Southampton could move as high as Twelfth if they achieve victory in the Premier League on Monday night. An encouraged and reenergised West Bromwich Albion side are the only obstacle standing in front of the Saints.
Main talking points:
Danny Ings will be hoping to continue a run of form in the league after registering a goal and assist in last week’s clash with Burnley. The Clarets lodged a two-goal advantage early on in the second half however, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Saints fired three past Nick Pope to ensure the three points remained in Southampton. Currently sitting in fourteenth, Southampton will be determined to finish the season strong.
The Baggies currently stand second from bottom in the Premier League table and have really struggled to find form in their first season back since the 2017/18 season when they dropped down to the Championship.
West Brom fans will have reason for hope however due to last week’s shock result when they overturned Chelsea 5-2 at Stamford Bridge. Both Callum Robinson and Matheus Pereira caused the Blues backline all kinds of problems. The Baggies will revitalised from this result and will be encouraged that they have more than a chance to pick up more points this match week.
Team News:
Southampton:
The Saints will keep an eye on Right Back Kyle Walk-Peters as he has a slight leg problem and faces a late fitness test ahead of the trip to The Hawthorns.
Hasenhuttl did not have any other new injury concerns to report, the only other issues were known long term injuries for Oriol Romeu, William Smallbone and Michael Obafemi.
West Brom:
Sam Allardyce is optimistic that defender Dara O’Shea will be fit after an ankle issue that saw him struggle off the field early on in the game. Full back Branislav Ivanovic has been ruled out after a hamstring strain.
(Sky Sports)
Predicted Line ups:
Southampton:
Forster; Walker-Peters, Vestergaard, Bednarek, Bertrand, Ward-Prowse, Diallo, Armstrong, Walcott, Redmond, Ings.
West Brom:
Johnstone; Townsend, Ajayi, Bartley, Livermore, Furlong, Pereira, Maitland Niles, Yokuslu, Phillips, Diagne.
Ones to Watch:
Underrated Scotsman Stuart Armstrong may go under the radar, but the versatile midfielder has been putting in some very impressive performances so far this season. Armstrong scored in Saints’ 3-2 victory over Burnley and was voted man of the match on Southampton Vavel’s player of the match poll.
The 29Y/O attacker works hard and enjoys linking up with his teammates to progress the attack. Armstrong very much fits the Hassenhutl model and is well appreciated within the Southampton fan base. Armstrong could be the difference maker that helps to bring 3 points back to the south coast come Monday night.
How to watch:
Due to current restrictions with the Coronavirus pandemic, Fans will not be able to attend however, this game can be watched on Sky Sports Premier league and main event from 5:30 before kick off at 6pm.