Wolves return to Premier League action as they take on an in-form Southampton side, providing yet another tough test after the Leicester City game. They will look to get back on to winning ways after a more than disappointing performance at the King Power Stadium.
Wolves v Southampton kicks off at 8pm tomorrow and is available on Sky Sports.
Wolves Form
Despite losing to Leicester last time out, Wolves were 5 unbeaten before that drab performance and have at times this season looked very capable going forward, they have only lost 1 of their last 8 Premier League games. Rayan Ait-Nouri has looked promising from an attacking wing-back position but was caught out against the Foxes, giving away a penalty which was missed by Jamie Vardy.
Wingers Daniel Podence and Pedro Neto have both been the bright sparks in what has been a very average attack at times and with Neto scoring on his Portugal debut, the confidence levels will be as high as always with those two. Podence has had two weeks on the training ground to work with Nuno and so we could see in improved performance.
They will need to try and press on the front foot if they are to get attacks going in this game, if it becomes another Leicester game then we could be in for a rough ride. Raul Jimenez has been in decent form despite the lack of attacking flair, scoring half of Wolves’ eight goals this season. They still, despite frustration at performances, have the joint-best defence in the league and they should count on that to nullify Southampton’s threats going forward.
If they can find the balance between defending with a low-block and being fluid in transition for the counter-attack then Wolves should be able to cause Southampton a lot of problems as their last nine victories have come without conceding a goal, but it all depends on Nuno’s idea for this match.
Southampton Form
Southampton come into this game enjoying their best-ever start to a Premier League season, sitting in 4th and unbeaten in their last five games – winning four of them.
Strikers Danny Ings and Che Adams have been scintillating this season and have struck up a partnership which has eight goals and four assists between them. They have the chance to win their 4th game in a row for the first time since May 2016, and Wolves will have to be on top form to stop them from doing it.
Hassenthuttl’s side have been in terrific form since the back end of last season and have collected 24 points away from home, second to only Manchester United. However, they are winless in their last 10 games on a Monday so that could run into Wolves favour if you believe in the more superstitious ideas.
With Danny Ings injured for a few weeks the goals will fall to Che Adams, who has three goals in his last four appearances, so whether they can get at Wolves will depend on his form.
Wolves are a solid outfit and are very difficult to break down, but with 12 goals in their last five matches they will certainly feel confident of being able to find a way through.
Wolves v Southampton team news
Lineup Prediction: Patricio, Semedo, Kilman, Coady, Boly, Saiss, Neves, Dendoncker, Neto, Podence, Jimenez
Wolves will be hoping for Conor Coady to be available for this one after he had a COVID scare whilst away on England duty.
Rayan Ait-Nouri had to be withdrawn from international duty with a groin injury, so it looks unlikely that he will be starting this one.
Leander Dendoncker will be fit for the game despite picking up a knock whilst away with Belgium.
Southampton come into this game with only Danny Ings out with injury, however, the absence of their best player is sure to hit them hard.
James Ward-Prowse and Ryan Bertrand are both available after being out with hamstring injuries.
Wolves v Southampton Head to Head
These sides have played out 67 games between them with very even results. Wolves have won 23 and lost 27, with the records including 17 draws too.
Of course we care about the most is their most recent meeting, and it was one that went in Wolves favour with a 3-2 win at St Mary’s. You will all remember us being 2-0 down at half time before a stunning comeback sparked by Pedro Neto gave us all three points.
If we can produce a similar attacking display then it’d safe to say a win would be on the horizon.
Wolves v Southampton Prediction
I can see this one being another closely fought game (as is with most of Wolves’ games this season) where Wolves will need to contain Southampton’s threat but try and at least attack so we don’t end up with another boring show like last time.
With Danny Ings out it bodes well for the Wolves defence, but we can’t count out Che Adams as he’s looked just as impressive. Daniel Podence and Pedro Neto will again be vital; however, Nuno could try out Fabio Silva after his first two goals for the club. I expect us to go with the usual 3-4-3 and get the Saints on the counter-attack, with Jimenez being crucial in this game.
It will be a close one, but with us being unbeaten in our last 22 home games against teams outside the traditional big six, I will back us to get an impressive result with a 2-1 win.
Tom Parker is part of the Talking Wolves editorial team – you can follow him on Twitter here.