Leeds v Wolves preview: Nuno wants to rewind clock

They travel to face Leeds United at Elland Road tonight on the back of their worst run of the season so far.

Two points from three matches have allowed their promotion rivals to narrow the gap at the top of the table.

Nuno is confident his team can get back to their best, provided they put the work in.

“I think we have to regain and go back to our origin and the way we work,” he said.

“There’s something we cannot ever admit to not doing, is to work hard.

“This is the most important message to the players – we have to trust ourselves and do the things we’ve been doing throughout the competition at every stadium.

“We know what kind of opponent we’re going to face and we’re ready for it.”

Does Nuno think Wolves have lost something when compared to their early-season form?

“Yes,” he replied. “There are moments during the games we lost that. We lost our organisation and our intensity on recovering of the ball. That was reflected on the mistakes we made.

“We have to avoid that on all parts of the pitch, offensively, defensively, set pieces, minute by minute and game by game.”

The head coach confirmed Bright Enobakhare is still suffering with an injury and – along with the suspended Ruben Neves – will miss the game.

And he praised Leeds boss Paul Heckingbottom this season for the work he did at Barnsley and Nuno expects to be provided with a difficult test tonight.

"It will be a tough game, they’re a good club and a good team," Nuno added.

"They have a new manager – a good manager – Paul is doing his job. What he did at Barnsley was very good, he’s trying now at Leeds.

"We’re going to face a team that has good players (but) is not in a good moment. Like Paul said they’re expecting the game against us to be a turning point.

"We also have to prepare for that. we know all the teams we face, they work very hard against us and try their best.

"We have to equal that and put our talent and quality on the pitch and be intense – and improve from what we did last week.”

"Our team and our players are ready to play in any stadium, in any circumstances.

"I think (our last week of matches) was not good, the performances were not good but we were able to analyse that.

"It was a pity we didn’t play on Saturday because we were ready to play.

"We don’t change (for the run-in).

"From day one we’ve been working on the same things."

Predicted line ups

Leeds (4-2-3-1): Wiedwald; Berardi, Jansson, Cooper, Anita; O’Kane, Forshaw; Alioski, Saiz, Dallas; Lasogga.

Wolves (3-4-3): John Ruddy; Bennett, Coady, Boly; Doherty, N'Diaye, Saiss, Douglas; Costa, Jota, Cavaleiro. Subs: Norris, Batth, Hause, Miranda, Gibbs-White, Afobe, Bonatini.

Key players

Leeds: Samuel Saiz – Spanish attacking midfielder who has made a big impact for Leeds this season after signing from Huesca last summer. The playmaker has netted nine times in total.

Wolves: Willy Boly – After a few dodgy defensive displays in recent weeks Wolves need, first and foremost, to be solid at the back and Willy Boly’s influence will be crucial.

Memory lane

Exactly 20 years ago today Don Goodman’s goal gave Wolves a 1-0 win at Leeds in the FA Cup quarter finals. Hans Segers also saved a late penalty from Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in a dramatic finish to the game.

Past five meetings

November 22, 2017 (Ch): Wolves 4 (Douglas 15, Cavaleiro 26, Jota 72, Costa pen 76) Leeds 1 (Alioski 48)

April 17, 2017 (Ch): Leeds 0 Wolves 1 (Dicko 38)

October 26, 2016 (Ch): Wolves 0 Leeds 1 (Silvio OG 70)

April 19, 2016 (Ch): Leeds 2 (Bamba 60, Diagouraga 64) Wolves 1 (Saville 77)

December 17, 2015 (Ch): Wolves 2 (Afobe 10, Byrne 81) Leeds 3 (Byram 44, 60 Dallas 51)