Wolverhampton vs Southampton Predictions

• Wolves have conceded in their last 21 league games
• Both teams have scored in each of Wolves’ last nine league matches
• Southampton have scored in five of their last six league matches
• The Saints have kept only one clean sheet this term

O’Neil under pressure

Saturday pits the Premier League’s bottom two against each other, with hosts Wolves in last place and still searching for their first win of the campaign. The hosts have won just once across their last 20 league games, with their form taking a nose dive earlier this year following a strong start to the last campaign.

With the final international break of 2024 starting on Monday, this is the last opening for sides to fire and hire before the hectic winter run starts. Next week would be the perfect time to make a managerial change for one of the strugglers, so it looks like Saturday’s game is a must-win for Gary O’Neil.

Big week for Saints

Southampton had been winless in the Premier League until last weekend when they saw off Everton 1-0 at St Mary’s. The south coast club have now won consecutive matches in all competitions after a 3-2 Carabao Cup win over Stoke City at the end of October.

The most encouraging factor for the Saints has to be that they’ve become more clinical in front of goal. Russell Martin saw his team score just once across their opening four Premier League contests, but their only blank across their last six assignments came away to Man City.

Back goals at Molineux

Saturday’s clash between a Saints side that have lost five from five on the road and winless Wolves is tough to call. However, goals look well-priced for a contest between two of the worst backlines in the division. Only three teams have conceded more than Southampton and one of those is Wolves, who have shipped a league-high 27 goals.

However, the hosts have been good going forward to compensate for their defensive issues. They’ve gone 21 league games without a clean sheet, but they’ve scored in 16 of those – including each of their previous nine. The hosts have scored against Chelsea, Newcastle, Liverpool and Man City at home this term and they drew 2-2 against Crystal Palace at Molineux last weekend.

Another high-scoring draw is on the cards for Wolves, which may not be enough for O’Neil. The hosts have seen Jorgen Strand Larsen net four times this season in the league, with three of those coming in five home appearances. Given Southampton’s defensive issues, back him to find the net.