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
© 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
© 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
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.
body check tags ::
