Defender José Fonte says Wolves’ ability to keep hold of their star players ensures they will provide Saints with a strong test this weekend.
The likes of Steven Fletcher and Kevin Doyle have yet to be tempted away from Molineux, with new manager Ståle Solbakken managing to add players to his team rather than lose any.
And so Fonte believes coming up against the Black Country outfit will offer Saints with a good barometer of their preparations for life in the Barclays Premier League.
“I think they will prove very tough opposition,” the Portuguese told Saints Player.
“Obviously they were in the Premier League last year with some experienced players and they have managed to keep most of them.
“They have a new manager as well, so they are probably firing on all cylinders. It will be a tough game and another good test.
“Unfortunately they were relegated last year, but they do still have a strong squad and that will make it tough.”
José – who has stepped in as captain a number of times so far in pre-season – says that the squad’s work ahead of the new season has put them in a good place with just over a fortnight until the opening game at Manchester City.
“We are all very hungry to show what we are capable of,” he insisted.
“We had a good week in France – it was progressive and, like last year, we have had a good pre-season.
“We are feeling better and better and we look forward to the next stage.
“I think everything is going well, according to plan and we are all anticipating the start of the season.
“We have our own ambitions,” he continued.
“This club is a winning club and it has been that way since Nicola Cortese came in with his winning mentality. We have to keep that and improve upon it.
“We know it is a tough league and the best in the world, but we are preparing ourselves to carry on winning.”
Click here for José's interview with Saints Player and here to see a video of him speaking to the assembled press.
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