Wolves predicted line-up vs Southampton: two key changes made as five ruled out of action

Wolves appear to have an opportunity to kick-start an improved run of form when they host Southampton in a battle of the Premier League’s bottom two clubs on Saturday afternoon.

Gary O’Neil’s side are without a win in their opening ten games this season and a currently sat at the foot of the table as they prepare to face a Saints side sat just a point above them after they claimed all three points against Everton last weekend. Both sides will head into their Molineux clash hopeful they can secure a win that would land a double blow on a fellow struggling side and inject some confidence in their squad ahead of the final international break of the calendar year.

Wolves have collected points in their last two Premier League fixtures after following up their hard earned 2-2 draw at Brighton and Hove Albion by securing a share of the spoils in a dramatic home draw with Crystal Palace last Saturday evening. However, O’Neil will hope to earn a more lucrative reward in what already feels like a potentially pivotal clash with Southampton this weekend. There are some major calls for the Wolves boss to make ahead of the game after he received some mixed news on the injury front in recent weeks.

Goalkeeper and defence

There is a big call for O’Neil to make as England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone looks set to return to contention after missing the last three Premier League games with a groin injury. The Wolves boss could hand an immediate recall to the former Manchester United stopper or may retain faith with Jose Sa. However, there are two confirmed absentees from the Wolves back line as long-term injury victims Yerson Mosquera and Bastien Meupiyou both remain on the sidelines.

Midfield

Mario Lemina made a substitute appearance in last weekend’s dramatic draw with Crystal Palace after suffering a calf problem in the draw at Brighton and Hove Albion a week earlier. The 32-times capped Gabon international could well make a return to the starting eleven.

Forwards

O’Neil is contending with a whole host of absentees at the top end of the pitch and it seems likely the likes of Matheus Cunha and Jorgen Strand Larsen will retain their places in attack. Hee-Chan Hwang is closing in on a return to full fitness following an ankle injury but it remains to be seen whether he will have to wait until after the international break to be back in contention. Sasa Kalajdzic is unlikely to play until the new year with a knee injury, Boubacar Traore is out until the festive period and Enzo Medina has been ruled out for the season with serious knee injury.

Wolves predicted XI vs Southampton

Sa; Toti, Bueno, Dawson; Semedo, Doyle, Lemina, Ait-Nouri; Gomes, Cunha; Strand Larsen.