Jordan James in: Wolves’ dream XI to face Blackburn Rovers on EFL Championship opening day | OneFootball

Wolves face Blackburn on the opening day of the EFL season, and we look at the XI Cesar Peixoto could put out at Molineux.

Cesar Peixoto will be expected to lead Wolves to promotion after he was surprisingly named as Rob Edwards’ successor last month.

That was a bold decision from the hierarchy, but, having won just three times in 27 Premier League games, they felt Edwards wasn’t the man to inspire a promotion push.

Now, attention turns to improving the Wolves squad, and with Kieran Trippier, Raul Jimenez and Rafiki Said already through the door, it’s been a positive start to the window.

However, a lot more business is required, both incoming and outgoing, as Wolves count down to their opener against Blackburn at Molineux, which kicks off the EFL season.

With games against rivals Stoke, Birmingham and West Brom in the first eight, along with a trip to title favourites West Ham, it’s fair to say Peixoto has a tricky start to navigate.

But, Wolves will expect to get a positive result against Rovers in the opener, and here we look at the dream XI Peixoto will want to field for the clash against Tony Mowbray’s side…

GK: Radek Vitek

Bringing in a new keeper is going to quickly become a priority, as it’s widely expected that Jose Sa and Sam Johnstone will leave.

So, Peixoto will need a new number one, and Vitek could be a real coup for Wolves. The Man Utd stopper was outstanding on loan at Bristol City last season, which was proof he can cope with the Championship, and he could be the long-term answer at Molineux.

RB: Kieran Trippier

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Going into the summer, all connected to Wolves knew they needed a right-back, so it was a major relief when a move for Trippier was finalised.

The ex-England international will make his debut against Blackburn if he’s fit, and he will be a leader on and off the pitch this season.

CB: Yerson Mosquera

The Colombian has the attributes to be a big player for Wolves, but he needs to show his ability on a consistent basis, and dropping to the Championship could allow him to do that.

With Peixoto expected to play on the front foot, Mosquera’s recovery pace should ensure he is a key figure in this Wolves XI.

CB: Ladislav Krejci

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This may seem unrealistic, but it’s a dream XI, and if Wolves could keep Krejci it would be another statement of intent by the club.

The Czech skipper was one of few to emerge with credit last season, and it would be no surprise if he did move on. But, if Wolves could keep Krejci, he would be the ideal partner for Mosquera with his composure and leadership, whilst his ability on the ball would be integral to the way the team build from the back under the new boss.

LB: David Moller Wolfe

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Wolves have two good left-backs in Huge Bueno and Wolfe, and it seems more likely that the latter stays, even after his impressive World Cup with Norway.

Wolfe had a frustrating first season at Molineux, but, if Bueno does depart, he will get a chance to nail down a place in the XI, and Peixoto would love to have the former AZ man down the left flank all season.

CM: Jordan James

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Wolves have been linked with a move for James, and it would be a brilliant addition if they could pull it off.

James scored 11 goals for Leicester last season, and Wanderers need a midfielder who can drive forward and contribute in the final third. With the Welsh international still young, he is another who can develop and improve with Wolves in the Premier League, which will be the aim for the club.

CM: Andre

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It was a real shock when Andre signed a new contract at Molineux, but Peixoto will be delighted that the club managed to get the deal done, and he is likely to build around the Brazilian in his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.

Andre will be the deep-lying number six who will be tasked with linking play, and the new possession based approach should get the most out of the ex-Fluminense man, who will be expected to control games regularly at this level.

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Gomes has been at Wolves for a few years, but he has not had a proper run in the team, and his ability to play in different positions has arguably worked against him.

But, he should be the right winger for Peixoto, and that is where Gomes is at his best. His pace, direct style and energy are very impressive, and this is his opportunity to show what he can do. Gomes has the potential to be a real breakout star this season, and he will be exciting to watch for the Wolves fans.

AM: Mateus Mane

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The emergence of Mane was the undoubted positive of the previous campaign, as the Portugal youth international looks like a class act.

There is still speculation surrounding his future, but Wolves must do all they can to keep the teenager, and he would benefit from playing regularly in the Championship. Mane still has areas to improve, but he is another who could become a top player in the second tier, and he will be pivotal to Wolves’ promotion hopes.

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Peixoto has a lot of options in the final third, and he could put Mane on the left, with Fer Lopez or Adam Armstrong playing off the striker.

But, Wolves have spent £7.7m on Said, and he has a profile that Wolves need in the XI, as he has real pace, can go inside and outside his full-back, and his record suggests that he will chip in with goals. The Comoros international will need to play well to keep his place in the team, but Said should get a chance against Blackburn, and fans will be intrigued to see what he can do.