Southampton lineup vs. Wolves: Predicted XI for Premier League clash including Jan Bednarek decision

Southampton head coach Ivan Juric will have to cope without Jan Bednarek again for Saturday's Premier League showdown with Wolverhampton Wanderers at St Mary's.

The Polish centre-back returned to the starting XI against Liverpool last weekend following a fatigue-related issue, but he only lasted 19 minutes before succumbing to a head injury as his side lost 3-1.

Bednarek will not be available to face the Old Gold due to concussion protocol, but thankfully for Juric, he has a ready-made replacement waiting.

Armel Bella-Kotchap stepped in for the stricken Bednarek last weekend and earned a positive review from his manager, so the 23-year-old has a strong chance of being promoted to the first XI here.

Bella-Kotchap could comprise part of an otherwise unchanged rearguard of Aaron Ramsdale, Kyle Walker-Peters, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Ryan Manning, while Flynn Downes and Lesley Ugochukwu should pair up just ahead of the quartet due to Will Smallbone's injury.

Tyler Dibling, Mateus Fernandes and Kamaldeen Sulemana's spots should also be safe, as Southampton largely held their own at Anfield, so Juric is unlikely to consider wholesale alterations.

However, towering striker Paul Onuachu ought to be banging on the door for a recall up front in place of Albert Gronbaek.

Southampton possible starting lineup: Ramsdale; Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Bella-Kotchap, Manning; Ugochukwu, Downes; Dibling, Fernandes, Sulemana; Onuachu

> Click here to see how Wolves could line up for this game