Wolves take on Southampton in a mouth-watering Premier League clash at Molineux in the second of a Monday Night Football double bill.
Victory for Wolves could lift them as high as fifth depending on their winning margin whilst Southampton can go third with a win.
Team News
Conor Coady is a doubt for Wolves as he self-isolates after coming into contact during the international break with someone who has tested positive for Coronavirus.
Rayan Ait Nouri is also a potential absentee with a muscle injury and could join Jonny (knee) on the sidelines.
Southampton expect to have James Ward-Prowse available after he missed England’s international fixtures with a hamstring injury.
Theo Walcott (hand), Ryan Bertrand (hamstring) and Will Smallbone (quad) are also set to feature but Mohamed Salisu (fitness) is unlikely to feature, alongside Danny Ings who is a month away from returning from a knee injury.
Stat Attack
- Wolves are unbeaten in three of their four league meetings against Southampton since returning to the Premier League in August 2018 (W2, D1, L1).
- Southampton have drawn three of their last four trips to Molineux (D3, L1).
- Saints are yet to be awarded a Premier League penalty against Wolves after six previous meetings between these two teams.
- If Wolves’ Rui Patricio keeps a clean sheet here then it will be his 25th shutout in the Premier League.
- Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse has scored two free-kicks in eight league appearances this season compared to two free-kick goals in 38 appearances last season.
Prediction
Wolves will be disappointed to have not come away from Leicester with a point last time out despite a resolute defensive display, yet it was their lack of attacking intent in the first-half which ultimately proved the difference against those difficult Foxes so expect a sharper effort here.
Southampton meanwhile were absolutely spot on against Newcastle in terms of creating chances when in possession yet continued to terrorise the Magpies when out of possession with superb pressing, although a lack of finishing prevented them from producing a rout.
On that note, I expect to see a proper feisty battle here between two teams who can be impressive when at their attacking best so am going for a score draw, although Wolves should edge it on form if there is a winner in my opinion.
Prediction: Wolves 1-1 Southampton
Result: Wolves 1-1 Southampton