Last updated & checked: 10/08/2021
Wolves have been of the bright sides to watch so far in the Premier League with Nuno Espirito Santo’s men causing a few shocks with the easy way they’ve adapted to life in the top-flight. Their 3-4-3 formation is very settled and allows talented midfield pair Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves to control the tempo from deep and they will hope to do so again against an inconsistent Saints side.
Mark Hughes’ men have struggled this season, with the side not convincing defensively. However, they have some high quality players, particularly in midfield and going forward and will know they can beat Wolves if they are at their best.
So, it promises to be an entertaining, competitive game at Molineux.
Wolves vs Southampton Prediction: Wolves 1-1 Southampton
Wolves have been superb at Molineux under Santo and you can’t underestimate the impact that noisy crowd can have on the side. Whilst they’ve impressed this season, this is perhaps only the second time they come into the game epecting to win. They flourished under that pressure against Burnley but it can still be difficult. We expect them to control the game here but the Saints could nick a draw due to some individual brilliance from Danny Ings and they’ve done okay on the road this season too, with a good win against Crystal Palace.
Our recommended tip: BTTS
Given that, we think BTTS is the way to go. Southampton have to play with more adventure than they showed last week at Liverpool or Hughes will come in for some real stick. He will set the side up to have a go at Wolves and that should see them nick a goal at least. As for the hosts, the only issue for them this season has been chance conversion. They are getting opportunities but not taking enough. If it does click they could cause serious problems to most in this league.
Top 3 Premier League Bookies
Players to watch: Raul Jimenez & Danny Ings
The Mexican striker looks a fine signing for the Old Gold, as he has a bit of everything. Quick enough to run in behind and strong enough to play with his back to goal, he is exactly the striker that they need in this system. With a lot of quality around him, he knows he will get the service but he does need to be more clinical. He has two goals but should really be on more and will hope to be ruthless this afternoon.
As for Southampton, their star man has undoubtedly been Ings. A shrewd signing, he has settled in to life with his boyhood club well, impressing with his ability. In fairness, no one every really doubted that, it has always been a case of can he stay fit. When he is on the pitch he is a class act and a major threat and will hope to cause Wolves some real problems at Molineux.
