Wolves boss Nuno demanding more at Molineux

Wolves are keen to keep up the momentum against Roy Hodgson’s men after Saturday’s superb win against Tottenham at Wembley.

Nuno’s charges go into the clash with four wins, two draws and four defeats – 12 goals scored, 13 conceded – at home, a record which ‘must’ be enhanced.

When asked about the importance of following up the Spurs victory with another, Nuno said: “Very important. The momentum, we drew at Fulham and achieved a fantastic victory (at Tottenham).

“Now, we’re back at Molineux, and the home factor of the competition is very important. We must improve at home.”

Nuno’s substitutions paid off at the weekend as Wolves came from a goal down to triumph 3-1.

Morgan Gibbs-White helped see out the win, and Helder Costa scored the late clincher, but the star replacement was Joao Moutinho.

The 32-year-old set up Willy Boly to begin the comeback and regularly found holes in the Spurs defence with his exceptional passing. Nuno was pleased to see Moutinho come on and make such an impact – and has challenged whoever comes off the bench against a ‘very good’ Palace team to follow suit.

“Knowing the schedule is so tight, it’s not only what you have in the starting XI. It’s how you prepare your game,” he said.

“What we expect when we make this kind of decision is for the player to change the game. Fresh legs can change a lot of things in football. He did well. He helped the team. What you prepare for is when you make a sub, the energy immediately comes through the team. And Joao did that, so very well done.”

Forward Diogo Jota remains a doubt with a hamstring injury.

The 22-year-old picked up the injury in the 2-0 win against Bournemouth on December 15 and has missed the last three games.

Adama Traore also picked up a knock against Tottenham.

On if Jota could play a part, Nuno added: “Let’s wait and see.

“We have a short squad and we have to manage, but that’s for the squad – (Leander Dendoncker) came in and helped the team, and (Romain) Saiss did the same before. It’s about managing the squad, and everybody being committed and involved is the best thing a manager can have.”