Wolves predicted XI vs Preston: Peixoto’s side face first away test

Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) are on the road for the first time this season on Saturday afternoon when they travel to Preston North End.

Wolves are unbeaten after their opening two competitive fixtures, but they were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw in the league at the Molineux last weekend.

The Old Gold will now be looking for their first Championship win of the campaign, although injuries have already left Cesar Peixoto with some difficult selection decisions.

Wolves began the new season with a comfortable 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Port Vale before Blackburn Rovers exposed some issues.

The Old Gold took the lead through Marshall Munetsi but fell behind after half-time before Raul Jimenez rescued a point from the penalty spot in added time.

Peixoto was pleased with the fight shown by his players but admitted they lost their organisation in the second half.

The Wolves boss will demand more control at Deepdale, especially with his squad already hit by several injuries.

Kieran Trippier and Yerson Mosquera are both expected to miss at least a month after suffering injuries, while JJ Bellegarde and Rafiki are also unavailable.

That leaves Peixoto needing to find solutions quickly, with Jackson Tchatchoua and Nasser Djiga among those who could be handed opportunities.

Meanwhile, Preston will be desperate to respond after losing 2-1 to Bolton Wanderers on the opening weekend. Wolves will need to be wary of striker Jusuf Erabi.

The hosts have endured a difficult run of form, winning just three of their last 17 matches in all competitions, while they also lost their final four pre-season friendlies.

Wolves have an opportunity to snap up three points, but it is easier said than done.

Wolves have lost only one of their last eight league meetings with Preston, winning three and drawing four.

Each of Preston’s last four home league games against Wolves has ended in a draw.

However, Wolves have failed to win any of their last 11 matches played on the second day of a season, losing each of their last five away games in that run.

Preston have lost only two of their last 11 league matches against sides relegated from the Premier League the previous season.

Peixoto has confirmed that the ‘superb‘ Jose Sa will start in goal following Dan Bentley’s exit.

Trippier and Mosquera are both ruled out after their injuries against Blackburn, while Bellegarde and Rafiki remain unavailable.

Hugo Bueno missed the opening league game with a minor injury but could return to contention.

Peixoto must decide whether to introduce new signing Jordan James immediately.

Raul Jimenez is also pushing for a start after coming off the bench to score the late equaliser against Blackburn.

Peixoto will likely start with Adam Armstrong.

Jackson Tchatchoua and Nasser Djiga are expected to be considered to replace the injured Trippier and Mosquera.

Jose Sa; Jackson Tchatchoua, Nasser Djiga, Toti Gomes, Hugo Bueno; Andre, Marshall Munetsi; Rodrigo Gomes, Fer Lopez, Carlos Mane; Adam Armstrong.