Wolves v Leeds preview: A huge opportunity for Wolves to get off the mark

A defeat does not result in relegation, it is not season-defining in that respect, but come May it is games like this that could be the difference.

The importance of the game, in just the fifth match of the Premier League season, comes down to Wolves' poor start that has seen them lose the opening four games and sit bottom of the table on zero points.

Leeds have one win and one draw from their four games, putting them on four points in 16th place, but the newly-promoted side have shown signs of being a team that will compete to stay up this season.

As a result, it can be classed as nothing but a massive game for both sides.

Vitor Pereira retains the faith and support of the Wolves hierarchy and is close to agreeing a new contract until 2028 and despite some discontent among the fans, a large portion still back Pereira to deliver.

The feeling towards owners Fosun and club chairman Jeff Shi is very different and supporters will keep making their voices heard on that front.

All of the above means that Molineux has the potential to swing in two very different directions on Saturday. A positive performance and result will see the stadium rocking and when Molineux is at its best it is a difficult place to play.

But a disastrous loss will make it a toxic atmosphere where the fans will target individuals with chants.

The difference-makers here are the players - they must give the fans good reason to be cheerful in a crunch game.

Who takes to the pitch on Saturday is difficult to predict considering Pereira's recent team selections.

Sam Johnstone did well against Newcastle last time out and if Jose Sa has recovered from his illness, the head coach has a decision to make on his goalkeeper.

Rodrigo Gomes has also impressed but will battle with Jackson Tchatchoua, who may get a recall.

The formation is now up for debate and whether Pereira plays two up top or a front three - that decision will see Ladislav Krejci play in midfield or defence and if it is the latter we may see Yerson Mosquera drop to the bench.

Jorgen Strand Larsen is recovering from an Achilles knock - and also closing in on a new contract - and could be ready for the weekend, which would take up another spot in the 20-man squad.

Ki-Jana Hoever has now recovered from his knee injury but was left out of the squad against Newcastle last week and he could miss out again.

If the remaining players are fit, someone else will also need to be cut and it could be one of the centre-backs, potentially out of Matt Doherty, Santi Bueno or Mosquera.

Depending on the formation selected, the decision on which forwards to use rages on with new signings Jhon Arias and Fer Lopez by seeking a start.

It is incredibly difficult to predict what Pereira will choose, which may act as an advantage over opposition teams.

But Wolves also need some stability on the pitch and a formula that yields results.

Wolves hope Pereira's new contract will go some way to aiding that stability, but they also need points and the clash with Leeds is a huge opportunity.