Ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League fixture at Molineux, we have picked a combined Wolves and Leeds starting 11 based off current form. Here is our combined team…
GK: Rui Patricio (Wolves)
Portugal’s no. 1 will make his 100th Premier League appearance on Friday night after three impressive seasons at Molineux. Patricio, 33, is usually a safe pair of hands and has made a number of crucial saves this season, giving him the advantage of Leeds’ young keeper Illan Meslier.
RB: Luke Ayling (Leeds)
Although Ayling has played much of this season at centre-back, he always looks more comfortable in his natural right-back role. Stepping up to the highest level has not fazed the former Yeovil man, with his consistency giving him the edge over Wolves new boy Nélson Semedo.
CB: Conor Coady (Wolves)
The Wolves skipper is a model of consistency and his performance in the reverse fixture at Elland Road epitomises what the former Liverpool man is about. Now 27, Coady is at his peak and adored by the fans as he continues to give 100 percent week in week out.
CB: Willy Boly (Wolves)
It’s an all Wolves centre-back pairing with Ivory Coast international Boly slotting in next to Coady. The 30-year-old is another consistent performer who is set for a late fitness test ahead of Friday’s game, with his possible absence likely to play into Leeds hands given his importance.
LB: Stuart Dallas (Leeds)
The Northern Ireland international has been outstanding this season, whether that be in one of the full-back roles or in central midfield. His endurance and work rate are to be admired, while his quality and awareness with the ball also makes him a goal threat.
DM: Kalvin Phillips (Leeds)
It was a tough choice to choose between Phillips and Wolves defensive midfielder Rúben Neves, but Kalvin gets the nod. The England international has thrived in the Premier League and his importance to the Leeds team is underlined by their terrible record without him. Whites fans will be praying he plays tomorrow!
CM: João Moutinho (Wolves)
The Portuguese veteran is still thriving at the age of 34 in arguably the toughest league in world football. Moutinho may not be the quickest, but he possesses exceptional quality that has seen him become one of Wolves most reliable players of recent years.
CM: Mateusz Klich (Leeds)
This may be a surprise selection given Wolves quality in midfield, however Polish international Klich deserves more recognition than he gets. A vital part of Leeds promotion-winning side, he put a bad patch behind him at the start of 2021 and is now back to near his consistent best.
RW: Raphinha (Leeds)
Adama Traoré was the man everyone was talking about 12 months ago, however Leeds signing Raphinha has undoubtedly overtaken him after a stunning first season. The Brazilian has the speed, skill and quality to go right to the very top, whether that’s with Leeds or another European giant.
LW: Pedro Neto (Wolves)
Another man with huge potential is Wolves’ wing wizard Pedro Neto. He has fast become the go-to man for Nuno Espírito Santo’s team, lighting up the league this season with his pace a trickery making him impossible to stop in full flow. He has the potential to be world class.
CF: Patrick Bamford (Leeds)
Bamford has surprised everyone this season, repaying Marcelo Bielsa’s faith in him with 12 goals. It may have been a tough choice between him and a fit Raúl Jiménez, but the Mexican’s injury makes Bamford a shoo-in for the centre-forward role in this team.
