Five things as resurgent Wolves face up to Foxes
On a four-game unbeaten run, Wolves are going into Sunday’s trip to Leicester in fine fettle.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have been solid defensively and found their groove in attack against Crystal Palace last time out, and here we go over five talking points ahead of the King Power clash.
Neto’s week
It has been a brilliant week thus far for Pedro Neto.
Arguably Wolves’ top performer seven games into 2020/21, the attacker has been handed a new deal until 2025.
It is thoroughly deserved, too, when you reflect on the progress he has made in little over a year at Molineux – the work he has put in to bulk up, and the sheer confidence shown in his displays.
And as if that was not enough, Neto has now received his first senior Portugal call-up.
Hopefully, he can round off a fantastic few days by playing an influential role in beating the Foxes.
More Ait-Nouri?
We were treated to an excellent debut from Rayan Ait-Nouri against Palace.
The 19-year-old was full of running but also very composed, and he came up with a superb goal to get Wolves going.
But will he start again at left-wing-back? Fernando Marcal has been back in training after missing the Eagles encounter with a slight knock, so it will be interesting to see whether Nuno opts for youth or experience.
Dendoncker role
He has performed consistently in the middle of the park as of late, and Leander Dendoncker could have a crucial part to play against Brendan Rodgers’ outfit.
Jamie Vardy is Leicester’s obvious threat but midfielder Youri Tielemans – having scored twice in the 4-1 triumph at Leeds – is also in a rich vein of form and will need close attention.
Dendoncker grew up with Tielemans at Anderlecht and has been part of the Belgium team with him in recent years.
Hopefully that could give him an edge looking forward to that battle.
King Power record
Wolves are looking to buck the trend as they have not won at the home of the Foxes for 13 years.
Since winning 4-1 there in May 2007, Leicester have come out on top twice while the other two matches have been draws.
Both games against Rodgers’ men ended 0-0 last term, too, so it seems set up to be a close affair.
Extra motivation
Finally, a dig on social media may have given Nuno’s pack some extra motivation.
Ahead of last night’s Europa League game against Braga, Leicester – along with a photo of players James Maddison and Marc Albrighton laughing – tweeted: “The first of two games against Portuguese opponents this week.”
Let’s see if that comes back to bite them.
