MX23RW : Friday, November 15 03:19:07| >> :600:112466:112466:
[monks data]
Attendance: 20,333
Slovan Bratislava
Europa League | Group Stage
Oct 24, 2019 at 5.55pm UK
 
Wolves logo

1-2

Sporar (11')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Saiss (58'), Jimenez (64' pen.)

Preview: Slovan Bratislava vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole provides team news, predicted lineups and a full preview of Thursday's Europa League encounter between Slovan Bratislava and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Wolverhampton Wanderers head into Thursday's Europa League fixture with Slovan Bratislava looking to register their fifth successive away win in the competition.

However, their Slovakian hosts have come through their opening two games in Group K having recorded four points against Besiktas and Braga respectively.


Match preview

Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo on October 3, 2019© Reuters

After a less-than-inspiring start to the season on the domestic front, Nuno Espirito Santo will be delighted that his side have managed to put together a six-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, which includes the last-gasp triumph over Besiktas on matchday two in Europe.

However, despite the surprise win at Manchester City before the international break, Wolves are still not replicating their high levels from the last campaign on a regular basis.

As it stands, the English outfit are doing enough to remain above the relegation zone in the Premier League and in contention to qualify for the last 32 of the Europa League, but they still require some kind of spark to take them to the next level.

While much of that responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Adama Traore, Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez, Nuno will want to see more from every player in his squad in order to ensure that they continue to be considered as one of the emerging teams on the continent.

A win against in-form Slovan Bratislava on away territory may be the catalyst that they require ahead of four away games in a row, although a positive result will not come easy given the recent displays of their hosts.

In another year, Bratislava may have had to settle for one point from their first two fixtures in this group, but storming finishes against Besiktas and Braga have led to that tally becoming four.

When the draw was made in September, Jan Kozak's team were regarded as the underdogs to progress further in the tournament but they have, so far, made the most of that tag.

Their last European meeting with a Premier League club also came against opposition from the West Midlands, with Aston Villa prevailing 2-1 on aggregate in the UEFA Cup first round back in 1993.

Slovan Bratislava form: WWWDDW

Wolverhampton Wanderers form: DDWWWD


Team News

Wolverhampton Wanderers' Diogo Jota celebrates scoring their first goal with Patrick Cutrone and team mates on September 22, 2019© Reuters

Having made his return from injury against Southampton, Jota should be handed a recall in attack, although Nuno has a dilemma about the make-up of his side.

If Ruben Neves and Romain Saiss are ruled out by ankle and hamstring injuries respectively, Jota may feature on the left side of a front three, alongside Traore and Jimenez.

Matt Doherty should come back into the team at right wing-back, while Jesus Vallejo is in line to play on the right-hand side of a back three if Ryan Bennett does not shake off an injury which led to his early withdrawal at the weekend.

As for Bratislava, Kozak went with five at the back against Braga, and the same formation could be used again to match up with Wolves.

Forward Andraz Sporar will be hoping to add to his three goals in the competition, while Marin Ljubicic may be a threat off the bench having contributed a goal and a assist in two cameo outings.

Slovan Bratislava possible starting lineup: Grief; Medvedev, Bajric, Abena, Vernon, Sukhotsky; Holman, Rabiu, Kamps; Sporar, Rharsalla

Wolverhampton Wanderers possible starting lineup: Patricio; Vallejo, Coady, Boly; Doherty, Dendoncker, Moutinho, Jonny; Traore, Jimenez, Jota


Sports Mole Logo

We say: Slovan Bratislava 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Both teams are aware that maximum points would provide them with a clear advantage in Group K at the halfway stage. However, we feel that may lead to a tense encounter which may produce a low-scoring draw.



ID:375828: cacheID:375828:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:7886:No Data Analysis info

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Restore Data
Share this article now:
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo on September 28, 2019
Read Next:
How Wolves could line up against Besiktas
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS

League Phase

TeamPWDLPTS
1Lazio440012
2Ajax431010
3Anderlecht431010
4Frankfurt431010
5Galatasaray431010
6Spurs43019
7FCSB43019
8Lyon42117
9Rangers42117
10Olympiacos42117
11Bodo/Glimt42117
12Midtjylland42117
13Ferencvaros42026
14Man Utd41306
15Plzen41306
16AZ42026
17Besiktas42026
18Hoffenheim41215
19Roma41215
20Fenerbahce41215
21Elfsborg41124
22Braga41124
23Porto41124
24Slavia Prague41124
25Real Sociedad41124
26Malmo41033
27FC Twente40313
28Qarabag41033
29Union SG40222
30Nice40222
31RFS40222
32Ludogorets40131
33PAOK40131
34Athletic Club00000
35M. Tel Aviv40040
36Dynamo Kiev40040


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!