Wolverhampton vs Southampton Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Wolverhampton:
Patricio; Boly, Coady, Kilman; Semedo, Dendoncker, Neves, Marcal; Traore, Jimenez, Neto
Southampton:
McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Bednarek, Vestergaard, Bertrand; Armstrong, Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Djenepo; Walcott, Adams
Wolverhampton welcome high flying Southampton at Molineux Stadium. The hosts are looking to bounce back after suffering narrow defeat to leaders Leicester City before the international break. They were in solid form prior to the defeat, winning three of the four league fixtures. Wolverhampton managed to beat Fulham, Leeds United and Crystal Palace, while shared the points with Newcastle. However, the series came to their end at King Power. The Foxes scored from a highly contentious penalty - awarded after Praet's cross struck Max Kilman on the hand. Wolves threatened an equalizer after halftime, Neto and Kilman had clear opportunities, but Kasper Schmeichel made few outstanding saves and kept the net untouched. Nevertheless, manager Nuno Espirito Santo continue with his excellent job and I believe the fans are satisfied. The Portuguese coach has no big issues ahead of this match. Key defender Conor Coady is doubtful, but could be available to start after spent a period in self isolation during the international break. He was training alone after having a contact with someone who tested positive for coronavirus. Interesting to be mentioned, Coady is aiming to make a 122nd consecutive league appearance. Two other players - Leander Dendoncker and Rayan Ait Nouri - are rated as doubtful. Key striker Raul Jimenez will lead the line in attempt to end a two-game goal drought. I believe his confidence is higher after scoring in both games for Mexico during the international break, against Japan and South Korea.
Southampton lost in the opening two rounds of the new season. First they suffered a narrow 1:0 to Crystal Palace, while then lost 5:2 from Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary. In addition, the Saints suffered painful elimination from Brentford in the League Cup. Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl surely felt some pressure at the time. But the next results are fantastic. The Saints are unbeaten in the remaining six matches in the Premier League, winning five and drawing just once. They are in series of three victories, looking for the another one. If they beat Wolverhampton, that will mean Southampton won four in a row for the first time since May 2016. In the last round they beat Newcastle with 2:0 thanks to the goals scored by Che Adams and Stuard Armstrong. The match was scheduled on Friday and Southampton climbed on the top of England's top division for the first time in 32 years. Interesting, the club then tweeted to 'STOP THE COUNT', taking a dig at Donald Trump. Nevertheless, the Premier League continued despite this satirical tweet and Southampton must continue with the victories. The absence of Danny Ings through a knee injury is a huge handicap, though Che Adams showed his class in the meantime. The striker have registered three goals in his last four Premier League matches, just one fewer than in his first 34 appearances in the competition. Theo Walcott should continue as his partner up front. James Ward-Prowse and Ryan Bertrand are rated as doubtful due to hamstring problems.
Wolverhampton vs Southampton Prediction:
I expect an interesting match at Molineux. Both teams are good this season, though Southampton are little better. Last season they remained unbeaten on this trip, playing an 1:1 draw in October. Che Adams is in excellent form and he could make the difference in this game. Southampton won't lose, that's my opinion.
Wolverhampton vs Southampton Pick: Southampton +0.5 @ 1.65 with
Pinnacle