Southampton must respond to their equal-worst defeat since spring 2013 in the Europa League play-off round against Midtjylland at St Mary’s this evening.
They are strongly fancied to do so as 33/100 favourites, with the champions of Denmark 8/1 to inflict a second successive home defeat on their hosts and the draw a 15/4 shot.
Ronald Koeman’s men displayed many of the characteristics that earned them their spot in this competition when knocking out Vitesse 5-0 on aggregate in the previous round; a double dose of Dutch clean sheets the main similarity with 2014/15.
Yet a new-found defensive generosity may undermine their chances of doing likewise against the visiting Danes and both teams to score looks a solid 11/10 bet.
The Saints have leaked five goals in their opening two Premier League games against Newcastle and Everton, displaying a particular vulnerability to counter attacks in both fixtures.
Upholding defensive perspicacity after selling midfield lynchpin Morgan Schneiderlin and right-back Nathaniel Clyne and losing goalkeeper Fraser Forster to long-term injury was always going to be difficult.
However, Koeman’s task had been made all the more complicated thanks to injuries to Schneiderlin’s heir apparent Jordie Clasie and Ryan Bertrand that will keep both men out here.
Their opponents are of a sufficient calibre to succeed where previous Europa League adversaries Vitesse failed, in finding the net.
Jess Thorup’s side only missed out on a spot in the Champions League play-off round on away goals to APOEL Nicosia (who played in the competition proper last term) drawing 2-2 over the two ties and winning the away leg 1-0 in Cyprus.
The Wolves should be the sharper outfit having played Superliga matches throughout July and August and they’ve been shut out just once in their last 13 games.
Given the likelihood that they can find a way past the Saints’ newly-porous rearguard bwin’s match-betting with both teams to score market looks fruitful.
Southampton are 15/4 to claim victory in this manner, while a score draw is 23/4 and the Midtjylland win is priced up at 35/4.
