Wolves aim to continue upturn in form as they host Southampton

Wolverhampton Wanderers hope to continue their five-game unbeaten run as they host Southampton.

Last time the two met back in April this year, the Saints won 3-1 despite Willy Boly scoring an equaliser, as a double from Nathan Redmond and a goal from Shane Long ensured Southampton won.

Wolves have been impressive since losing to Braga at home on the 19th of September as they haven’t been beaten in the last five; with their last three matches being wins as they saw off Watford (2-0), Besiktas (1-0) and also beat Premier League holders Manchester City (2-0).

It’s been a very different fate for Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side as they haven’t won in the last three league games losing to Chelsea (4-1), Tottenham (2-1) and also AFC Bournemouth (3-1). They have however beaten bitter rivals Portsmouth (4-0) and Sheffield United (1-0) on their travels while also holding Manchester United to a point.

A win is desperately needed for both as they could both be involved in a relegation battle if they don’t start picking up points.

Nuno Espírito Santo gave his opinion on facing Southampton:

“We always try to build on our performances. Southampton is a totally different game from the City one.

“We have to find new solutions for the task we have. Of course, it gives you confidence but at the same time we have a responsibility to go again and do as well as possible.

“All of the games are tough. Southampton is a very good team with a very good manager. We’ve seen that, we’ve analysed them and tomorrow will be a tough challenge.”

Ralph Hasenhüttl paid tribute to the international break as it has given him time to work with his players:

“The good thing was we had a lot of players here and not too many away on international duty over the two weeks.

“That gave me the chance to work on a few weaknesses in our game that we have seen in our last two games.

“Against the big teams, they show you immediately the lack of quality you have in some situations of your game.

“The biggest issue we have had is after losing the ball, the transition to defence was not quick enough and not committed enough and that’s the reason why we conceded more goals than normal.”

Head to Head

Wolves Wins: 22

Draws: 16

Southampton Wins: 27

Team News

Only Pedro Neto will be out for the Molineux faithful as the winger hasn’t recovered from his heel injury, while Diogo Jota, Romain Saiss and Morgan Gibbs-White will face fitness tests to see whether they can make it back for this game following the international break.

Southampton will still be without their two injured players in Moussa Djenepo (Thigh) and Cédric (Calf) as both still are not 100% for their trip to the West Midlands.