What a game this is set to be, following Southampton`s 1-0 home defeat last week at the hands of Championship leaders Derby County this match against WBA has become a real play off promotion six pointer.
It is a must win for the saints, a defeat could see saints fall out of the play off positions and it is this season minimum requirement to make it into the top 6 and make the play offs.
Southampton have had a good run of form with only 3 defeats in there last 19 fixtures, which has seen saints become a decent play off team. Many saints` fans want more and are expecting a run for the top two; this of course is not an impossible possibility and a good win away a the Hawthorns this weekend will see Southampton consolidate there play off position and possibly put pressure on the top two. But lets not forget West Brom, there run of 9 wins in there last 12 fixtures has seen them push up to 3rd in the table and only one point off second.
This weekend will see twice former Saint Kevin Phillips line up against Southampton. Phillips started his career at Southampton before moving on and returned for a second stint in 2003 signing for £3.25 million from Sunderland. Phillips never became prolific at Saints; at times his performances were very disappointing. He did play a part in Southampton`s UEFA cup campaign of that year and in fact managed Saints only goal in the competition before they were knocked out. Phillips then moved on to Aston Villa before again moving to his current club West Bromwich Albion. He has managed 10 league goals from 21 apperances so far this season.
Vital Quotes:
Tony Mowbray speaking about George Burley and Southampton – ‘His record speaks for itself, to finish fifth in the Premier League with Ipswich after four successive play-off campaigns.
‘What we do know is that his team will play football, pass the ball and try and play in the right manner.
‘That was the way George was brought up with at Ipswich Town all those years ago, which he’s now taken to Southampton.’
WBA Team News:
Home team news to Follow…..
Player to watch: Kevin Phillips
Well he is a former Saints player so for that reason alone i think he could be a real thorn in our side.
Saints Team News:
SOUTHAMPTON could be on the verge of a defensive crisis.
With Darren Powell and Michael Svensson out injured for the next few weeks at least, the Saints defence is already looking a bit stretched.
But it could be set to get a lot worse if Claus Lundekvam and Chris Baird pick up another yellow card each.
Both players are on 4 yellow cards, 1 more would mean a one match suspension and a real defensive crisis at SMS.
Also Inigo Idiakez is also out suspended following his 5th yellow card last week agaisnt Derby
Saints have no major injury worries apart from there long term absentees Michael Svensson and Djmal Balmadi.
Player to watch: Marek Sagonowski
Following an impressive showing last week before he was taken off I think he could prove invalubale to Saints.
Match Facts & Stats
The last 3 fixtures between the sides have ended draws and the last two have been goalless draws. The the last 5 fixtures and overall head 2 head stats are listed below:-
Last Five Fixtures
2006/2007
Championship – Saints 0 WBA 0 – 12.8.06
2004/2005
Premiership – WBA 0 Saints 0 – 22.02.05
Premiership – Saints 2 WBA 2 – 06.11.04
2002/2003
Premiership – Saints 1 WBA 0 – 01.03.03
Premiership – WBA 1 Saints 0 – 14.09.02
Overall League Head 2 Head
WBA Wins – 19
Saints Wins – 17
Draws – 19
Match Prediction:
Mikes Prediction – WBA 0 Saints 1
Next Fixtures:
Southampton Vs Barnsley – 17.02.2007 St Marys Stadium 3pm KO
