OPINION
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Nuno Espirito Santo would be well advised to bring attacker Diogo Jota back into the starting line up to face Liverpool on Monday night.
Sky Sports report that the 22-year-old is back in training and in contention to face the Reds, and Nuno can provide his side with a spark by recalling the former Atletico Madrid man.
With Nuno’s opposite number Jurgen Klopp expected to make plenty of changes, the Wolves boss can ensure his side defies the odds with six alterations to the team that suffered a disappointing defeat to Crystal Palace last time out.
Rui Patricio, Ryan Bennett, Jonny Otto, Joao Moutinho, Romain Saiss and Helder Costa should all drop out, with John Ruddy, Leander Dendoncker, Ruben Vinagre, Morgan Gibbs-White, Ruben Neves and Jota deserving to come in.
Ruddy has bided his time this season and should be given an opportunity in between the sticks, while Dendoncker must come in for Bennett at the back. Conor Coady and Willy Boly, due to lack of options behind them, will likely keep their places at the heart of the defence.
The same goes for Matt Doherty at right wing back, although Jonny should be given a rest on the opposite side. Vinagre deserves to come in for the Spanish international.
Neves and Gibbs-White should represent an exciting partnership in the middle of midfield, with Saiss and Moutinho probably dropping out.
Nuno does have options up front. However, we’ve seen what this team looks like without Raul Jimenez – the Mexican must start on Monday. Ivan Cavaleiro and Jota should flank him in the final third.