Ladislav Krejci starts: The Wolves XI Cesar Peixoto should play v Blackburn on Friday night | OneFootball

Cesar Peixoto has several dilemmas as he prepares to pick his first XI for a league game as Wolves boss against Blackburn on Friday night.

Wolves start their Championship campaign with a home game against Blackburn on Friday night, in what is Cesar Peixoto’s first taste of league football in England.

The Portuguese coach was named as Rob Edwards’ successor in the summer, in what was a surprise move by Wanderers.

Even though it has been a slow market so far for Wolves, Peixoto has had a full pre-season to work with his players, and there have been many positive signs, which includes a comfortable 3-0 win over Port Vale in the EFL Cup.

Nevertheless, the Championship is where the new boss will be judged, and Wolves will be expected to get off to a good start against a Rovers side that are tipped to be fighting relegation.

With that in mind, FLW looks at the Wolves XI Peixoto should pick against Tony Mowbray’s side…

GK - Jose Sa

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The goalkeeping position has been problematic for Wolves, and it’s uncertain who the number one will be this season.

Dan Bentley has been Wolves’ goalkeeper in pre-season, and you could make an argument that the ex-Bristol City man should start against Blackburn, as he is more likely to be match fit than Sa.

But, the Portugal international is undoubtedly better than Bentley, and whilst it may still be a risk considering he hasn’t played in pre-season, Sa should get the nod between the sticks at Molineux.

RB: Kieran Trippier

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This is one of the easiest decisions that Peixoto will have to make, as even though there are several right-backs at the club, Trippier will be the starter in that position.

Bringing him to the club was a massive coup for Wolves, and whilst the 35-year-old’s minutes may need to be managed over the course of what is a demanding season, he is certain to start against Blackburn, and, in the eyes of the fans, he should be captain.

CB: Yerson Mosquera

The Colombian international has emerged as an important player for Wolves under Peixoto in pre-season, with his recovery pace crucial in allowing the team to press and defend with a higher line.

There are still areas of Mosquera’s game that can improve, but he has all the tools to be a top defender at this level, and, even though he has been at Wolves for years, this could be the season where he really establishes himself as a key player at the club.

CB: Ladislav Krejčí

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Toti Gomes has captained Wolves in pre-season, and there’s every chance he will start against Rovers, but the reality is that he has struggled at times.

The left-footer isn’t comfortable in possession, which is a problem under Peixoto, and he hasn’t always convinced defensively. Therefore, with Krejci still at the club, the boss should give him a start on Friday.

There are still major doubts over his long-term future, but, providing his mentality is right, Krejci is a quality player. So, if he’s at the club and ready to play, it wouldn’t make much sense to leave him out.

LB: Hugo Bueno

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Wolves are well-stocked at left-back at the moment, as David Moller Wolfe and Hugo Bueno are two top options at this level.

Again, it’s unclear whether they will both stick around, but they should both be available for selection on Friday. Yet, with Bueno having played in pre-season, and Wolfe yet to get a game under his belt after returning late following the World Cup, it’s a straightforward decision to go with the Spaniard for this one.

CM: Andre

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Like Trippier, Andre is another certainty to play for Wolves this season when he is fit, as he is a class act and integral to the way the team want to play under Peixoto.

It was a huge surprise when the Brazilian agreed a new contract, but Andre is obviously convinced of the long-term project at the club, and he will be a huge player this season.

CM: Marshall Munetsi

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Many Wolves fans presumed Munetsi had played his final game for the club when he was loaned out in January to Paris FC, but, to his credit, the Zimbabwe international has done well in pre-season.

Munetsi remains a divisive figure, as he lacks quality on the ball, and the club do need a new midfielder. But, at the moment, Munetsi will be ahead of Tommy Doyle, and his strength, work-rate and willingness to do the dirty side of the game means he could have a role to play.

RW: Rodrigo Gomes

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Another area Wolves need to strengthen is out wide, as they are lacking depth behind Rodrigo Gomes and Mateus Mane, with new signing Rafiki Said out for a few months.

Therefore, Gomes is certain to play against Blackburn, and he is another who will hope that Wolves’ relegation to the Championship can allow him to become a crucial part of this side moving forward.

AM: Fer Lopez

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The Spaniard has been the major success story at Wolves in pre-season, and Lopez continued his positive start with a goal in the win over Port Vale.

The youngster has outstanding technical ability, and Peixoto looks set to give him plenty of freedom in his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. There were major doubts over Lopez’s future if Edwards had remained in charge, but he is now central to what Wolves want to do, and he will hope to get his career at Molineux going with a big performance against Blackburn.

LW: Mateus Mane

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Mane was one of few positives for Wolves in their embarrassing relegation last season, and the club look set to retain him moving forward.

The youngster has been on the left in pre-season, and he has generally impressed, although he does need to improve with his decision-making in the final third. But, Mane is an exceptional talent, and he will hope to show his talent regularly this season - starting against Blackburn.