Saints host the Baggies in high spirits on the back of a six game unbeaten run.
A goalless draw at Swansea last weekend extended Mauricio Pochettino`s men run of matches without a loss, and they return to home soil where they have tasted defeat only once since the Argentine coach was appointed in January.
After the Saints lost 2-0 to WBA in November they were bottom and had taken just 4 points from their opening ten matches. The team was conceding goals regularly and seemed doomed to a long hard season.
Since then we have steadily improved and are approaching safety. So much so that this game could see us safely ensconced in the Premier League for another season.
Now we look forward to games with hope, and I feel we can show the Baggies how much we have improved of late, and gain the win we desire at their expence.
Vital Quotes:
Saints Team News:
Guly has recovered from his bout of aickness and Kelvin Davis has regained full fitness.
Luke Shaw could be ready to return whilst James Ward-Prowse is unlikely to have recovered from the knock he gained playing for the U21’s.
Player to watch: Jay Rodriguez
Jay is much more the player we bought and is finally looking a threat in every game.
WBA Team News:
Captain Chris Brunt is probably unavailable through injury.
Player to watch: Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku has been a very good loan for WBA this season and could easily be a regular for Chelsea next season.
Match Facts & Stats
Competitively, Southampton and West Brom have faced each-other on 69 occasions. 24 of those games have gone Saints’ way, 22 have ended in draws and 21 in Baggies victories.
In the last decade we have met 9 times with 5 draws and 2 wins apiece.
Ref Watch:
Robert Madley referees Saturday`s game.
Mr M Mullarkey and Mr S Bennett assist.
Phil Dowd is the fourth official.
Match Prediction:
Saints 2-1 WBA
