Predicted Wolves line-up to play Burton Albion: Lambert recalls four

Follow us on Google Discover

Here is how we predict Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burton Albion will line-up for this weekend’s Championship encounter.

Despite Wolverhampton Wanderers ending what can be considered a successful January with an away victory over Barnsley in midweek, manager Paul Lambert still looks set to make four changes to his line-up to face Burton Albion.

Goalkeeper Carl Ikeme returns after injury – at the expense of the now evidently able deputy Harry Burgoyne – whilst defender Richard Stearman and the attacking duo of Andreas Weimann and talisman Helder Costa are also likely to be reinstated into the starting XI.

Read more: Wolves fans react to Ben Marshall signing – ‘He better be worth it’

January saw Wolves eliminate Premier League sides Stoke City and Liverpool from the FA Cup, defeat midlands rivals Aston Villa and taste success in the transfer market – by sealing the permanent signing of Costa and securing the services of Ben Marshall from Blackburn Rovers.

Marshall, however, is short of fitness and in not expected to start against Burton – which means that Ikeme governs a back four consisting of Conor Coady at right back, the central defensive pairing of Stearman and captain Danny Batth, with Matt Doherty in at left back. Kortney Hause may consider himself unlucky to be benched after some encouraging displays at the heart of the Wolves rear guard recently.

Read more: What happened to the last Wolves XI that faced Liverpool?

It is anticipated that Dave Edwards and Jack Price will resume their status as Lambert’s midfield engine room – providing a platform for the more offensive trio of Costa, Bright Onobakhare and Weimann to operate behind the attacking focal point of Jon Dadi Bodvarsson.

Meanwhile, hosts Burton should be buoyed by this week’s news that manager Nigel Clough resisted temptation to take the managerial vacancy at Nottingham Forest – deciding to remain at the Pirelli stadium and focus on Championship survival.

As the Brewers prepare to welcome Wolves, there may well be a potential debut for Michael Kightly – following his loan move from Burnley – in addition to striker Chris O’Grady’s recall at the expense of Marvin Sordell.