Southampton v Wolves Preview
Posted on | November 14, 2008 | No Comments
This is a fixture which involves two of the so called bigger clubs of the division, yet they’re at different ends of the table. Wolves are leading the pack and now find themselves an incredible six points ahead of 2nd place Birmingham, while Southampton have escaped the relegation zone for now yet still lie in 21st position.
On the evidence so far, it looks set to be a long, hard season for Southampton. While they have grinded out the odd great result this season, their form is far too inconsistent and they look too easy to beat at the moment. It was said last week how their 3-2 victory over Preston could be the turning point of their season, especially after going two goals down so early. However, they responded in typical Saints fashion, getting beaten 1-0 by a Bristol City side who aren’t in the best of form themselves. While there’s no doubt that manager Jan Poortvliet is moulding some great young players, as a team they simply don’t seem to be clicking and something needs to alter if they are going to better last season’s last day escape.
As for Wolves, Mick McCarthy’s men are back on track for the top flight now. Their form took a turn for the worst a few weeks ago but four consecutive wins have put them in pole position for promotion. They’ve faced two play off sides in Cardiff and Burnley in recent weeks and managed wins out of both so it’s clear that the Molineux side are serious about going up this season. Perhaps the biggest secret of their success is the unbelievable attacking talent they have at their disposal, with Michael Kightly, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Chris Iwelumo all in sensational form. The trio have twenty five goals between them and when a team can rely on such threats, it’s no wonder why they’re doing so well.
In terms of team news, Southampton will welcome back Morgan Schneiderlin, Jordan Robertson and Chris Perry who all return from injuries. However, Jan Poortvliet will have to be without Romain Gasmi and Ryan Smith who are both struggling for fitness. It’s a better scenario for Mick McCarthy with the Wolves boss having no fresh concerns heading into this one. Even though Jason Shackell and Mark Davies will be available following illness, McCarthy isn’t likely to make many changes and they probably won’t be involved.
Wolves have a terrible record against Southampton, failing to win in the last seventeen attempts. What’s more, it was only last season when they were battered 6-0 by the St Mary’s side. However, they’re on such a good run at the moment that we can’t see anything other than an away win – 2-1.
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- Wolves v Blackpool Preview
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- Reading v Southampton Preview
- Southampton v Cardiff Preview
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