Southampton vs. Wolverhampton Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 15 March 2025 - bettingexpert
In a crucial Premier League clash on 15 March 2025, bottom-of-the-table Southampton hosts Wolverhampton at St. Mary’s Stadium. Despite their struggles, the importance of this match cannot be overstated as both teams are battling to avoid relegation. Referee Robert Jones will oversee proceedings.
Southampton, managed by Ivan Jurić, has had a torrid season, sitting 20th with just 9 points. Their form has been dismal, highlighted by a string of defeats, and their defense has been the league’s weakest. The Saints have not kept a clean sheet in their last five matches and are lacking spark in attack, averaging just 0.40 goals per game recently.
On the other hand, Vitor Pereira’s Wolverhampton is 17th with 23 points, holding a six-point cushion above the relegation zone. Wolves are the favorites considering their recent head-to-head record against Southampton, winning their last five encounters, including a 2-0 win earlier this season. Even with key player Matheus Cunha suspended, they pose a significant threat, having scored in five consecutive league matches.
Given Southampton’s defensive woes and Wolves’ recent form, Wolverhampton appears poised to extend their unbeaten streak against Southampton and secure a vital three points.
Southampton vs Wolverhampton Prediction & Betting tip
Given the current form and match facts, we recommend betting on a Wolverhampton win.
| Southampton vs Wolverhampton Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Wolverhampton win | 2.04 |
- Wolves are in better form, having avoided defeat in their last five league encounters against Southampton.
- Southampton are struggling both defensively and offensively, sitting last in the table with only 9 points.
- Wolverhampton’s recent record against Southampton speaks volumes, having won the last five matches between these two.
Southampton vs Wolverhampton Odds
The odds for this crucial Premier League relegation battle indicate a clear favourite. Wolverhampton, with their slightly better position and recent form, are tipped to take the win, while struggling Southampton finds themselves as the underdogs.
| Southampton vs Wolverhampton Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Southampton | 3.62 |
| Draw | 3.45 |
| Wolverhampton | 2.04 |
Wolves’ recent dominance over Southampton, coupled with Southampton’s bleak form and defensive weaknesses, makes the visitors the preferred bet.
The odds reflect expectations for Wolverhampton to extend their advantage over the relegation zone and push Southampton further into the mire.
Southampton Team Analysis
Southampton Recent Performance
Southampton’s recent form has been a series of unfortunate results, showcasing their ongoing struggles at the bottom of the Premier League table.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | Southampton | 3-1 (Loss) |
| Chelsea | Southampton | 4-0 (Loss) |
| Southampton | Brighton | 0-4 (Loss) |
| Southampton | Bournemouth | 1-3 (Loss) |
| Southampton | Burnley | 0-1 (Loss) |
Recent Form: LLLWL
Southampton has managed 0.40 goals per game in their last five outings, highlighting their offensive struggles. The team has also failed to keep a single clean sheet, conceding heavily and reflecting their defensive vulnerabilities. They are currently sitting last in the table with only 9 points and have the weakest defense in the league.
Southampton Key Players
As Southampton prepare for their crucial fixture against Wolverhampton, a few key players will need to step up to improve their dire situation at the bottom of the table. Joe Aribo, the club’s top scorer with 3 goals, will again be closely watched to see if he can inspire a lacklustre Saints attack. The expected lineup suggests Kamaldeen Sulemana will play up front, and his pace could be a significant factor.
Expected lineup for Southampton:
- Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale
- Defenders: Kyle Walker-Peters, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Ryan Manning
- Midfielders: Tyler Dibling, Lesley Ugochukwu, Will Smallbone, Mateus Fernandes, Albert Gronbaek
- Forward: Kamaldeen Sulemana
The individual duel between Aribo and Wolves’ strong defensive unit, including Matt Doherty, will be one to watch.
Southampton Suspensions & Injuries
Southampton is grappling with key injuries as they aim to mitigate their season’s woes at St. Mary’s. This includes the potential absences of crucial players who could be pivotal in this fixture.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Ross Stewart | Calf Injury | Doubtful |
| Ryan Fraser | Physical discomfort | Doubtful |
| James Bree | Hamstring Injury | Doubtful |
The absence of these players will weaken Southampton’s already struggling squad, leaving coach Ivan Jurić with fewer options for rotation and potentially compromising their tactical flexibility. Without key players like James Bree, Ryan Fraser, and Ross Stewart, Southampton’s defensive frailties could be further exposed, making an already challenging task against Wolverhampton even more difficult.
