Saints welcome top of the league Wolves to St. Mary’s this weekend. Saints are on the back of another home defeat at the hands of Bristol City.
The south coast side will look to put their dire home record right this weekend. Yet, the task could not be harder. Mick McCarthy’s men sit in 1st place on 37 points, six clear of Birmingham.
Saints will be boosted by Morgan Schneiderlin who is fit to start, and on loan from Sheffield United, Jordan Robertson has recovered from illness.
Saints will also be aided with experience at the back four this Saturday as Chris Perry is fit to start. The Saints will once again be without Captain Michael Svensson who is still sidelined, recovering from a knee injury.
Wolves’ great start to the season is down to their impressive home and away form. The Black Country side have won seven of the eight games at Molineux. Away from home they have won five from eight – the best in the league.
Past encounters between the two sides who suggest that Wolves will find it difficult against the Southerners. They have not beaten the Saints in 17 attempts, with their last coming in 1980.
Vital Quotes:
“I’m glad that he is available to us because I think we saw what it was like when he was not there,” Poortvliet explained. “He enables us to break out in the way that we want to and I think Jason has been a very useful player in the role that he has played.”
Southampton Team News:
Morgan Schneiderlin returns to the squad following a thigh strain. Chris Perry and Jordan Robertson are declared fit to play.
Player to watch: Adam Lallana
The young shinning star has been Saints’ most reliable player. He continues to make the headlines with his talent. Hopefully Lallana can produce his best on Saturday.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Team News:
Defender Jason Shackell and midfielder Mark Davies are unlikely to feature on Saturday due to illness.
Player to watch: Michael Kightly
With seven goals from midfield this season, Kightly is one of the reasons why Wolves are where they are in the league.
Match Facts & Stats
Wolves have not beaten the Saints since 1980; failing the last 17 times.
Last season at St.Mary’s the result finished a score draw, with the fixture at Molineux ending an exciting 2-2.
Ref Watch:
Mr. Lee Mason (Lancashire)
Match Prediction:
Saints 2 – 1 Wolves: Saints’ home form has to change sometime. It would be typical of the Saints to go and beat the league leaders, and with Wolves’ terrible record against the Saints, it could happen.
Next Fixtures:
Reading (A): Saturday 22nd November
