Southampton welcome West Brom to the south coast later this week for the second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final.
The first leg at the Hawthorns ended goalless, with both teams desperate to avoid defeat and leave themselves with a mountain to climb.
But it will be Russell Martin’s side who feel more confident heading into the second fixture in front of their home fans.
Carlos Corberan will hope his team can stay compact and hit the hosts on the counter-attack to seal a place in the play-off final at Wembley against Leeds or Norwich.
Southampton vs West Brom: Home advantage
A 0-0 draw away from home in a Championship play-off semi-final is never a bad result, and it’s even better when you face a team that picked up 49 points at home.
West Brom’s play-off bid was built on their excellent record at the Hawthorns, as they struggled on the road.
Meanwhile, Southampton were equally good at home and away, picking up 48 points at St Mary’s and 39 on the road.
So, they will feel very confident about getting the job done and sealing a spot in the play-off final against a team that only won six matches away all year.
- Southampton have only lost one of their last nine meetings with West Bromwich Albion in all competitions (W7 D1), going down 0-3 in the Premier League in April 2021.
- West Bromwich Albion have only won two of their last 27 away games against Southampton across all competitions (D8 L17), losing each of their last three such visits in a row since a 2-1 Premier League win in December 2016.
- Only Leeds (14) and Ipswich (12) have won more Championship games in 2024 than Southampton (W11 D3 L7), though the Saints did fail to win four of their final eight home games of the regular season (D1 L3).
Southampton vs West Brom: Team news
The hosts are expecting to have Che Adams back from injury in time to participate in this match.
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Elsewhere, Irish goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu remains absent, but forward Ross Stewart is fully fit and could start.
Meanwhile, the Baggies in contrast have issues up front, with Daryl Dike and Josh Maja both suffering from injuries.
Jayson Molumby and Daryl Dike are also long-term absentees and won’t play any part.
- West Brom are looking to reach their third Football League play-off final in what is their fifth year, previously doing so in 1993 (third tier) and 2007 (Championship). Indeed, they’ve failed to progress in two of their three semi-finals in the second tier, most recently to Aston Villa in 2019.
- Only Huddersfield (1), Birmingham (1) and Rotherham (0) won fewer Championship away games in 2024 prior to the play-offs than West Brom (2), with the Baggies failing to win any of their last four such games of the campaign (D2 L2).
- Southampton’s Adam Armstrong was involved in more Championship goals in home games than any other player in 2023-24 (20 – 12 goals, 8 assists), including the winner in this exact fixture when these sides met at St. Mary’s in November.
Southampton vs West Brom: What has been said?
Saints boss Martin was in debt to goalkeeper, Alex McCarthy, for keeping the first leg at 0-0.
Heaping praise on the 34-year-old, Martin said: “He’s been great.
“He was massive today, [he has great] long throws and the way he came and dealt with things. The last two weeks I’ve loved the way we’ve defended.
“I just don’t think anything phases him. He has that laid-back mentality, but he really backs himself as a goalkeeper.
“He has been fantastic.”
Southampton vs West Brom: Date and how to follow
This Championship play-off semi-final will take place on Friday, May 17.
Kick-off at St Mary’s is scheduled for 8pm.
talkSPORT will have live coverage from the south coast, with Hugh Woozencroft serving as your presenter.
Commentary will then come from Jim Proudfoot and former Liverpool midfielder Ray Houghton.
talkSPORT.com will also have all the reaction.
To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
News Summary:
- Southampton vs West Brom (0-0) LIVE commentary: Saints and Baggies set to battle for final spot at Wembley – kick-off time, team news and how to follow
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