Wolves v Portsmouth: Cesar Peixoto planning changes for Molineux return

Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto is plotting changes for Tuesday’s visit of Portsmouth as he looks to keep everyone fit and firing through a hectic Championship month.

Peixoto hopes to have striker Adam Armstrong back available to face Pompey, as Wolves prepare for their fourth match in a run of eight in 28 days between the international breaks.

Armstrong missed Friday’s 2-1 win at Burnley with a back injury but could be back to boost Peixoto, who has seen his attacking options hit by the long-term absence of Raul Jimenez.

Tuesday’s match, rescheduled from last month, is the only midweek Championship fixture and the Wolves boss knows his side are facing a busier run than most.

He said: “We have to manage the players.

“All of the teams had three games in a row last week, but not all of the teams have three games in a row the next week.

“Because of that we have to manage the minutes of the players to not take risks. We have a lot of injuries, and we do not want any more.”

Wolves are back at Molineux for the first time since last week’s chastening 3-1 defeat to Bolton.

Portsmouth’s visit is the first of three straight matches on home turf and would appear the ideal chance to build momentum and push toward the top of the table. Wolves would climb above rivals Albion and up to fifth with a win.

Peixoto continued: “I have to analyse the Bolton game, the way they recovered and try to build a strong team to try and win. At home it is important.

“All of the games in the Championship are very difficult. We have to put the players out who recover best and can fight for the three points.

“We are going to change, I think. But we have to manage the situation and see what feeling the players have fitness wise. We are going to rotate.”

Wolves are again expected to be without Bertrand and Boubacar Traore, along with winger Rodrigo Gomes.

The latter has been ruled out with an ankle injury, while Bertrand Traore has a hamstring injury and Boubacar has been struggling with a calf issue.

Despite the absentees, Burnley match-winner Tawanda Chirewa reckons Wolves’ strength in depth should give them an advantage over rivals through the marathon 46-match campaign.

The 23-year-old came off the bench to bag his first senior goal at Turf Moor.He said: “We have a big squad with a lot of talented players. Compared with other teams in the Championship, I don’t think many have the same depth that we have. That’s our biggest strength.

“We can lose four or five players to injury and still come to Burnley away from home, get a result and win without feeling disappointed about the players who are missing, because everyone is ready to go out and perform.

“Everyone knows it’s a good result on Friday, and we can be happy about it. But we’re back in training and preparing for Tuesday.

“Portsmouth at home is a big game. If we win that, it’s two in a row, then we can try to make it three in a row and start building momentum again.”