Southampton travel to Molineux this weekend with the hope of putting a run of three consecutive league defeats to an end. Wolves come into this fixture off the back of a shock win away to the league champions Manchester City.
Wolves currently sit in 11th place in the Premier League, three points above Southampton, who now languish in 17th with seven points.
The last time the two sides faced off was back in April, as Southampton recorded their last win of the 2018/19 Premier League thanks to a brace from Nathan Redmond and Shane Long, who got the final goal in the 3-1 victory at St Mary’s.
Southampton are still without Cedric Soares and Moussa Djenepo for the fixture – both remain sidelined – while Wolves could be without Diogo Jota, Romain Saiss, Pedro Neto and Leander Dendoncker.
Onto the combined XI, the team will line up in a 3-4-3 formation, which players from both sides have a familiarity with. This formation pushes the wing-backs further forward, allowing for a more effective high press.
As always with these combined line-ups, it will only contain the best players that will be available for the forthcoming fixture.
Goalkeeper - Rui Patricio
This choice was easy, especially given Southampton’s goalkeeper woes in recent weeks. Patricio is a European champion with Portugal and has produced a number of fine performances in a Wolves shirt.
Centre-back - Jan Bednarek
Jan Bednarek has been one of the very few shining lights at the back for Southampton in recent times. During the international break, Bednarek helped Poland qualify for next summer’s European Championships.
Centre-back - Conor Coady
Conor Coady has been a mainstay in the Wolves backline since 2015 and has established himself as club captain. Coady’s calm, collected and a natural leader; an asset to any side.
Centre-back - Willy Boly
Willy Boly has been a big powerful centre-back for Wolves ever since his loan to Molineux in their promotion season led to a permanent transfer. Boly is dominant in the air, both defensively and offensively, and can chip in with goals at set plays.
Right wing-back - Adama Traore
Adama Traore was Wolves’ match-winner at the Etihad in the last round of fixtures. Traore is traditional a pacey and powerful winger, but over the course of this season, has been converted into a wing-back by Nuno Espirito Santo and has adapted to his defensive duties well while still possessing his attacking qualities.
Central midfield -Ruben Neves
Wolves shocked the footballing world when they signed the FC Porto captain in the summer of 2017 as a Championship side. Neves has become something of a cult hero in Wolverhampton and has undeniable talent.
Central midfield - Joao Moutinho
Wolves made another impressive signing in the heart of their midfield when they landed Moutinho for around £5 million. Moutinho has bags of Champions League experience and quality and has taken to life in the Premier League like a duck to water, creating a very efficient partnership with Ruben Neves.
Left wing-back - Ryan Bertrand
Ryan Bertrand slots in at left wing-back, allowing him to perform more overlapping runs, which we are used to seeing from him. Bertrand is solid defensively and offers an extra threat from down the left-hand side.
Right wing -Nathan Redmond
Redmond is arguably Southampton’s best attacking outlet and they are certainly more dangerous when he’s in the side. Since the arrival of Ralph Hasenhuttl, Redmond has developed his forward play leaps and bounds, and at times, operates as a second striker rather than just a wide man. His trickery, quick feet and ability to score goals are assets to any side.
Striker - Raul Jimenez
Raul Jimenez was a star in the 2018 World Cup and proved his quality in the Premier League with Wolves last season. Jimenez has exceptional hold-up and link-up play along with deadly finishing, which makes him an exceptional front-man.
Left wing - Sofiane Boufal
Boufal’s return to Southampton has been promising but narrowly without the end product. Boufal, like Redmond, has trickery, quick feet and the ability to beat a man in an abundance. He’s not far away from hitting his best form, and in this formation, in a more free role, he would have the opportunity to do so.