Wolverhampton Wanderers play host to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon looking to extend their unbeaten domestic streak to five matches.
As for Brighton, they make the trip to Molineux sitting just one point above the relegation zone after a disappointing period in the top flight.
Match preview
© Reuters
Although Wolves are having to contend with an increasingly demanding schedule, Nuno Espirito Santo's side continue to remain a factor in the race for Champions League places.
There was a time after the turn of the year when the West Midlands outfit looked outsiders at best to gatecrash the top four, but eight points from four matches have put the club on the brink of moving level on points with Chelsea.
Given the increased expectations at Molineux, it remains to be seen how Nuno and his players will react to the added pressure of trying to break new ground for the club at a pivotal time in their development.
Nevertheless, it is hard for anyone not to be impressed with a team who can often be compared to a relentless juggernaut, like they showed during last weekend's 3-2 success at Tottenham Hotspur.
Not for the first time this season, Wolves overturned a deficit to claim all three points against one of the division's top clubs, but now they must show a different side to their game in order to overcome a struggling Brighton team.
While seven draws have come from their last 14 outings in all competitions, the Seagulls have won just once during the same period, which came on New Year's Day against lowly Bournemouth.
The drop in form has led to Graham Potter's men being left in a group of six teams who are directly involved in a relegation battle, while also just one win from potentially moving away from the drop zone.
With Arsenal and Manchester United to follow the meeting with Wolves, the schedule is unrelenting for the South-coast outfit, who at one point were a fixture in the top half of the table.
Despite failing to find the back of the net against Crystal Palace last weekend, Brighton's biggest problem is recording a clean sheet, something which has only occurred once since November 10.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Premier League form: WLDDWW
Wolverhampton Wanderers form (all competitions): DDWWLW
Brighton & Hove Albion Premier League form: DLDDDL
Team News
© Reuters
With Adama Traore struggling with a shoulder injury, Nuno could opt drop the winger to the substitutes' bench for this game.
Pedro Neto and Daniel Podence would be named as Traore's replacement, unless Nuno opts to include Leander Dendoncker in a three-man midfield.
Ruben Vinagre will deputise for Jonny if the left wing-back has failed to shake off a knock.
Brighton boss Potter will contemplate switching to a back three for this contest in order to match up man-for-man with Wolves.
However, keeping with a 4-2-3-1 strategy appears more likely, with Dale Stephens and Pascal Gross both pushing for a recall.
Wolverhampton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Patricio; Boly, Coady, Saiss; Doherty, Neves, Moutinho, Vinagre; Neto, Jimenez, Jota
Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:
Ryan; Montoya, Webster, Dunk, Burn; Propper, Stephens; Mooy, Gross, Trossard; Maupay
We say: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
While Wolves are the clear favourites to win this game, the stakes are rising as they bid to earn European football next season. We feel that could play into Brighton's favour, who had success in the final third in the reverse fixture late last year.
