Preview: Southampton vs. West Bromwich Albion - prediction, team news, lineups

Southampton and West Bromwich Albion square off on Friday evening with their Championship playoff semi-final locked at 0-0 after the first leg.

However, both teams head into the second fixture at St Mary's having each avoided defeat in their last two matches.

Match preview

© Reuters

On the back of defeating Leeds United on the final day, Southampton made the trip to The Hawthorns on Sunday with the confidence of recording a second notable away win in succession.

However, while Russell Martin's side may not have left the West Midlands with a first-leg lead, a first clean sheet since April 16 was more than acceptable in the circumstances.

West Brom wasted several opportunities to take the lead against the Saints, and although Martin's side can claim to have had their own chances, both teams had reason to be satisfied with a share of the spoils.

Southampton have ended the season with just three goals in their final five away fixtures, but they have posted a far greater return at home, aside from the 1-0 reverse against Stoke City last time out.

During the first half of April, Southampton netted eight goals in three consecutive home wins, and Martin will hope that they can rediscover that kind of form on the South coast.

© Reuters

In the reverse fixture back in November, West Brom had been on level terms heading into the final 15 minutes, only to ultimately succumb to a 2-1 defeat.

With a 2-0 loss and goalless draw coming at the The Hawthorns, it means Carlos Corberan takes his side into the biggest game of their season having failed to overcome Southampton in three attempts during 2023-24.

On a more positive note, West Brom have kept two clean sheets in a row for the first time in 2024, having defeated Preston North End 3-0 before the stalemate on Sunday.

Nevertheless, Corberan has not witnessed his team record a win away from home since March 10, when they thrashed struggling Huddersfield Town.

Corberan observed against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium that, even in defeat, West Brom can trouble the best teams in the division, yet with his team having scored just four times in five games, and with three of them coming in the same game, he will have to accept their tag of underdogs for this contest.

Team News

© Reuters

Martin is hopeful that Che Adams will be able to shake off a calf issue in time to take his place in the Southampton attack.

The Scotland international taking the place of Sekou Mara could prove to be the only alteration, with Ross Stewart remaining on the substitutes' bench after his recent return to action.

Gavin Bazunu - a long-term injury absentee - and Juan Larios both remain absent for this contest.

Changes are are also likely to be few and far between for West Brom, although Jed Wallace is an option to replace Tom Fellows on the right flank.

Jayson Molumby and Daryl Dike are certain absentees, but Josh Maja will be given every possible opportunity to prove his fitness and earn a spot among the replacements.

Southampton possible starting lineup: McCarthy; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens; Walker-Peters, Smallbone, Downes, Aribo, Manning; Adams, A. Armstrong

West Bromwich Albion possible starting lineup: Palmer; Furlong, Bartley, Kipre, Townsend; Yokuslu, Mowatt; Wallace, Diangana, Johnston; Thomas-Asante

We say: Southampton 2-1 West Bromwich Albion (Southampton to win 2-1 on aggregate)

West Brom have shown on enough occasions this season that they are capable of impressing on their travels. However, they do not always earn their desired result, and we feel Southampton should do enough to earn a hard-fought victory, potentially even having to come from behind.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.