Mauricio Pellegrino’s men may have managed to knock Watford out of the FA Cup earlier this week but they are now 10 games without a victory in the domestic league after their 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion in the last round, which has left them reeling in the relegation zone. They have a great chance to pick up some points this weekend, when they travel to Hawthorns, to take on a West Brom side, that is led by former Southampton manager Alan Pardew.
The Baggies are smarting from a 3-0 loss to Manchester City but beat Liverpool in the 4th round of the FA Cup. They are rock bottom of the points table but just three points below Southampton, who are in the 18th spot. This game can have a huge say in the future of both the clubs and here is the predicted lineup Southampton might field for this tie:
Team News:
The Saints have no new injury issues to worry about as striker Charlie Austin remains the only absentee ahead of this game against West Brom.
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1):
Defence:
Fraser Forster has lost his first team spot to Alex McCarthy, who is doing a decent job in goal this season for the Saints. He is expected to keep his place in the side for this league tie. Wesley Hoedt has taken no time to settle into the Premier League but he will have a tough task against the likes of Jay Rodriguez and Salomon Rondon, who are not easy to mark.
Jack Stephens has partnered Hoedt to good effect and will start this game at the back. Cedric Soares and Ryan Bertrand have not been at their best this season but remain first-choice full-backs for Pellegrino.
Midfield:
Oriol Romeu did not last the whole game in the midweek against Brighton and is expected to be fresh for this game. He should be partnered with Mario Lemina, who was an unused substitute in that tie.
Attack:
Guido Carrillo got 45 minutes under his belt in the previous game and could get a chance to lead the side in this tie pushing Shane Long to the bench. Dusan Tadic, who had a forgettable afternoon against the Seagulls, could retain his place on the left wing.
James Ward-Prowse has done a decent job on the right flank and will keep his place in the side along with Steven Davies, who is a key player for the side, in the no.10 role.
Here is how they might line up:
