Premier League | Gameweek 11

Nov 9, 2024 at 3pm UK

Molineux Stadium

Wolves vs Southampton

Match preview

Last weekend, Wolves were on track to finally earn their first three-point haul of the campaign against Crystal Palace. Their one-goal lead was wiped out by quickfire efforts from Jorgen Strand Larsen and Joao Gomes.

However, at the end of a wild 17-minute stretch, Eagles defender Marc Guehi followed in the footsteps of his teammate Trevoh Chalobah by capitalising on Wolves' poor set-piece defending and dramatically drawing the visitors level.

Oliver Glasner's team also had the ball in the back of the net for a third time right at the end, but Daniel Munoz's foul on Jose Sa was a saving grace for Wolves. It's not much different from a defeat for a fanbase that's growing increasingly desperate for an elusive win.

Despite still being rooted to the foot of the Premier League table with just three points from a possible 30, Wolves continue to back under-fire manager Gary O'Neil. However, some of his own supporters briefly turned on him last weekend, claiming he made some clueless substitutions.

O'Neil's changes almost paid off, but Palace's late equaliser means that the hosts have conceded at least two goals in each of their last eight matches. They haven't had a longer run without a win at the start of a campaign since the 1983-84 season, when they finished last and were relegated.

Wolves were left to rue their set-piece weaknesses in gameweek 10, while Southampton was celebrating. Martin's men kept Everton at arm's length and then delivered a sucker punch with the force of Adam Armstrong.

Aaron Ramsdale had kept the Saints level with some great saves, but Martin's side went on the attack and got the goal they deserved when Armstrong coolly finished first-time from Yukinari Sugawara's cross. They then had to survive a massive scare when Beto made the net ripple at the other end.

The offside flag didn't initially go up, but a VAR review showed that the Toffees striker had indeed gone early. This was met with a lot of relief on the South Coast as Southampton finally ended their wait for a first Premier League win since March 2023.

The Saints hadn't won in 22 top-flight games before beating Everton, but they're still in trouble. They're in 19th place, just one point better than upcoming hosts Wolves and three points behind 17th-place Palace, who have a better goal difference.

Next on Martin's list is to end Southampton's eight-game losing streak in the Premier League. Only Brentford have also failed to win any away games this season. Interestingly, the Saints have lost their last five matches against Wolves, despite winning 2-0 against them in the FA Cup last year.

Recent Performance

Wolverhampton Wanderers Premier League form:LLLLDD

Southampton Premier League form:DLLLLW

Southampton form (all competitions):LLLLWW

Team News

Wolves' injury situation didn't change last weekend, so the long-term quintet of Bastien Meupiyou (fitness), Sasa Kalajdzic (knee), Enso Gonzalez (knee), Boubacar Traore (knee) and Yerson Mosquera (knee) are still out for this one too.

Hwang Hee-chan (ankle) is also facing a tough challenge to make a comeback before the international break. Even though Sam Johnstone (groin) has been training for the past couple of weeks, he hasn't yet returned to the matchday squad.

So, it looks like his place in goal is safe for now, but we might see Mario Lemina back in midfield after he only came on as a sub against Palace after coming back from a calf problem.

Martin said after the win over Everton that Adam Lallana's withdrawal at half-time was injury-related. The veteran playmaker tweaked his groin and is now a doubt for Saturday's game.

Ryan Fraser is in the same situation with an unspecified problem, while Gavin Bazunu (Achilles), Will Smallbone (thigh) and Ross Stewart (calf) are all definitely out for the trip to Molineux.

Lallana's possible absence should mean Joe Aribo can come back in, while Tyler Dibling is a possible replacement for Cameron Archer. The 18-year-old is one booking away from a ban, though.

Possible starting lineups

Wolverhampton Wanderers possible starting lineup:

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

Southampton possible starting lineup:

Ramsdale; Bednarek, Harwood-Bellis, Stephens; Sugawara, Downes, Fernandes, Walker-Peters; Aribo, Dibling; Armstrong