NUNO GOES TO THE OUTER LIMITS

SAFE HANDS: Wolves goalkeeper Rui Patricio TOUGH: Espirito Santo

ESPIRITO SANTO has challenged Wolves to go ‘beyond their limits’ against a team he regards as one of the world’s best.

The Portuguese boss is under no illusions about the size of the task facing his side at The Etihad tomorrow night.

After defeating Liverpool and then scoring 16 goals in two cup ties, any talk of a blip affecting Pep Guardiola’s side has now been silenced. And although Wolves as a promoted team are in the unique position of having won or drawn against all of the top six this season, Espirito Santo says he can take no confidence after the last two meetings between the clubs ended in stalemate.

He said: “Waiting for us is one of the best teams in the world. They try to unbalance you with the amount of quality players they have.

“So if you want to be successful you have to be organised, strong and intense – knowing that you have to back your team-mate.

“You must be balanced in defence and then have confidence in attack. We have to view this as a chance to go beyond our limits. What we had done before against Manchester City tells us we have a chance.”

Wolves were the first team to complete a shut-out against Manchester City last season when their Carabao Cup tie ended goalless.

And they took a point from the meeting at Molineux in August. After defeating Spurs over the Christmas break, they also took points from beating Chelsea and drawing against Manchester United and Arsenal.