Southampton FC predicted team vs Wolves in Premier League

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side are unbeaten in four in the league and have progressed into the final 16 of the EFL Cup too, with wins over lower league sides Newport County and Sheffield United.

But it’s back to the bread and butter after a midweek runout for a number of Saints’ fringe players, including a Saints debut for Lyanco – probably the last start he will make for a number of weeks.

Hasenhuttl will have to do without Jack Stephens in centre-back for the first time this season, just as the 27-year-old was hotting up as one of Saints’ top performers.

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Centre-back Jack Stephens faces three months on the sidelines (Pic: PA)

Wolves managed to pick a win away to Watford a couple of weekends ago, but other than that have lost every Premier League game of the season so far and also took Spurs all the way midweek, with a penalty shootout defeat.

James Ward-Prowse was rested from the start for the first time in over two years, and will look forward to taking back his place in central midfield for a 101st consecutive top-flight match, and donning the armband again.

Using previous lineups, what we learned in Hasenhuttl’s press conference and looking at the rotation side that played midweek, we’re able to predict how we think Saints will line up against Wolves.

Our starting XI prediction:

Goalkeeper

Fraser Forster got his usual cup runout and ended up being the victor in a penalty shootout, but Alex McCarthy will once again take back the shirt for this Premier League tie. After not keeping a league clean sheet in 2021, two came in consecutive games for the shot-stopper.

Alex McCarthy has started every Premier League game this season (Pic: PA)

Defence

Jack Stephens’ injury and Lyanco’s difficult start mean it will definitely be Jan Bednarek and Mohammed Salisu who start in the centre of defence. Oriol Romeu did a job in this position against the Blades briefly, and that might be something we see in game again over the season.

Flanking the two centre-backs, Tino Livramento will be restored to the right and Kyle Walker-Peters to the left, with Yan Valery and Romain Perraud both playing the full 90’ up north on Tuesday.

Jan Bednarek's minutes were limited but he will now start every game in Jack Stephens' absence (Pic: PA)

Midfield

As mentioned, James Ward-Prowse will return to the starting fold – and I believe that will be in Hasenhuttl’s usual 4-2-2-2. This will be a game in which the Austrian manager will believe he can impose his style on the opposition, rather than needing to meet needs by changing, hence why I’ve opted for this formation. That means Oriol Romeu will partner the skipper in the defensive midfield position.

As for the wingers, Nathan Redmond was hooked at half-time against Sheffield United and that could mean he is planning to start him and wanted him to be fresh, but I think it could be otherwise due to his less than tantalising performances so far. Therefore, I’d say it’s all but a guarantee that Moi Elyounoussi will return to the starting fold, with potentially Moussa Djenepo – who needs to add some end product soon – on the left to drive at the Wolves defenders.

Oriol Romeu did a deputy job at centre-back before scoring the winning penalty midweek (Pic: PA)

Attackers

Armando Broja didn’t impress Hasenhuttl again midweek, judging by his comments, so it looks likely that Che Adams will partner Adam Armstrong. It’s a big opportunity for both forwards to kickstart their seasons, while Armstrong will be desperate to start adding to his account that opened with a wicked finish in Everton on the opening day.

Che Adams will want his first Premier League goal of the season sooner rather than later (Pic: PA)

Team in full: 

How would you line up? Tell us in the comments below...