Southampton v Wolves: Five Saints players to watch

Dan Holes picks out five players who Nuno's side will have to keep a particular eye on.

Nathan Redmond

Since beginning his career at boyhood club Birmingham, Nathan Redmond has since made at least 100 appearances for both Norwich and Southampton as well as representing England at multiple youth levels.

Redmond was first noticed by Birmingham Academy scouts when he was just eight years old and went on to become the second youngest debutant for the club at 16 years and 173 days.

The 2012/13 season saw Redmond establish himself as a first team player and made his 50th appearance in a win against Brighton.

In the summer of 2013 Birmingham accepted a bid from Norwich City of £2 million plus £1.2 million in additional payments.

After three years playing for the Canaries, Redmond then joined Southampton for £10 million and scored on his debut against Watford in a 1-1 draw.

Redmond has been an important player in Ralph Hasenhuttl's rejuvenation with six goals in the Premier League this season.

The winger will be a key attacking force for the Saints this weekend with his keen eye for goal, direct running and link up play.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has picked up performances since the arrival of Austrian manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Hojbjerg began his senior career at Bayern Munich although was unable to force his way into the very competitve first team, and as a result was loaned out to Augsburg and Schalke.

In 2016, the Danish midfielder left Bayern Munich due to lack of playing time swapping Munich for the south coast of England.

2019 however has seen the emergence of Hojbjerg under Hasenhuttl in an effective partnership alongside defensive midfielder Oriel Romeu which has loosened the rains on the Danish international.

The midfielder is a technically gifted player with a wide range of passing as well as the ability to shoot from long distances.

Leander Dendoncker and Ruben Neves will need to press and mark Hojbjerg tightly to ensure he does not get time and space on the ball to dictate the play.

James Ward-Prowse

24 year old James Ward-Prowse has spent his entire career at boyhood club Southampton with 200 appearances in all competitions to his name.

Ward-Prowse began at the Southampton Academy at the age of eight before becoming professional in 2011.

Whilst at the Academy, Ward-Prowse trained with Havant & Waterlooville to strengthen himself.

In 2016 Ward-Prowse led the England Under 21s to their first Toulon Tournament victory since 1994, beating hosts France in the final.

The Southampton man was in the record books once again becoming the fourth youngest ever player to reach 100 Southampton appearances.

The central midfielder is known for the quality of his set piece deliveries from corners and free kicks which cause chaos for opposing defences.

Ward-Prowse will look to distribute the ball and deliver dangerous balls into the Wolves penalty box to cause confusion amongst Wolves' back line.

Danny Ings

Ings began his career at Bournemouth before becoming known for his goals which helped promote Burnley in the 2013/14 Championship season.

The forward joined Burnley for £1 million from Bournemouth in August 2011 on a four year contract.

He was awarded Championship Player of the Year at the Football League Awards for scoring a total of 22 goals to help Burnley finish second to secure automatic promotion.

The striker joined Liverpool in June 2015 from Burnley but only managed 3 goals for the Reds.

Danny Ings joined the Saints after requesting a move away from Liverpool due to a lack of playing time under manager Jurgen Klopp.

He has since enjoyed a more successful time for Southampton having scored seven in 18 appearances.

Ings will be looking to make runs in behind the Wolves defence with his pace as well as link up with Redmond and Ward-Prowse to manipulate the Wolves defence around.

Ryan Bertrand

Former Chelsea youth player Ryan Bertrand has been a Southampton regular since being loaned out to multiple clubs during his time at the Blues.

Bertrand made his European debut in the 2012 Champions League Final against Bayern Munich where he was deployed as a left midfielder.

The left-back began his career at Gillingham before moving to Chelsea and then Southampton initially on loan before signing for £10 million.

Bertrand has made 19 appearances for his country since being called up to the senior side in 2012.

Wolves will need to ensure he is tightly marked due to the fact the full back is effective with his delivery from the left.

If Bertrand is deployed as a wing back as he was against Liverpool Matt Doherty will need assistance in preventing his opposite full back from bombing forward and delivering dangerous balls into the Wolves penalty area.