Leicester City Vs Wolverhampton Wanderers: Opponent watch

Leicester City’s first outing of the Premier League season was encouraging, if not fruitful.

They were always going to find a way to lose to Manchester United, which they did just a couple of minutes into the game – but let us not go into the details. 

The Jitters of a daunting opening day trip to Old Trafford sent back to the bed for now, it’s time for Leicester to deal with the newly promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers’ foray into the East Midlands.

So what should the Foxes expect when they face Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolves on Saturday? We talked to Birmingham Live’s Alex Dicken to find the answer.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are finally back in the Premier League. What’s the feeling like? Optimistic about a campaign that is, in some description, similar to the last one?  

"“I don’t think anyone at Wolves is expecting this season to be similar to last season. Most fans are just hoping they can get to the 40 point mark as quickly as possible. “Given the way Wolves played last year, and the players they’ve been able to sign, it’s hoped they’ll have a strong season and be competing with the likes of Leicester for a top half finish”."

Much has been said about Wolves’ business during the summer – and most of it includes appreciation. They’ve brought in some fantastic players for significant amounts, but there’s still a feeling that maybe they could have strenghtened more in key areas – like central defence. What do you think? 

"“I don’t think central defence is a huge issue. Conor Coady and Willy Boly are top players who will no doubt prove to be successful in the Premier League. “There was a desire from Nuno to strengthen and he did that on deadline day with the acquisition of Belgium international Leander Dendoncker. “Dendoncker is capable of playing on the right of Wolves’ back three if Ryan Bennett slips up.“The one position they didn’t manage to strengthen is left wing-back, which was a priority for Nuno.”"

A 2-2 draw against a ten-man Everton to start off the season with. How exactly would you like to sum up the performance?

"“Wolves were very good in patches but Everton appear to have the makings of an excellent team. Even with 10 men the Toffees proved a tough nut to crack.“Ruben Neves was breathtaking, but his showing against Everton was nothing new for regular watchers of Wolves”."

Next up are Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. Having already lost the opening game to Manchester United, the Foxes are more eager than ever to bag three points this weekend. What problems are they likely to face in their pursuit (Wolves’s strengths), and who is it that those problems could come from?

"“Neves likes to sit deep and hit long horizontal passes to Wolves’ flying wing-backs Jonny Otto Castro and Matt Doherty. “But Leicester can’t just focus on Neves with Portugal hero Joao Moutinho operating alongside him.“Diogo Jota is a sublime footballer who is perhaps playing in Neves’ shadow a little. He must be contained, as must Adama Traore if he makes his debut.”"

And what – or who – can they specifically look to exploit – if at all? 

"“Boly was immense in the Championship last season and it’s more than likely just first game nerves which got the better of him against Everton.“With Jonny, who is naturally a right-sided full-back, in front of Boly on the left, Leicester could take advantage.”"

Finally, how do you see it panning out? Do Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have it in them to leave the East Midlands with a win?

"“I can definitely see Wolves winning. They’ve got an extremely tough first month of fixtures with Leicester perhaps the ‘easiest’ on paper. “They’ll look to sit back and soak up Leicester’s pressure before hitting them on the counter attack. Even without Traore Wolves are very quick up top."