One thing is certain – the Match of the Day team already have Sunday’s analysis locked and loaded.
Win at the King Power and the narrative is all about Wolves ‘hitting the ground running’ and being ‘ahead in their preparation’.
Lose and it’s ‘Europa League fatigue’ this ‘small squad’ that, blah, blah, blah.
Can’t argue about the small squad I suppose.
Like everyone else, I hoped for at least one more attack-minded addition but I’ve come to accept that the roster will probably always feel light while Nuno is laying out the cones.
We go again with a small, albeit upgraded (hopefully) group. It’s worked twice before so no reason to believe it won’t again.
Not much learned tonight that we didn’t already know.
For all Traore’s muscle power, we’re still a more potent outfit with Matt Doherty’s street smarts. He snuck in perfectly to receive Jota’s pass and get the all-important opener.
Nuno has a judgment call to make there with Doc, Vinagre and Traore all viable wingback choices for Sunday.
With an hour in the tank tonight though and the head coach insisting he’s conditioned and ready despite missing much of pre-season with injury, I think the bearded one has the edge.
Jimenez ruthlessly despatched both of his chances for the second consecutive outing and he looks as sharp as he’s even done, which bodes well for the early months of the campaign at least.
His strike partner isn’t far behind and with a hat-trick of assists tonight Jota looks well set to carry on his eye-catching form that propelled the team in the second half of last season.
Nice to see Patrick Cutrone get some game time too and winning a penalty with a smart bit of play.
I like that he was desperate to take the kick, which shows the type of appetite every top goalscorer should have, but also that he didn’t argue when told it wasn’t happening, thus demonstrating a team player with the right attitude.
He should get plenty more minutes in the return leg with progress already assured, as should several others from our minimalist group of reserves.
Leicester first though and still no reason to doubt this group will continue to write their own script.
