Wolverhampton Wanderers fans have aired their relief that Nuno Espirito Santo is set to make a number of changes to his starting lineup against Aston Villa.
The Wolves journalist for The Athletic, Tim Spiers, posted an update for supporters on Tuesday morning explaining that the Wolves starting lineup would be a ‘much-changed’ one for their Carabao Cup clash.
With a hefty schedule on the horizon for the Old Gold over a busy winter period (via Daily Mail), and already having gone through Europa League qualification, fans were relieved about the news.
No harm in us playing a weaker team, ideal for game time and building fitness
Ruddy
Sanderson Vallejo Bennett Kilman Vinagre
MGW Perry Neto
BAS CutroneThis isn’t a priority for me so be good for some of the kids to get a run out
— Mark Lockitt /\_/\ (@Lockwolf81) October 29, 2019
If today’s open training is anything to go by, Bennett, Neto, Cutrone and Vinagre will all play. No other regulars too much part
— Paul Worton (@paul_worton) October 29, 2019
I would change whole team we’ve played so many games already concentrate on league and Europe
— steven hudson (@stevenhudson2) October 29, 2019
Really don’t mind who plays – it’s the way we play that I’m interested in. Nuno’s tactics do suit cup football. Wouldn’t be surprised if it went to pens
— Jay Sahadew (@jayster990) October 29, 2019
I hope all Kilman, Watt, MGW and Benny Ashley-Seal play
— Daniel Dober (@DanielDober9) October 29, 2019
Brilliant
— joe (@wwfcjoe_) October 29, 2019
Start?! Wow…..
— Danny Rosamond (@DannyRosamond) October 29, 2019
Espirito Santo’s side has already featured in a whopping 20 competitive fixtures this season across the Premier League, Europa League and Carabao Cup – with the FA Cup yet to commence (per Transfermarkt).
Following the game against Villa in the Carabao Cup, Wolves have a quick turn around before they travel to Arsenal on Saturday.
With the news confirmed that the Old Gold will play a weakened team, supporters began to wonder how Aston Villa would set up for the clash.
I can’t see villa going for it fully either with Liverpool on Saturday ? Surely the league game between us in just over a week is more important to villa as well as us
— Callum Perrins (@cal_wwfc) October 29, 2019
I’d imagine Villa will see it as a chance to get to Wembley that isn’t a play off final, so no reason not to go for it. Would make it all the sweeter if our kids could beat a strong team
— jack (@scp1173) October 29, 2019
Well they should put out a strong team because they have’nt had to worry about European match so they should be relatively fresh.
— Mick wwfc (@Mickwwfc) October 29, 2019
What do we think?
With Wolves going strong in the Europa League, beginning to regain Premier League form and the FA Cup still on the horizon – deploying a weaker team makes sense.
The match provides a good opportunity for youngsters to pick up some first-team experience against Premier League opposition, whilst not losing ground in the Premier League table.
Ultimately – Wolves have bigger fish to fry.