Predicted Southampton line-up to face Wolves in the Premier League
Southampton were soundly beaten by Liverpool at Anfield last weekend and the pressure will start to mount on Mark Hughes to deliver, given that the Saints were agonisingly close to facing the drop last season.
The Saints return to take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in the league this weekend and Mark Hughes has to be cautious going into the game. The newcomers have already stunned Manchester City and Manchester United this season and they are more than capable of holding their own.
Team News
Manolo Gabbiadini and Mohamed Elyounoussi are still not ready and are major doubts for this game. The manager will be glad to have Danny Ings back at his disposal after the striker missed the game against his parent club Liverpool last weekend.
Probable Southampton XI
Manager: Mark Hughes
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Alex McCarthy (GK)
An impressive presence in goal this season, McCarthy will definitely play a crucial role in keeping the Saints up.
Cedric Soares (RB)
Soares has flourished under Mark Hughes. His marauding runs down the flank have seen him bag a few assists.
Jannik Vestergaard (CB)
The Dane has been impressive at the back so far but he was helpless against a rampant Liverpool side.
Wesley Hoedt (CB)
Hoedt turned the ball into his own net in the game against Liverpool and will be aiming to make amends in this fixture.
Ryan Bertrand (LB)
A very mobile and powerful full-back, Bertrand always has a good chance of getting on the scoresheet.
Oriol Romeu (CDM)
Romeu’s towering presence and bullying in the middle of the park will be key to stopping a cohesive Wolves side.
Nathan Redmond (RM)
Redmond has failed to live up to the mark and really needs to show more urgency in the final third. His finishing has been poor too.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (RCM)
The midfielder seems to be scoring for fun at the moment. He is enjoying a good spell in front of the goal and Mark Hughes would love another blinder from him.
Mario Lemina (LCM)
His work rate is unrivalled in the squad and his set-pieces are immaculate. Lemina will pull the strings in the middle of the park.
Stuart Armstrong (LM)
Matt Targett was completely taken out of the equation against Liverpool and so Armstrong could start in his place.
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Danny Ings (ST)
The Saints’ main man at the moment, Ings possesses the ability to score from anywhere and at any time.