Joao Moutinho warms up before kick-off
(Reuters)
Sunday football in the Premier League opens with two teams struggling to get to grips with the 2021/22 season, as Southampton host Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Saints have been somewhat improved of late after a poor start to the campaign from a defensive standpoint, but four successive draws leaves them in 15th without a win in the league – Ralph Hasenhuttl has overseen an upturn in fortunes in one half of the pitch, but after successive goalless draws he’ll hope for more in the final third, too. That said, a 0-0 stalemate with Manchester City last time out was a definite hard-earned point which Saints – or indeed most teams – would happily take.
As for Wolves, they are yet to get firing under new boss Bruno Lage, managing just one win in their five games so far, with defeats in all the rest. They are one place and point back from their hosts on Sunday afternoon, following a home loss to Brentford last weekend. Wolves at least produced a stirring comeback in midweek against Spurs in the Carabao Cup, but exited regardless after a penalty shootout.
Follow all the build-up to Southampton vs Wolves and live coverage of the match here, with all the action from the north London derby to follow later:
Southampton vs Wolves
3 mins: Early chance! Southampton are cut open straight away as Jimenez feeds Semado down the right hand side and the wing-back has tonnes of space to run into. The former Barcelona man strikes towards goal but it’s tipped away by McCarthy.
The Saints keeper then safely gathers the resulting corner.
Dylan Terry26 September 2021 14:04
Southampton vs Wolves
1 min: We are underway at St Mary’s. The visitors get the game going as they shoot from left to right in all black. Saints in their usual red and white stripes.
Dylan Terry26 September 2021 14:01
Southampton vs Wolves
Right, we’re all set and ready to go with 15th vs 16th in the Premier League table. Lots and lots of sport going on today but if you’ve decided to join us then I can only thank you.
Dylan Terry26 September 2021 13:58
Southampton vs Wolves
Almost ready to go. Just one win between the two sides so far this season.
(Getty Images)
Dylan Terry26 September 2021 13:55
Southampton vs Wolves
A reminder of the team news as we enter the final ten minutes until kick off. Who do you fancy to take three points here?
Dylan Terry26 September 2021 13:51
Southampton vs Wolves
The players are out warming up for this one. The crowd is flooding into St Mary’s as we prepare for the first game of the day.
A reminder: the North London derby is coming up at 4.30pm BST. We will have live updates of that one too.
Dylan Terry26 September 2021 13:46
Southampton vs Wolves
Wolves have won on each of their last two visits to St Mary’s. That’s ominous for Southampton, who have struggled in front of their own fans so far this season.
Meanwhile, Wolves’ only victory so far in the Premier League came on the road against Watford.
Dylan Terry26 September 2021 13:36
Southampton vs Wolves
Very little to split between these two sides this afternoon to be honest. Neither have been particularly impressive so far but both may feel slightly aggrieved that they have not picked up more points based on their performances.
A chance for both teams to make a statement today.
Dylan Terry26 September 2021 13:31
Southampton vs Wolves
Bit of a journey for the Wolves fans on this Sunday afternoon. Dedication to the cause when your side have only won once so far this season.
(Getty Images)
Dylan Terry26 September 2021 13:26
