West Brom v Southampton Predictions, Bettings Tips and Previews

The Hawthorns – Premier League

Its a relegation six pointer as bottom placed West Brom host 18th placed Southampton in this weekend's Premier League action. Neither side has a league win in their last two games, but both are enjoying runs in the FA Cup which should keep fans appeased, at least for a while.

Past Meetings

Southampton came out on top in the last fixture, and in dramatic fashion. With the game at a deadlock Mauricio Pellegrino made a triple substitution in the 81st minute, including Sofiane Boufal, who scored four minutes later. The result was far from unjustified, considering the Saints had dominated the match, with 20 shots to West Brom's seven.

Team News

West Brom Captain Johnny Evans, subject of transfer speculation will miss the game with a hamstring injury. Clearly this is an issue for the Baggies who are without Jake Livermore, Nacer Chadli Kieran Gibbs and Hal Robson-Kanu due to the same ailment.

Subject to his own transfer rumours, Ryan Bertrand is a doubt for Saturday's clash, as is new signing Guido Carrillo, both of whom featured briefly last week. Charlie Austin, who has been out with a hamstring problem for a few weeks, has returned to full training, but won't be match fit in time to face West Brom.

West Brom v Southampton Previews and Predictions

Conversely to their league standing, the Premier League's bottom clubs have been in relatively decent for of late. West Brom, other than an almost inevitable loss to Manchester City, the Baggies have three wins and a draw in all competitions.

In their cup win over Liverpool, Alan Pardew's men put in the kind of performance that, if they were able to replicate it, would boost their hopes of survival. In particular, the performance of former Southampton star Jay Rodriguez, who scored twice, would have pleased his manager. The Baggies have scored the fewest goals in the Premier League this season, but the England forward has managed four games and an assist in his last five games, is 2/1 to do so again this weekend, and may be key to a West Brom revival.

Likewise, Southampton are in good form, and are five games unbeaten in all competitions. Unfortunately for the Saints, their only wins have been in the Cup, and they have picked up just three points from their last three games.

Much like his weekend opponents, Pellegrino's main problem has been finding a consistent goalscorer. Charlie Austin has been the side's top striker this season, and his injury has been a major blow to the manager, who will be eagerly awaiting his return. New signing from Monaco, Carrillo, has outscored all but Austin in the past six months, and could help take the pressure off the England forward. The Argentinian is 5/2 to score anytime

With both teams in similar form, this fixture could well rest on which forward performs best.

Recommended Bets

Daniel Sturridge to score first at 5/1

The forward will be keen to impress at his new club, having spent so long on the sidelines.

1-1 after 90 minutes 11/2

Neither side can afford to lose this one, so a score draw would be a good bet.