The Wolves Lineup That Should Start Against West Ham

Wolves have again been one of the most exciting teams to watch this season, with a blend of flair, young talent and tactical brilliance helping the club to make not only a mark in England, but in Europe as well.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side have completed a Premier League double over Manchester City, beaten Espanyol and Besiktas 4-0 in the Europa League and, as a result, have some highly sought after players on their books.

After a three month hiatus, they get their Premier League season back underway at West Ham this weekend, needing a win to keep their Champions League qualification aspirations alive. Here's how a side, who have no injury concerns, should line up at kick off.

Goalkeeper and Defenders

Formidable Conor Coady and Willy Boly / OLI SCARFF/Getty Images

Rui Patricio (GK) - Proving to be a real coup for Wolves since his move from Sporting CP, the Portuguese goalkeeper has only missed one league game since his arrival at Molineux in July 2018. He may anger some of the purists with the number 11 on his back, but few will argue against his performances on the pitch.

Willy Boly (CB) - Wolves' transfer pulling power was evident during their final Championship season in 2017/18, with Willy Boly one of their better acquisitions. He remains one of their best players, and was excellent after returning from serious injury.

Conor Coady (CB) - Once tipped as Steven Gerrard's successor at Liverpool, Coady has shown all the qualities required of a player to make it at the top level - albeit in central defence. Has captained Wolves with distinction and looks every bit a player capable of playing at the highest level.

Romain Saiss (CB) - Consistency is what makes a great defence, and consistent selection is what Wolves often provide. Saiss completes a three-man defensive unit that's played the majority of the season, with the Moroccan's elegance and composure on the ball a real asset.

Midfielders

Portuguese maestro's Neves and Moutinho / Octavio Passos/Getty Images

Matt Doherty (RWB) - The Irishman is one of a number of players who has been with Wolves since their Championship days. But in Doherty's case, he's even played for the club in League One - with his meteoric rise to the top equally as impressive as the club's. Has tremendous influence in the final third, making him one of the most effective wing backs in the division.

Ruben Neves (CM) - Everybody was surprised when Neves signed for Wolves, but nobody has been surprised at how good he's been in the Premier League. The Portuguese playmaker has gone from strength to strength and the club will surely struggle to hold onto him unless they can secure Champions League qualification.

João Moutinho (CM) - The older statesman of the club, Moutinho has been sheer class since he arrived in the black country two years ago. A calm, industrious midfielder who glides around the pitch with ease, he'll look to dictate play and keep the ball away from West Ham.

Jonny (LWB) - After missing four games through injury before the enforced coronavirus break, Jonny should return to the left wing back role he's played in with distinction. The Spaniard played his way into the international setup during his first season at Wolves, and if he can replicate his best form, further opportunities are likely.

Forwards

A common sight in Wolverhampton, but for how long? / Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images

Adama Traore (RW) - What a year it's been for Adama Traore. Having impressed last season after looking pretty one dimensional at Middlesbrough, he's kicked on this campaign and has even been linked with a move to Liverpool. If Traore get's going, Aaron Cresswell will be in for a very difficult evening.

Diogo Jota (LW) - The break came at the wrong time for Jota, as he'd scored six goals in his last five games for Wolves. Is a handful for any defender to play against, such is his energy and skills, though his influence is often understated because of his higher profile teammates.

Raul Jimenez (CF) - The Mexican hitman has been in imperious form this season, with rumours over the break suggesting his future may lie away from Molineux. Jimenez won't let that affect his form, though, and he's bound to add to his impressive tally of 22 goals in 44 games this season.