A must-win game for Gary O’Neil takes place at Molineux on Saturday, as Wolverhampton host Southampton in a six-pointer at the bottom of the Premier League standings.
For just the third time in club history, Wolverhampton have failed to win in their opening ten matches, losing seven and playing out just three draws.
O’Neil once again kept faith with a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Nelson Semedo and Rayan Ait-Nouri playing in the full-back positions.
However, it may be time for a change, as Wolverhampton once again stuttered in the final third after accumulating an xG of just 1.65 in the 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace.
Matheus Cunha has been at the heart of everything positive Wolverhampton have been doing this season, scoring four goals and making an average of 2.00 key passes per 90. Playing the Brazilian more central could edge them closer to a first win of the season.
The only change for Wolverhampton this weekend could come in goal, as Sam Johnstone may be fit enough to replace Jose Sa. However, Hee-chan Hwang and Boubacar Traore remain out.
Russell Martin eased the pressure on his shoulders last weekend with a hard-fought 1-0 home win over Everton. Credit must be given to the manager, as he defied fans’ thoughts to go more attacking after keeping faith with the defensively-sound 5-4-1 formation.
Adam Armstrong and Matheus Fernandes’ pace from the wide areas caused Everton lots of problems, and against a back three, that could be an angle worth considering before making a Wolverhampton vs Southampton prediction.
Despite the win, the Saints are still underperforming in front of goal with their system, scoring just once from an xG of 1.54. However, they have also conceded fewer chances with this formation, allowing an xGA of just 6.61 and conceding three goals.
An unchanged line-up could be announced for this weekend, with Adam Lallana and Ryan Fraser still out.
Bet hereIt can’t be understated how big this weekend is for Wolverhampton, as a defeat could leave them seven points from safety.
Despite gaining confidence with a win last weekend, Southampton’s defensive approach means that they often have little room to adjust if they fall behind in matches, and Wolverhampton have at least been strong starters in the Premier League this season after scoring seven of their 14 goals in the opening 45 minutes.
The head-to-head record is also important to consider before making a Wolverhampton vs Southampton prediction, with the hosts having won each of their last five against the Saints.
Matheus Cunha is the one shining light for Wolverhampton this season. The Brazilian has scored a team-high of four goals from an xG of just 2.59. Cunha averaged 3.23 shots per 90 minutes, and he could prove to be the difference-maker in this basement battle on Saturday.
Relegation clashes are always intense affairs, and over 4.5 cards looks a solid alternative betting angle this weekend. Southampton and Wolverhampton rank inside the top four for most cards this season, with the Saints averaging 3.30 per game and the hosts averaging 3.00 cards per match.
Over 4.5 cards has been a winning selection in 70% of Southampton matches and 80% of Wolverhampton matches this season.
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