Wolverhampton Wanderers will kick off their fifth consecutive top-flight campaign at Elland Road on Saturday, looking for their fourth opening day win in Premier League history. Three points would improve the mood amongst an agitated fanbase who are craving new signings.

After a promising start, Wolves' 2021/22 campaign came to a limp end, winning just three of their last 14 league games. Hopes of another Europa League tour quickly faded away, eventually faltering to an underwhelming 10th place finish.

Pre-season has signalled a change in mentality at Molineux, as Bruno Lage has taken the handbrake off his exciting young squad. The security of five defenders has been replaced by a more attractive 4-2-3-1 setup, combining fast-flowing football with high pressing. Supporters will be hoping that exciting pre-season performances can be repeated when it matters most.

Embed from Getty Images 

Outgoings

Fabio Silva (Loan), Ki-Jana Hoever (Loan), Ryan Giles (Loan), Bendeguz Bolla (Loan), Louie Moulden (Loan), Dion Sanderson (Loan), Taylor Perry (Loan), Theo Corbeanu (Loan), Nigel Lonwijk (Loan), Marcal (Released), John Ruddy (Released), Romain Saiss (Released), Conor Carty (Released), Pascal Estrada (Released), Raphael Nya (Released), Jamie Pardington (Released), Faisu Sangare (Released)

Incomings

Hee Chan Hwang, Nathan Collins

The list above speaks for itself. While there are numerous youth players named, several key first team members have also departed. Marcal and Romain Saiss both played a significant part of Wolves' 21/22 season, with Fabio Silva and John Ruddy also making a handful of appearances. At the start of the window, fans were open to most of these players departing the club, but only if they were replaced adequately. 

Hwang Hee-Chan's signing was announced in January, while the South Korean was sidelined with a hamstring injury. With four goals in his first six weeks at the club, Hwang only scored one goal post-October, leading fans to question the club's eagerness to make the move permanent.

Nathan Collins currently stands as Wolves' marquee summer signing, joining from recently relegated Burnley. Five years after Wolves last signed a first team ready centre half, Collins may be the key figure in allowing Lage to move away from the five man defence.

Despite his arrival, it is fair to say that fans are running out of patience as the squad becomes thinner.  

Embed from Getty Images

Strongest Side

With Collins' addition to the squad, Lage's first choice 11 may look like this:

Sa; Jonny, Collins, Kilman, Ait Nouri; Neves, Moutinho; Gibbs-White, Podence, Neto; Jimenez (4-2-3-1)

Supporters' eyes will immediately be drawn to the talent of Morgan Gibbs-White, Daniel Podence and Pedro Neto. One touch football has become a vital part of Wolves' style over pre-season, with the offensive trio linking smoothly and creating space for their teammates. Increased responsibility will be placed on the young attack while main striker Raul Jimenez sits out with a knee injury.

A noticeable difference to Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho can be seen when the duo attempt to move the ball at a higher tempo than previous seasons. Neves looks likely to remain at Wolves for a sixth season, with rumours emerging of a new contract being offered to the Portuguese international. 

Three talking points

Will Ruben Neves sign a new contract?

As mentioned above, Ruben Neves looks likely to stay at Wolves this season. The 25-year-old has just two years left on his current contract in the West Midlands, but the club are hoping to extend his stay. After fighting off interest from the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona over the past few years, Wolves will remain confident in keeping their vice-captain at the club. 

Embed from Getty Images

Will the four man defence last?

The Molineux faithful have watched their side deploy a five man defence since 2017. The fast, counter-attacking style fans had become accustomed to seeing had been replaced by slow, tedious football that drained a passionate fanbase. Lage's four man defence has restored hope into supporters, with some even hoping for a repeat of his Benfica days. Although Lage seems to be sticking to his beliefs, some are nervous that a poor start in the league may see the five man defence make a swift return.

Where will Wolves finish in the league?

It is that time of year where pessimists fear relegation and optimists are dreaming of Europe. In reality, it is normally somewhere in-between, with this year expected to be no exception. Wolves will face tough competition from Leicester City, Newcastle United and Aston Villa, all hoping to knock West Ham United off their perch as 'best of the rest'. Even if European football does not return to the West Midlands, the club would be satisfied with a fourth top half finish in five years. 

VAVEL Logo
About the author