on the likes of the Blades Leon Clarke and Billy Sharp.
The trio have consistently started together this season, with consistency at the back important to Wolves’ push for automatic promotion.
In the middle, record-signing Ruben Neves starts alongside Alfred N’Diaye - who scored the winner against Barnsley- with wing-backs Barry Douglas and and Monaco loanee Ruben Vinagre bombarding up and down the flanks at Bramall Lane.
£450,000 rated man Bright Enobakhare could come back into the starting line-up after his goal as a substitute on Saturday, with Diogo Jota and Leo Bonatini completing the rest of the Wolves attack.
Helder Costa is likely to make his first appearance of the season from the bench as he continues his recovery, but should be kept out of the starting XI for now, with Ivan Cavaleiro also pushing for a cameo from the sidelines.
The game at Bramall Lane has the potential to become a true spectacle, with two impressive sides fighting for a place in the automatic promotion spaces.
If Wolves play to their full potential they should grab the points, but Chris Wilder’s men are full of confidence following their derby day win over Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend.
Wolves fans, what changes would you make to this line-up?