Wolverhampton Wanderers will seek to continue their excellent league form when they travel to St. Mary’s Stadium to face Southampton on Saturday.
The Premier League new boys have won three of their last four matches in all competitions and will be confident of their chances against the Saints.
Wolves team news
Nuno does not seem to have any clear cut injury issues to deal with though there might be question marks over mental fatigue after the crushing extra-time defeat against Watford.
Predicted Wolves lineup vs Southampton
Defence
Espirito Santo might stick to his trusted back-three of Willy Boly, Conor Coady and Ryan Bennett, all of whom have been ever-present in the Wolves backline this season. In fact, Coady hasn’t even missed a single minute in the league so far, which is truly fascinating even for a defender. Roman Saiss might have to make way here.
The defensive trio has already mustered a combined total of 354 clearances, 124 interceptions whilst winning 129 tackles, making Wolves one of the most balanced defensive sides in the league this season.
Elsewhere, Matt Doherty will be deployed in his customary right wing-back role, where the Irishman has already mustered 31 key passes so far – a tally only bettered by Raul Jimenez and Joao Moutinho. Jonny, meanwhile, is likely to feature on the opposite flank, in place of Ruben Vinagre.
Rui Patricio, on the other hand, will come back into the side and will look for only his seventh clean sheet of the season.
Midfield
Leander Dendoncker has been a crucial part of the Wolves midfield, of late and we expect the Belgian to retain his place in the starting lineup, alongside Moutinho and Ruben Neves.
Following a promising start to the campaign, Neves has had a topsy-turvy season so far and the Portuguese will be keen on making a strong impression against the Saints this weekend. As for Moutinho, he will be the anchorman in the Wolves midfield as they attempt to dominate proceedings.
Attack
The Wolves attack will be led by Jimenez. The Mexican international has been the club’s top scorer with 12 goals this season. He is currently in good form, having been involved in four goals in the last four league matches, making him one of the crucial players in this encounter.
Jimenez should be partnered by Diogo Jota, who will serve as the creative force for the visitors this weekend.
