Wolves play host to Southampton at Molineux on Saturday afternoon with the west midlands club still in search of their first win of this new Premier League season while Southampton have won two of their last three games in the English top flight.
Wolves have drawn three and lost two of their opening five games of this new term having picked up points in draws with Fulham, Newcastle United and Bournemouth.
Nunes on quality, belief and #BOUWOL.💬📰— Wolves (@Wolves) August 31, 2022
Nunes on quality, belief and #BOUWOL.💬📰
But losses against Leeds United and Tottenham, both of which were away from home, have pegged the west midlands club back and the hosts now find themselves in the early relegation places, sitting third from bottom.
Unfortunately for Wolves, the hosts have picked up where they left off at the end of last season’s campaign which saw them fail to win any of their final seven games of last season and this new season has seen little change in fortunes.
Indeed, Wolves have now failed to win any of their last 12 matches overall, while also failing to win any of their last five home games as well.
Goals may be scarce here as well, as the three of Wolves’ last five home games have resulted in under 2.5 goals.
Forward, Chiquinho, is ruled out with injury but new signing, Kalajdzic, could make his debut following a move from Stuttgart.
Southampton’s season has suddenly brightened in recent weeks as the south coast club have picked up two wins from their last three games overall, recording welcome victories over Leicester City and Chelsea with a narrow 1-0 loss at home to Manchester United in between times.
Nevertheless, it’s a definite improvement upon Southampton’s opening day 4-1 defeat away at Tottenham followed by a 2-2 draw at home with Leeds United, and the visitors will make their way up to the west midlands in a much more positive frame of mind.
However, Southampton know they cannot afford to take their foot off the pedal even in these early stages of the season as they won’t want to be battling away in the lower reaches of the division.
But this could be easier said than done as Saints have registered just two wins from their previous 11 matches overall.
Having lost seven of these last 11 games, Ralph Hasenhuttl will be impressing upon his team the importance of at least avoiding defeat here, especially as Southampton have managed just one away win in their last nine outings on the road.
Midfielder Lavia and defender Livramento will be absent through injuries.
Three of the last five meetings between Wolves and Southampton have been under 2.5 goals and this trend could continue on Saturday afternoon.