Matt Doherty expects a much easier game against Leicester City in the Premier League opener after Harry Maguire leaves Foxes to join Manchester United.

Wolverhampton defender is currently in Yerevan, preparing for Europa League 3rd qualification round’s first leg against Armenian side Pyunik.

27-year-old Ireland international has exclusively spoken with Vbetnews reporter Alla Zakaryan on the upcoming match, Premier League start, his fitness and Premier League expectations.

“My fitness is good, I feel pretty well at the moment and trained for the last few days. Looking forward to the game tomorrow,” Doherty said.

“We don’t know yet (if he starts tomorrow or not). We’ll wait for the manager to pick the team.

Wolves will play against Leicester City for their Premier League opener. Doherty expects a difficult game from Brendan Rodger’s side.

“It’s gonna be a tough game, they were close to us last season. We played them early last season as well, and they got very good players, very good manager, and it’s gonna be very difficult,” Doherty continued.

On season goals

“The goal is to finish 7th again, if we can, maybe, finish higher and just try to improve. Last season we didn’t play well against lower placed opposition and there is a need for improvement.”

Leicester City will be without Harry Maguire, as England international has joined Manchester United. Doherty says that Leicester City will have some replacements for him, but the absence of this kind of player might make the game easier for Wolves.

“I guess it might. The absence of this kind of player from the opposition team is going to make things a little bit easier for us. But they have the players to replace him and we’re still going to have a difficult game.”

Wolves are favourites to beat Pyunik in Europa League qualification. The first leg in Armenia is an advantage, as Nuno Espirito’s side will face Armenian team at Molineux for the decisive leg. Ireland international Doherty, however, says this is the biggest game for Pyunik and obviously, they should be concentrated.

“It’s gonna be difficult, no matter what. It’s a huge game for them, so there’s gonna be a massive atmosphere and we are ready for the game.” Doherty concluded.