Wolves vs Southampton Preview
- Draw or Wolves win
- Under 3.5 goals
The stakes are high as Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton, the two bottom teams in the Premier League, face off in a must-win game at Molineux.
Wolves are still seeking their first victory of the season, while Southampton come in buoyed by their first league win, a narrow 1-0 victory over Everton. This clash could be pivotal for both clubs as they look to avoid being cut adrift at the foot of the table.
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Desperate for Defensive Stability
Wolves’ season has been marked by defensive frailties, having conceded 27 goals so far—the most in the league. They remain winless in their first ten league games, their longest winless streak from the start of a league season since 1983/84.
Manager Gary O’Neil is under significant pressure to shore up his defence, as Wolves have now gone 22 games without a Premier League clean sheet.
The one glimmer of hope for Wolves comes from their head-to-head record against Southampton.
They have a five-game winning streak against the Saints, their longest such streak against any Premier League opponent. The home crowd will be hopeful that Wolves can extend this run to finally get off the mark in the win column.
Southampton: Seeking Consistency in Attack
Southampton broke their winless run with a 1-0 victory over Everton last weekend, a result that lifted spirits but did little to mask their attacking issues.
The Saints have scored only seven goals this season, the lowest in the league, and have struggled to create and finish chances. Manager Russell Martin will be looking to build on the Everton win, hoping that a single goal could again be enough in this tight, low-scoring contest.
Southampton’s away form is also concerning, particularly given that the away side has won only two of the last 27 Premier League meetings between the bottom two teams in the standings (D8, L17).
If the Saints are to overcome that historical disadvantage, they’ll need to make the most of any chances they create.
Key Players to Watch
João Gomes (Wolves)
Gomes opened his season account with a goal against Crystal Palace, and he’ll be eager to make an impact here after scoring his first-ever Premier League goal in the last meeting with Southampton.
His energy in midfield and ability to find scoring opportunities will be key for a Wolves side in need of inspiration.
Adam Armstrong (Southampton)
Armstrong has been one of the few bright spots for Southampton’s offence, scoring the decisive goal in three of his last four goalscoring outings. He comes into this game on the back of consecutive goals and could prove to be the match-winner if given the opportunity.
Tactical Insights: Wolves’ Defensive Woes vs. Southampton’s Offensive Struggles
Wolves will likely focus on tightening their defence and breaking down Southampton’s backline through Gomes and the attacking threats from wide areas.
O’Neil may opt for a cautious approach given Wolves’ defensive record, hoping to stay organised at the back while looking for breakthroughs on the counter.
Southampton, on the other hand, will aim to be clinical with any scoring chances. Armstrong’s recent form will be crucial, as Russell Martin’s side lacks a prolific scorer.
They’ll look to exploit any lapses in Wolves’ defence, and even a single goal could be enough given Wolves’ difficulty in finding the back of the net consistently.
Final Thoughts
This basement battle could be crucial in determining the trajectory of both teams’ seasons. Wolves will be hoping to end their winless run, while Southampton aim to build on their first victory. With both teams struggling in different areas, a tight, low-scoring affair is expected.
Can Wolves finally secure their first win, or will Southampton make it two in a row and keep Wolves at the bottom?
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Wolves v Southampton, 2024/25 | Premier League