Wolves vs Middlesbrough: Championship match preview, predicted line-ups and score prediction

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Molineux will host one of the most intriguing matches of the Football League opening day weekend, as Wolves entertain Middlesbrough.

These two are both fancied as promotion contenders and this match will show us a lot about where they currently are as teams. There has been a lot of transfer activity at both clubs, which could prevent them from starting quickly, but the picture will be clearer after this one. If either side picks up a win, it would represent a huge mental boost as they prepare a promotion charge.

Wolves are an interesting case and they could go either way this season. The influence of Jorge Mendes is evident in the signings of Ruben Neves and Diogo Jota. They are two of 11 arrivals at the club, but are easily the most exciting, with both regarded as having Champions League potential.

Nuno Espirito Santo has taken over as manager and is also represented by Mendes. He has a good CV having managed both Valencia and Porto in the past. It is easy to see why many see them as promotion hopefuls, but the Championship is a testing league. If they don’t start strongly, it could another underwhelming season for the club.

The relegation season wasn’t one that will be fondly remembered on Teesside. Their attack wasn’t good enough and Aitor Karanka was given too much time before being shown the door. Steve Gibson has overseen a good summer and they start the season as the team most fancied to lift the title.

Garry Monk is an impressive appointment after his exploits with Leeds United last season, while over £40 million has been invested in the first-team. Darren Randolph, Cyrus Christie, Jonathan Howson and Britt Assombalonga are all good singings for this level. Meanwhile, the arrival of Martin Braithwaite could prove to be a huge coup if he adjusts quickly to the English second tier.

Pre-season form

It has been a mixed pre-season for Wolves, but they will be stronger for the experience. They took the wise decision for three of their five fixtures to be against English clubs, which will have been useful for players arriving in the country for the first time. A disappointing 2-0 loss to Shrewsbury Town would have been a disappointment, but their final match saw them prevail 1-0 against Leicester City.

Like Wolves, Middlesbrough played the majority of their matches against English opposition and the results weren’t always good ones. However, results in pre-season mean relatively little and their final match against Augsburg showed promise, as they scored a late winner to prevail. They will arrive at Molineux with confidence.

Predicted line-ups

It is thought that Nuno could opt for a 3-4-3 formation and it will be interesting if he does implement is in the Championship. Ruben Neves and Diogo Jota are both expected to start, while Dave Edwards will remain a key figure, despite the number of foreign players coming in. John Ruddy will start in goal after his free transfer from Norwich.

Middlesbrough have a strong defence and the additions of Cyrus Christie and Darron Randolph will only add to that. The attacking positions are difficult to predict, but a combination of Adama Traore, Martin Braithwaite, Patrick Bamford and Britt Assombalonga would offer an interesting choice. They could rotate positions and cause real problems for opposition defences with their pace and directness.

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Injuries/suspensions

Nouha Dicko is facing a battle to be passed fit, while Kortney Hause will miss the match. Key man Helder Costa won’t be available as he struggled with an ankle injury. Ivan Cavaleiro is suspended and will sit out of the opening day. Phil Ofusu-Ayeh and Ben Marshall will also be unavailable for the home side.

Garry Monk is facing fewer selection problems as he has a fully-fit squad to choose from. A number of new signings are expected to make their debuts, but it could be Ben Gibson that proves to be the best piece of business completed this summer. He has so far stayed at the club and is likely to start this weekend.

Score Prediction: Wolves 2-2 Middlesbrough

The first match of the season is always difficult to predict and this one certainly is, as there are a lot of unknowns about both sides. They each have new managers at the helm and several new signings. A score draw seems to be the most likely result and that will be taken by both sides. If either lose at this early stage to a potential rival, it would be hugely damaging.