The inside track on Wolves and how Reading FC can spring a shock
Wolves expert Tim Spiers gives us the lowdown on the Championship leaders
Wolves celebrate at Reading earlier in the season. Credit: Eddie Greville
Not many people are expecting much Reading FC when they take on Wolves this weekend.
No fewer than 39 points separate the two teams heading into the Championship clash at Molineux(5.30pm kick-off).
Royals have won just one of their past 14 league games and although Wolves have suffered a mini blip in recent weeks, they still lead the division by six points.
Jaap Stam's side have drawn two of their past three games but the most recent was a disappointing defeat to Sheffield United on Tuesday night.
To find out more about Wolves ahead of the game with Royals, we talked to reporter Tim Spiers from the Express and Star.
What to expect from Wolves
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo. Credit: Eddie Greville
"Expect a team in need of three points! Wolves are on their worst run of the season, a winless three-game streak which is hardly a disastrous spell, but it's allowed the gap to second place to alarmingly cut from 13 points to six.
"That's got the fanbase panicking a bit, but it's the gap to third which is all-important and that remains a very healthy 10 points.
"Nuno Espirito Santo's team have been a little hit and miss since the turn of the year, losing to Nottingham Forest and Fulham and drawing against Barnsley and Norwich. On the flip side they can blow teams away, as they have with Brentford and Sheffield United at Molineux.
"They're finding the second half of the season a little more difficult, probably due to fatigue and teams starting to work them out, but they've got more than enough quality at their disposal to win the league comfortably.
"I would also say to expect a good reception for the returning Dave Edwards and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson. Edwards served the club with distinction for almost a decent and is the ultimate professional, while Bodvarsson may have struggled for goals but was still a cult hero with supporters for, yes, the Icelandic clap that followed every Wolves win last season but also for his whole-hearted and fully committed approach."
The Wolves weaknesses Royals can target
"Until a couple of weeks ago I'd have said good luck finding any, but Wolves have shown a hitherto unseen defensive fragility of late particularly against big, physical strikers with QPR's Matt Smith and Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic causing them big problems.
"They have struggled more against physical teams who press them and a general rule of thumb has been if you nullify the threat of wing backs Matt Doherty and Barry Douglas you'll have a far better chance of stopping Wolves.
"That said, they have threats all over the pitch and a number of match winners, although star man Ruben Neves is missing in midfield as he's suspended."
Key players
Wolves' Ivan Cavaleiro. Credit: PA
"Neves was sorely missed in last weekend's defeat at Fulham but there a number of players who make Wolves tick.
"Ivan Cavaleiro is their form player and is joint-top of the assist table with 10, alongside his team mate Barry Douglas whose precise set pieces would grace a higher level.
"Diogo Jota has been exceptional this season with 13 goals but the forward has had a dip of late and was dropped for the first time at Fulham.
"Helder Costa was Wolves' best player by a distance last season and has just returned to form following ankle surgery over the summer. At the back Conor Coady and Willy Boly have both been immense."
Formation/system
"They've lined up 3-4-3 week after week all season long. In fact whenever Wolves have varied from that during matches they've looked a far worse team.
"Doherty and Douglas patrol the flanks, the two central midfielders tend to sit there and then you've either got an interchangeable front three of Jota, Cavaleiro and Costa, who are all forwards, or Leo Bonatini could play as the central striker, hold the ball up and link play."
Team news
"Neves is suspended after picking up his 10th booking of the season recently.
"Currently only Phil Ofosu Ayeh, who's been out all season, and young forward Bright Enobakhare are missing.
"Benik Afobe has yet to start since returning to the club on loan. He's looked sharp in his five substitute appearance and is pushing for a start, while youngster Morgan Gibbs-White has made a positive impact from the bench in midfield."
Team selection
Ruddy; Bennett, Coady, Boly; Doherty, N'Diaye, Saiss, Douglas; Costa, Jota, Cavaleiro. Subs: Norris, Batth, Hause, Miranda, Gibbs-White, Afobe, Bonatini.
Prediction
Wolves to get back on track and win 3-1.
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