Southampton Tactics and Formation
Southampton Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-4-1-1
- Key Forward: Kamaldeen Sulemana
- Midfield Quartet: Tyler Dibling, Lesley Ugochukwu, Will Smallbone, Albert Gronbaek
- Defensive Line-up: Kyle Walker-Peters, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Ryan Manning
- Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale
Despite Southampton’s low points tally and defensive struggles (0 clean sheets in the last 5 games), coach Ivan Jurić continues to emphasize a structured defense in their 4-4-1-1 lineup. Utilizing speedy wingers, Southampton aims for quick breaks and counters, particularly during the 46-60 minute interval where they’ve been most effective. However, vulnerabilities remain, particularly in the closing stages of matches, where they have conceded the most goals.
Jurić will hope to turn the tide, prioritizing defensive resilience and disciplined formations to stifle Wolves’ attacking threats.
Wolverhampton Team Analysis
Wolverhampton Recent Performance
Wolverhampton’s form has been mixed lately, but they’ve shown resilience and the ability to pick up points. Their recent performance includes:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Wolverhampton | Everton | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Bournemouth | Wolverhampton | 1-1 (Loss – Penalties) |
| Wolverhampton | Fulham | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Bournemouth | Wolverhampton | 0-1 (Win) |
| Liverpool | Wolverhampton | 2-1 (Loss) |
Despite having just one clean sheet in their last five matches, Wolves have managed to score in every one of these games, averaging 1.80 goals per match. Their attack, spearheaded by Matheus Cunha, has proven effective, although his suspension due to a red card might impact them. Wolverhampton’s defense, however, needs tightening up to convert these draws and close losses into wins. With better positioning in the league, they’ll hope to capitalize on Southampton’s weaknesses.
Wolverhampton Key Players
Matheus Cunha, the top scorer for Wolverhampton with 13 goals this season, will be a significant loss due to suspension. However, Wolverhampton still boasts a strong lineup.
Expected lineup for Wolverhampton:
- Goalkeeper: Jose Sa
- Defenders: Matt Doherty, Emmanuel Agbadou, Toti Gomes
- Midfielders: Nélson Semedo, André Trindade, Joao Gomes, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Marshall Munetsi
- Forward: Jørgen Strand Larsen
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Marshall Munetsi are likely to spearhead the midfield, providing creativity and drive. Keep an eye on Jørgen Strand Larsen up front, as he will need to step up in Cunha’s absence.
Key battles to watch include Larsen against Southampton’s defenders like Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Armel Bella-Kotchap.
Wolverhampton Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Sasa Kalajdzic | Cruciate ligament injury | Late March 2025 |
| Enso González | Cruciate ligament injury | Early May 2025 |
| Yerson Mosquera | Knee injury | Mid August 2025 |
| Leon Chiwome | Cruciate ligament injury | Late September 2025 |
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
| ————— | ———— | —————– |
| Matheus Cunha | Red card | Banned matches left 3 |
The absence of Matheus Cunha is a significant setback for Wolverhampton as he’s their leading scorer this season. This means extra responsibility falls on Jørgen Strand Larsen to find the back of the net. Key injuries to players like Sasa Kalajdzic and Enso González reduce their attacking options further, making it crucial for their midfield to step up. This could impact Wolves’ overall performance, but their strong defensive lineup should help them manage.
Wolverhampton Tactics and Formation
Wolverhampton Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Key Forward: Jørgen Strand Larsen, who will be pivotal in the absence of Matheus Cunha.
- Midfield Dynamics: Joao Gomes and André Trindade will anchor the center, flanked by Nelson Semedo and Rayan Ait Nouri on the wings. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Marshall Munetsi function as attacking midfielders, likely to aid in both defense and attack.
- Defensive Setup: A back three consisting of Matt Doherty, Emmanuel Agbadou, and Toti Gomes, supported by Jose Sa in goal. They have managed one clean sheet in the last five matches.
- Notable Strategy: Wolves’ recent strategy emphasizes a balanced attack, leveraging wide play to create scoring opportunities. Given their last five scores, the team’s focus on a solid defense and timely counterattacks stands out.
- Head Coach’s Emphasis: Vitor Pereira will likely push for aggressive pressing and maintaining shape, especially given Southampton’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Southampton vs Wolverhampton Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Wolverhampton | Southampton | 2-0 |
| Southampton | Wolverhampton | 1-2 |
| Wolverhampton | Southampton | 1-0 |
| Wolverhampton | Southampton | 3-1 |
| Southampton | Wolverhampton | 0-1 |
The head-to-head statistics between Southampton and Wolverhampton reveal a challenging history for the home team, Southampton.
Wolves have dominated the last five encounters, winning all of them. This streak includes a 2-0 victory earlier this season and a 1-2 win at St. Mary’s Stadium last season.
Southampton will need to overcome significant psychological and tactical obstacles to break this losing trend.
“Odds accurate as of 13/03/2025 15:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.”
