After their thrilling 3-3 draw against Chelsea in the Premier League, West Bromwich Albion will look to get their first win this season when they face Southampton on Sunday.
The Baggies lost the opening two games of the league, before racing to a 3-0 lead in the first half against Chelsea. The Blues, however, fought back and robbed Slaven Bilic and his men of the three points right at the end.
West Brom have lost their last four matches against Southampton in all competitions, with their last win against the Saints coming way back in 2016. The Baggies face a Southampton side who have last two of their three opening games in the Premier League.
The Saints play high-intensity football under Ralph Hasenhuttl, but have been susceptible at the back, something West Brom can exploit as they did against Chelsea.
New signing Branislav Ivanovic was not in the squad to face his former side Chelsea, and has only played 60 minutes this season, which came in the game against Brentford. He is likely to start on the bench against Southampton.
Ahmed Hegazi, Kamil Grosicki, and Kenneth Zohore could all miss this weekend’s game due to injuries, while Kieran Gibbs is suspended after his red card against Everton.
Filip Krovinovic has returned to the club, but he is expected to only make the bench for the Baggies.
Let’s take a look at the possible West Brom lineup against Southampton:
Sam Johnstone should continue in goal for the Baggies against Southampton. The custodian made a few important saves during the second-half blitz by Chelsea, and will hope to keep his first clean sheet of the season come Sunday.
Manager Slaven Bilic could name an unchanged backline from the game against Chelsea, despite his side conceding three goals in the second half.
Semi Ajayi, Kyle Bartley, and Dara O’Shea should start as the three centre-backs, while Conor Townsend and Darnell Furlong should start as the two wing-backs in the West Brom lineup.
Bilic should play the same midfield of Jake Livermore and Romaine Sawyers in the middle, with Grady Diangana and Matheus Pereira playing out wide on the wings.
If the West Brom manager persists with the five-man defence, there won’t be any place for new signing Krovinovic in the lineup. If he switches to a four-man midfield with an attacking midfielder, Krovinovic could be an option for Bilic.
Callum Robinson was in brilliant form against Chelsea, scoring two of three West Brom goals. He should start up front for the Baggies.
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