Wolverhampton Wanderers Vs Leicester City: Opponent watch with Alex Dicken

As the heavenly sillage of the wins against Chelsea and Manchester City turns miasmic and the smiling faces at the King Power Stadium turn into glowering figures, it’s not the best time to be Claude Puel.

The Leicester City manager is under pressure once again following consecutive defeats to Newport County and Southampton.

Another loss and he may as well be thinking of his next destination, so it is fair to say that the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers is one that Leicester must win.

Can they? And Will Wolves let them? We spoke to Birmingham Live’s Alex Dicken to find out.

Q. Earlier this season, I remember asking if you were optimistic enough about a campaign that is, “in some description”, similar to the last one. I’ll ask you the same question again: Do you now feel that you could be on course for a Premier League season that is at par with your exploits in the Sky Bet Championship in 2017/18?

"“If ‘on par’ with last season means finishing seventh, then yes I think Wolves are capable of achieving that. The first half of the season has been excellent for Wolves and they’ve given themselves a chance of playing European football next season.”"

Q2. Wolverhampton Wanderers seem to have developed a strange habit of blowing hot and cold. They’ve been too hot for the big boys but somehow catch a cold against the teams that we expect them to beat – like Fulham and Crystal Palace. What would you cite as the reason behind that?

"“It has been a little annoying. Games at Molineux against teams outside the Big Six have been frustrating. Wolves haven’t always been able to find the answers, defeats to Watford, Huddersfield and Palace testify to that.“The big teams have opened up against Wolves which has allowed their counter-attacking skills to come to the fore.”"

Q3. Wolves have – at least on paper – a run of easier fixtures ahead of them and it starts with Leicester City, who beat Nuno Espirito Santo’s side 2-0 in the reverse fixture. Judging purely on form – Leicester have lost their last two games – Wolves must be smelling three points? 

"“Wolves have lost their last two league games – and convincingly so. There isn’t quite the same feel-good factor at the King Power as there is right now at Molineux, though.“I’d like to see Wolves on the front foot, taking the game to Leicester, but gung-ho has never been Nuno’s style.”"

Q4. Let’s talk about the teams now. Leicester will more or less be playing their strongest XI with nearly everyone fit, but Wolves are without their mainstay in central defence, Willy Boly. Could that hand Claude Puel’s side some kind of an advantage? And can you also tell us how the hosts are going to set up vis-à-vis the playing XI and tactics?

"“Boly has been hugely impressive this season and will be sorely missed. I expect Leander Dendoncker to step back into defence. Dendoncker is a Belgium international who has impressed recently in midfield, but he’s also capable of operating at centre-back.“The only change for Wolves is likely to see one of Morgan Gibbs-White, Helder Costa or Adama Traore come into the starting XI.Predicted XI (3-4-3): Patricio; Bennett, Coady, Dendoncker; Doherty, Moutinho, Neves, Jonny; Costa, Jimenez, Jota.”"

Q5. What’s your prediction?

"“I hope I’m wrong but I don’t see this game being one for the purists. Both teams need a win which is why I think we might end up with a draw.“If there is to be a winner I’d imagine it’ll be a 1-0 score line either way.But I’m backing 1-1.”"