OPINION
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Nuno Espirito Santo would be wise to keep faith with midfield enforcer Romain Saiss for his team’s clash with Newcastle United on Monday night.
The Moroccan international started the team’s last game against Shrewsbury Town, and his robust presence in the middle of the park will be vital against likely Magpies starter Mohamed Diame.
Ryan Bennett should also miss out, with Leander Dendoncker moving into defence to replace him. The Englishman has looked vulnerable at times this season, and the big Belgian would be better able to cope with Salomon Rondon.
John Ruddy, Morgan Gibbs-White, Ivan Cavaleiro, Adama Traore and Helder Costa also deserve to drop out, with those six changes being enough for Wolves to cruise past Rafael Benitez’s team.
In goal, Rui Patricio must come back in for Ruddy. The former Norwich City man is coming off a shaky game last time out, and Patricio looks set to resume his starting duties in the Premier League. Wing backs Matt Doherty and Jonny Castro Otto should both continue on the flanks.
As mentioned, Bennett should be the man to make way for Dendoncker. Alongside him, Conor Coady and Willy Boly must keep their places at centre back.
A midfield trio of Saiss, Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho will likely be enough to dominate proceedings on Monday. All three players have impressed to varying degrees this campaign, particularly the two Portuguese stars.
Up front, Raul Jimenez and Diogo Jota are undroppable at the moment for Santo. They are in red hot form and both deserve to start against Newcastle.