Julen Lopetegui takes charge of his first game as Wolves manager on Tuesday night as the Premier League strugglers face League Two side Gillingham at Molineux in the Carabao Cup.

The Spaniard was appointed ahead of the World Cup and has been working with the squad during the winter break, in the hope that he can improve the Old Gold's woeful form in the second half of the season.

Tonight's game against Gillingham represents an ideal opportunity to rebuild some confidence at Molineux ahead of the Premier League's resumption this weekend, as the Gills are currently rock bottom of League Two after a similarly dreadful start to the campaign.

Here is how Football FanCast expects Wolves to line up tonight, with five changes from the team which started in the 2-0 defeat against Arsenal in the last game before the World Cup break.

Although Jose Sa didn't play a minute for Portugal in Qatar, this match represents a rare opportunity for Matija Sarkic to start, so the 25-year-old could be given the nod in between the sticks.

Recent reports have suggested that Nelson Semedo could be on his way out of Wolves in January, having largely disappointed since his £37m move to Molineux in 2020, so youngster Dexter Lembikisa replaces the man who Tim Spiers once branded a "liability" in defence.

Max Kilman and Nathan Collins both keep their places at centre-back, as that will likely be the partnership Lopetegui goes with in the Premier League at first, with Hugo Bueno continuing at left-back and Toti relegated to the bench, as Lopetegui should select a back four rather than five against such lowly opposition.

In midfield, Ruben Neves continues as captain and is partnered by academy talent Joe Hodge, who was starting to break into the first team ahead of the mid-season break and deserves a chance to start tonight.

The same goes for Connor Ronan, who should be given a rare opportunity in attacking midfield, with Goncalo Guedes and Adama Traore providing some pace and attacking threat on the wings.

Diego Costa completes the attack after returning from suspension, in the hope that the former Chelsea marksman can find that elusive first goal to kickstart his Wolves career.