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THE MATCH
West Bromwich Albion vs Southampton
Saturday 3rd February, 3pm GMT
The Hawthorns
Premier League
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
After a frustrating draw against Brighton on Wednesday, this game takes on huge significance for both sides as they look to try and pull away from danger.
Jack Stephens goal cancelling out Glenn Murray’s effort at St Mary’s meant that Saints moved up one place in the table, but they remain in the bottom three.
That result means Mauricio Pellegrino’s men are without a league win in 12 matches and come up against a West Brom side in a similarly precarious position. Their last home game saw them win 2-0 against Brighton.
TEAM NEWS
Southampton: A late call will be made on the availability of Manolo Gabbiadini, who is suffering with a hip injury following the 1-1 draw with Brighton.
West Brom: James Morrison and Nacer Chadli remain long-term absentees, while Grzegorz Krychowiak was withdrawn with an injury against Manchester City. Jonny Evans could return after missing the trip to the Etihad.
FORM GUIDE
Southampton’s previous five:
Brighton (h) D 1-1
Watford (h) W 1-0 (FA Cup)
Tottenham (h) D 1-1
Watford (a) D 2-2
Fulham (a) W 1-0 (FA Cup)
West Brom’s previous five:
Manchester City (a) L 3-0
Liverpool (a) W 3-2 (FA Cup)
Everton (a) D 1-1
Brighton (h) W 2-0
Exeter (a) W 2-0 (FA Cup)
TOP PERFORMERS
Jack Stephens has now scored two goals in his last two games, as well as making a significant contribution defensively, while James Ward-Prowse added a first assist of the season after recently chipping in with vital goals.
Top scorers: Charlie Austin (6), Steven Davis (3), Manolo Gabbiadini (3), Dušan Tadić (3), James Ward-Prowse (3)
Most assists: Ryan Bertrand (3), Nathan Redmond (3), Dušan Tadić (3)
Jay Rodriguez has netted five goals in his last six games, which has coincided with the Baggies slight upturn in form. Elsewhere, Jonny Evans and Ahmed Hegazi are forming a solid defensive partnership in the heart of defence.
Top scorers: Jay Rodriguez (10), Salomón Rondon (5)
Most assists: Chris Brunt (4), Matt Phillips (3), Kieran Gibbs (3)
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
All-time record:
Played: 77
Southampton: 29
Draws: 24
West Brom: 24
Previous four meetings:
October 2017: Southampton 1-0 West Brom (Boufal)
April 2017: West Brom 0-1 Southampton (Clasie)
December 2016: Southampton 1-2 West Brom (Long)
January 2016: Southampton 3-0 West Brom (Ward-Prowse 2, Tadić)
DID YOU KNOW?
The previous two Premier League meetings have been won by a single Saints goal; Jordy Clasie scored the winner at the Hawthorns last time out in April 2017 before Sofiane Boufal’s superb individual goal separated the teams at St Mary’s in October.
West Bromwich Albion have failed to score in seven of their last nine Premier League meetings with Southampton, but won both matches in which they did find the net (W2 D2 L5).
NOT AT THE GAME?
Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the Hawthorns! We’ll be with you every step of the way on our interactive match centre at southamptonfc.com, where we will have all the build-up, as well as in-game updates and free live audio commentary.
Be sure to follow us on our various social channels for behind-the-scenes access and further updates from the big game:
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