Wolves Season Preview - Can Wolves carry Championship form into the Premier League?
After hefty investment at Molineux, it was little shock to see Wolves ease their way to Championship glory as they eventually finished the season with 99 points, nine ahead of Cardiff City, though having failed to win their final two games of the campaign, the gap could, and probably should, have been larger. Now back in the Premier League after a six-year absence, the Midlands side will be confident of consolidating a top-flight spot, with some even suggesting a top-six finish is on the cards.
One to Watch - Diogo Jota
Diogo Jota spent last season on loan at Wolves due to the Jorge Mendes’ contacts, with the Championship winners making that switch permanent this summer for a reported £14m. The Portuguese forward impressed in his debut campaign in England as he scored 17 and registered five assists. However, he endured dips in goalscoring form over the duration of the season and if he can improve his consistency, then Wolves will benefit immeasurably.
Best Signing - Rui Patricio
John Ruddy didn’t necessarily underwhelm for Wolves last season, but the club sought to improve between the stick regardless and they did just that with the arrival of Rui Patricio. The Portugal number one departed Sporting Club on bad terms, however Wolves won't mind one iota. The 30-year-old kept more clean sheets (17) than any other goalkeeper in Liga NOS last season and Nuno Espirito Santo will hope he can solidify they defence upon Wolves’ return to the Premier League.
Wolves are delighted to confirm @selecaoportugal and @Sporting_CP number one Rui Patricio has joined the club on a four-year deal. #BemVindoRui
— Wolves (@Wolves) June 18, 2018
🇵🇹🐺 pic.twitter.com/tGUQUXQICX
Area of Weakness
Willy Boly may have joined permanently from FC Porto, with the France defender earning a better WhoScored.com rating (7.52) than any other Wolves player and while Romain Saiss will likely drop into a back three, they could still do with another centre-back. Pepe has been linked and an experienced centre-back to marshal the backline would certainly be a welcome boost for the Midlands outfit.
Prediction / Best Bet
Wolves have a quality squad already and the additions of Joao Moutinho and Raul Jimenez, not to mention the impending arrival of Adama Traore, just improves them further. They won’t be able to brush opponents aside as they did in the Championship, but a top half finish can be found at 2.2, which is well worth backing. Santo is a fine head coach and Wolves will be confident that their new signings will make the difference between merely staving off the drop and earning a top-10 finish.
