OPINION
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Nuno Espirito Santo is expected to recall speedy attacker Adama Traore for his team’s FA Cup clash with Bristol City on Sunday.
The club record signing has had to settle for a substitute role in the Premier League for much of this season, but will likely play from the start at Ashton Gate.
It’s probable that Nuno will make as many as six changes from the team that drew with Newcastle United on Monday, with Rui Patricio, Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho, Jonny Castro Otto, Raul Jimenez and Diogo Jota all expected to be rested.
John Ruddy, Romain Saiss, Morgan Gibbs-White, Ruben Vinagre, Helder Costa and Traore are the most likely candidates to be handed starts in their place on Sunday.
Patricio is the undisputed number one at Premier League level, but Ruddy is the man for the cup occasions. Despite his error-strewn performances against Shrewsbury Town in the last round, he’s sure to start here.
Nuno has rarely changed his central defensive trio without cause this season, and it’s unlikely that any of them will be dropped for this game. Matt Doherty, likewise, is a mainstay at right wing back. He can expect to play on Sunday. Vinagre is sure to replace Jonny on the opposite side of the pitch.
In central midfield, Neves and Moutinho will almost definitely be given a rest. That means that Saiss and Gibbs-White will likely come in for them. Leander Dendoncker can expect to keep his place from Monday’s game.
Up front, both Jimenez and Jota are in need of a break. They will probably watch this one from the bench, with Traore and Costa sure to start the game.