Wolves vs Derby County - Wolves at full strength as they close in on a Premier League return

Posted Tuesday, April 10, 2018 by PA

Wolves head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has all his key players available against Derby on Wednesday night as Wanderers close in on a return to the Premier League.

The Championship leaders could clinch promotion with a victory over the Rams at Molineux if other midweek results go their way, but five points from their remaining five games will guarantee a top-two finish regardless.

It remains to be seen what team Nuno will pick after he sprang a big surprise with his selection at Cardiff last week, starting both Leo Bonatini and Benik Afobe with Helder Costa and Ivan Cavaleiro dropping to the bench.

Ruben Neves, whose superb free-kick won Wolves the game in south Wales, and Matt Doherty were also recalled at the expense of Alfred N’Diaye and Roderick Miranda.

Back-to-back wins have given Derby’s play-off challenge a timely revival and Rams boss Gary Rowett could name an unchanged side for the third straight match.

Following the embarrassing home defeat to Sunderland, Rowett made five changes to his starting line up for the trip to Preston and he saw his team end an eight-match winless run. He stuck with the same players on Saturday as Derby defeated Bolton.

Defenders Andre Wisdom and Alex Pearce, midfielders Joe Ledley and Tom Huddlestone and striker David Nugent were the players brought back in and they are likely to keep their places.

Derby have no fresh injury problems but Ikechi Anya (calf) has suffered a setback in his recovery. Bradley Johnson (ankle) and Marcus Olsson (knee) will also remain on the sidelines but could be back in contention at Burton at the weekend.