West Bromwich Albion FC
Southampton FC
Southampton FC
Can West Brom repeat last weekend’s shock result and move closer to safety against Southampton?
Southampton to win 2-1
West Brom gave themselves the smallest glimmer of hope last weekend when they produced the best performance of their season in thrashing top four chasing Chelsea by 5-2, despite going behind first.
Arguably, they have left themselves too much to do with just eight games remaining, and eight points is the gap to Newcastle in 17th place. However, Sam Allardyce will have his team believing that they can achieve something truly remarkable, and should they win here, those feelings will only continue to grow.
Southampton have halted their rapid decline somewhat over the past month or so, taking six points from their last five games.
That doesn’t stop them from having the lowest points tally of 2021 so far, but it does mean that with 36 points they are probably safe this season.
Nevertheless, this should be an interesting game of football with both sides wanting something from it to boost their chances.
Form Guide (all comps): WLDLW
Reasons to be cheerful:
Outstanding performance against Chelsea last weekend
Virtually a full squad to choose from
Reasons to be fearful:
Only picked up 11 points from 15 matches at home
Have surely left themselves too much to do to survive
There is no doubt that Allardyce’s side will relish this fixture, with a big opportunity to make things incredible difficult for an out of sorts Saints side at home, in a similar way they did against the likes of Manchester United recently.
That said, their home form has been disappointing to say the least this season. Just 11 points, and two victories, have been collected at The Hawthorns from their 15 matches so far, and it’s the key reason why teams such as Southampton are sitting more comfortably in the table.
The Baggies have the ability to make things very tough for the Saints, but can they perform consistently in back-to-back matches? They haven’t won consecutive games all season.
At least they have a fit squad, with the likes of Robinson, Diagne and Pereira all likely to continue here.
Star Man – Matheus Pereira
Two goals and two assists against Chelsea show that the Brazilian attacker is bang in form right now.
Form Guide (all comps): WLLWW
Reasons to be cheerful:
Wins in both the league and FA Cup have boosted their confidence
Should be safe with 36 points
Reasons to be fearful:
Only four teams have performed worse away from home this season
West Brom will be desperate for points here
Fortunately for Southampton fans, their side have managed to arrest their sharp decline just in time to stop themselves being dragged into a survival scrap.
Although not technically secure of a place in next season’s Premier League, they have a 10 point buffer between themselves and Fulham in 18th place, which should be enough, especially if they can add one or two additional wins between now and the end.
They have an FA Cup semi final to look forward to next weekend too, although they will face 3rd place Leicester who have been in great form all season.
Here, they are likely to continue with the same side who fought back to win against Burnley last weekend, with Danny Ings keeping his place with either Nathan Redmond or Che Adams to partner.
Star Man – Danny Ings
Hasn’t always been consistent this season, but the Saints’ top scorer grabbed a goal and an assist last weekend.
Should be an entertaining, intense game
Both sides will feel confident about winning
The team who scores first will win
A defeat for Southampton would not be the end of the world here, and you’d feel confident about them staying up regardless.
On the other hand, if West Brom were to lose it will likely end their survival race for good, even if Big Sam won’t admit it.
They will go for the win regardless, and could achieve it if they play as they did last weekend. Though, we’ve seen that they are unable to perform at that level consistently, and Southampton have the better players.
Southampton to win 2-1
