In what will be one of the most exciting matches in the 5th round of the FA Cup, Premier League’s bottom club, West Bromwich Albion will host fellow strugglers Southampton this weekend.
The Baggies will look to put behind their Premier League woes, as they attempt to get into the next round of the FA Cup against the Saints, who are also dawdling in the wrong side of the table and are desperate for some winning momentum.
West Brom are coming on the back of a disappointing 3:0 defeat at the hands of defending champions Chelsea but will be confident of their chances of beating fellow strugglers Southampton this week.
Here’s the predicted West Brom lineup to feature against the Saints in the 5th round of the FA Cup.
Defence
First choice keeper Ben Foster is set to remain in goal, for the Baggies, getting the nod ahead of veteran keeper Boaz Myhill.
West Brom manager Alan Pardew, is, however, expected to make some changes in the defensive department. The former Newcastle gaffer might want to revert to a four-man backline in order to counter Southampton’s 4-2-3-1.
Former Manchester United defender Jonny Evans will lead the defence alongside Ahmed Hegazy. The Egyptian, in particular, could be a key man as West Brom look to keep out the likes of Guido Carrillo and Shane Long.
Allan Nyom will be deployed as the right back, while former Arsenal talent Kieran Gibbs will start on the left.
Midfield
Chris Brunt, who featured as a midfielder in their game against Chelsea last week, could shift into a wider position, meaning the midfield duo of Gareth Barry and Grzegorz Krychowiak could be in action once again at the heart of the West Brom midfield.
The Polish international, in particular, will be a vital cog in the midfield for the Baggies while the experience of former Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry could also be useful for Alan Pardew’s men this week. Elsewhere, Irish midfielder James McClean is initially expected to start as the right-sided midfielder even though he is seen more on the left. However, Oliver Burke could also be given a chance, especially considering the fact that the Scottish wonderkid has struggled since his move to West Brom in the summer and therefore, a cup game could be ideal for the youngster.
Attack
Salomon Rondon and Jay Rodriguez are expected to lead the West Bromwich attack this week. The physical prowess of Rondon combined with the pace and tenacity of former Saints forward Jay Rodriguez will be hard to handle for the Saints.
