West Bromwich Albion entertain high-flying Southampton at The Hawthorns in a Championship clash.
Carlos Corberan’s Baggies will stay fifth regardless of the result, whilst Southampton can return to second with a win.
Team News
Kyle Bartley is ruled out for West Brom after he missed their midweek win over Cardiff with a calf injury, which will keep him out for a fortnight.
Semi Ajayi and Grady Diangana could return from international duty for Nigeria and DR Congo respectively.
Jayson Molumby (foot), Matt Phillips (hamstring), Martin Kelly (calf), Daryl Dike (Achilles) and Josh Maja (ankle) remain absent.
Southampto could welcome Che Adams back into contention after he missed their defeat at Bristol City with a minor calf injury.
Flynn Downes (knock) is a doubt but Joe Aribo could feature following his return from international duty for Nigeria at Africa Cup of Nations.
James Bree, Juan Larios and Ross Stewart (all hamstring) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
West Brom host Southampton at The Hawthorns on Friday 16 February at 8pm GMT, live on Sky Sports in the UK.
Stat Attack
- West Brom have won one of their last five league games against Southampton (W1, L5).
- Southampton are unbeaten in three of their last five league visits (W2, D1, L2).
- West Brom have scored six goals in their last three home games against Southampton in all competitions (W1, L2).
- Andreas Weimann has scored in each of West Brom’s last two home games (W2), albeit without conceding.
- Russell Martin’s Saints are looking to avoid consecutive league defeats for the first time since September.
Prediction
Unbeaten in four home games after clinically beating Cardiff in midweek in an otherwise evenly-matched contest, West Brom certainly can come into this game full of confidence especially with Ajayi and Diangana back in contention with both players adding extra tactical options.
Southampton meanwhile surely will be desperate to mount a response to the end of their 25-match unbeaten run, because they were uncharacteristically sloppy at Bristol City after having been given an almighty scare by Huddersfield last weekend.
If Martin can get his Saints refocused here then you have to fancy them but West Brom are in strong form at home with clean sheets in three of their last four games at The Hawthorns, so this might well be a close contest that ends in a draw.
Prediction: WBA 1-1 Southampton
Result: WBA 0-2 Southampton
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