West Bromwich Albion take on their most important fixture of the season as they face Southampton in the first leg of the play-off semi-final.
Starting with the home advantage at The Hawthorns this Sunday afternoon, the Baggies will be under huge pressure to perform for a sell-out crowd, though it’s an occasion that should be relished.
It’s a great opportunity to assert early dominance in the tie and a chance to get revenge on the Saints for the two defeats inflicted earlier in the campaign but it’s going to be a tough task. Southampton have well exceeded Albion’s levels this term and Russell Martin’s squad is stacked with Premier League talent.
Carlos Corberan’s men must ace the tactics and work incredibly hard but winning is certainly possible. The trip to Leicester City a few weeks ago may have resulted in defeat but the display – against the division’s best team – was seriously impressive. Perform like that again and there could be some very happy Albion fans by the end of the weekend.
The 3-0 victory over Preston North End on the final day of the regular season will have improved Albion’s confidence. It’s hard to look past Corberan sticking with the same team but there could be some tinkering in key areas to unlock Southampton. With that in mind, here’s the XI we predict will be named at The Hawthorns this Sunday.
1. GK – Alex Palmer
Palmer recorded his 18th clean sheet of the season last weekend, making it just 47 goals conceded in 46 matches. He’s been excellent this term.
2. RB – Darnell Furlong
Furlong, relied upon at both ends of the field this campaign, has locked down the right-back spot. Another goal would be handy on Sunday.
3. CB – Cedric Kipre
Kipre has been one of Albion’s players of the season, without a doubt. He simply has to start whenever available.
4. CB – Kyle Bartley
Bartley has become Kipre’s regular centre-back partner and that’s expected to continue for the play-offs. Just like Furlong, he netted against Preston.
5. LB – Conor Townsend
Townsend, the Baggies’ best option on the left side of defence this term, had tough games against Leicester and Wednesday but responded brilliantly.
6. CM – Okay Yokuslu
Yokuslu is so effective at breaking up the play at the base of midfield. He’s also a threat in the air, as well as from outside the area.
7. CM – Alex Mowatt
Mowatt, trusted in the number eight role through Jayson Molumby’s absence has been Yokuslu’s best counterpart in the centre of the field.
8. RW – Jed Wallace
The skipper’s experience and leadership could be vital for such an important game. It feels harsh to leave out Tom Fellows but he could make an impact off the bench.
9. LW – Mikey Johnston
Celtic loanee Johnston has been a tremendous signing for Albion. He’s without a goal in five matches but remains a top threat down the left flank.
10. CAM – Grady Diangana
Diangana had a decent game against Preston, especially as a playmaker. That creative impetus will be needed in such a tight contest.
11. ST – Josh Maja
A surprise starter, perhaps, but Maja has now had plenty of cameos and sufficient training time to recover fitness. Wallace has also backed the Nigerian to shine throughout the play-offs.
