Wolves vs Tottenham: Premier League team news and prediction

 

Nuno Espirito Santo returns to Molineux for Tottenham's first away league match of the season as Bruno Lage takes charge of Wolves for the first time on home turf since succeeding his compatriot in the Midlands. 

 

Ahead of this clash, we provide all the necessary pre-match information, including what time the game kicks off, team news and probable XIs...  

 

 

When is kick off?      

Sunday 22nd August, 14:00 GMT      

Where is the match?      

Molineux, Wolverhampton

What TV channel is it on?

This game is not on TV with highlights available on Match of the Day 2 on BBC One

 

Gameweek One Recap

 

Wolves huffed and puffed but were unable to blow the Leicester house down at the King Power Stadium last weekend, mustering 17 shots in their eventual 1-0 loss to the Foxes. Despite defeat, it was an encouraging performance from Bruno Lage's men on his Premier League debut after he succeeded Nuno Espirito Santo at Molineux. 

 

And the former Wolves boss makes a quick return to his old stomping ground on the back of Tottenham's opening weekend 1-0 win over defending champions Manchester City. After a nervy opening 15 minutes, Spurs settled and maintained their fine record against the Cityzens at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, recording their fourth straight win over Pep Guardiola's side following their return to Seven Sisters road in 2019, with Son Heung-Min's strike 10 minutes after the restart the difference between the two sides. 

 

Team News 

 

There's been no chance on the injury front for Wolves following their loss to Leicester, with key attackers Daniel Podence and Pedro Neto both sidelined. Defenders Jonny and Willy Boly also remain sidelined, so Bruno Lage could name an unchanged XI for the welcome of Spurs despite defeat at Leicester last week. That would see Ki-Jana Hoever keep his place at right wing-back and Raul Jimenez make his first Molineux appearance since last November after returning from a skull fracture. Owen Otasowie on Friday completed his move to Belgian side Club Brugge 

 

In the Tottenham camp, there remains question marks over Harry Kane's availability. The striker returned to training this week, yet he is still being linked with a move to Manchester City. Spurs won without Kane in the squad last weekend, so expect Nuno to name an unchanged XI. Tanguy Ndombele plays no part on Sunday, while Joe Rodon missed the 1-0 Europa Conference League defeat to Pacos de Ferreira and sits out the trip to Wolverhampton. 

 

Probable XIs 

 

Wolves vs Tottenham: Premier League team news and prediction

 

Wolves (343) - Sa; Kilman, Coady, Saiss; Hoever, Neves, Moutinho, Marcal; Trincao, Jimenez, Adama 

 

Tottenham (433) - Lloris; Tanganga, Sanchez, Dier, Reguilon; Hojbjerg, Skipp, Dele; Lucas, Son, Bergwijn 

 

Key Battle: Adama Traore vs Lucas Moura 

 

Wolves vs Tottenham: Premier League team news and prediction

 

 

Unsurprisingly, Adama Traore completed more dribbles (11) than any other player in the first round of 2021/22 Premier League fixtures and following the return of partner in crime Raul Jimenez to the frontline, the Spaniard will hope to maximise his ability on the ball to beat his opponent against Spurs. Traore's end product has been found wanting, but Jimenez's return to the starting XI is a boost for the winger and Wolves. 

 

Lucas Moura may not be the most glamourous name in the Spurs squad, but he's a trusted player in the side and an important counter attacking threat. He completed six dribbles and was fouled four times against Manchester City and, like Traore, the end product may be found wanting, but his tenacity is a huge asset for Spurs. Wolves man Traore has been linked with a move to Spurs, so Moura will be looking to prove the north London side can save their money and invest elsewhere.

 

Score Prediction: Wolves 0-1 Tottenham

Wolves vs Tottenham: Premier League team news and prediction