Wolves were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Leicester City this past midweek but Nuno Espirito Santo’s side won’t dwell too much on the result. Though they do have a pretty good squad and were expected to go further in the competition, the focus should remain on the Premier League in the early stages as they settle into a good rhythm.
The side were perhaps unlucky not to win the game against Manchester United as they played pretty well to earn a draw last weekend. Wolves next take on Southampton who have had a pretty slow start to their Premier League campaign and will start as the underdogs at the Molineux.
The big guns are expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested against Leicester. Espirito Santo has a fully fit squad to choose from.
Defence
Conor Coady featured in the League Cup but could keep his place at the heart of the three-man defence. Leander Dendoncker made his first start against Leicester and put in a fairly competent display, but we expect Ryan Bennett to return to the right side of the defence. The 28-year old has been pretty consistent with 2 tackles and 1.3 interceptions a game, so he deserves to start. Willy Boly could complete the three-man backline.
John Ruddy got a game in goal but we expect Rui Patricio, Wolves’ preferred choice in the league, to return in goal.
Midfield
The Portuguese duo of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho didn’t even feature on the bench against Leicester and will be fresh for the Saturday game. Both have been really tenacious in midfield, averaging at least two tackles a game, and will be central to everything Wolves do against Southampton.
Jonny Castro started the game against Leicester before being taken off in the second half, so he could return to the starting XI as well. He has played on the left flank for Wolves, though he started on the right yesterday. Matt Doherty is expected to occupy the opposite flank.
Attack
Adama Traore got his first start in the League Cup but is expected to drop back to the bench. Helder Costa has done reasonably well on the right flank and will once again occupy that position. Diogo Jota should start on the left and the two wide players will have Raul Jimenez to aim for in the box. Just in case you’re into FPL, Jimenez could be a pretty good cheap option this weekend!
Jota – Jimenez – Costa
Castro – Neves – Moutinho – Doherty
Boly – Coady – Bennett
Patricio
Stats via Whoscored
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