Southampton v West Brom: Inside track on the Saints
West Brom make the trip to Southampton this weekend looking to build on their 3-3 draw with Chelsea at The Hawthorns.
With that in mind, we spoke with Saints reporter Tom Leach, to get a better look at Ralph Hassenhutl's side.
See what he had to say here...
How has the season started for the Saints, are there promising signs?
Not as strong as we all thought, to be honest. Before a ball was kicked Southampton fans were said to be the most optimistic fans in the Premier League after their strong performance during project restart.
They started the season with a defeat away at Palace, a cup exit against Championship opposition and a real stuffing at St. Mary’s against Spurs.
But they weren’t actually that bad against Tottenham and a performance of similar quality against Burnley saw them to the win - so there are plenty of positives.
Danny Ings has continues his scoring run and Che Adams, Oriol Romeu and Moussa Djenepo have all looked dangerous.
What are the expectations around the club for the upcoming campaign?
A mid table finish seems fair after their early season reality check.
I expect Saints to steer well clear of relegation and I was hoping that they would push for a top ten finish this season.
We’ll have to wait and see - but if last season is anything to go by a late surge will see them fly up the standings.
What sort of transfer business has been done at St. Mary's and what have you made of that business?
Not enough. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg left the club this summer and has not been replaced. Saints have been linked with endless midfielders since his departure but none have arrived.
Kyle Walker-Peters made his loan from Spurs permanent and has been strong at right back while defender Mohammed Salisu is the only other arrival but he is not yet fit to feature.
There will be more business before Monday’s deadline - and hopefully before Sunday’s game.
Are there any injury worries heading into the game?
Yes. Nathan Redmond is a real doubt after he went over badly on his ankle against Brentford in the cup. Moussa Djenepo will replace him.
Besides that only Salisu will be sidelined as he works up to full fitness.
What sort of football can we expect to see from Southampton this weekend?
West Brom fans can expect a side who like to keep the ball and to make the Baggies really work to get it back.
They are narrow in their attack but try to play the game, no lump it.
Off the ball they will press you and hassle you into surrendering the ball with Danny Ings constantly on the shoulder looking to get in and behind.
Who are the big danger men for Albion to worry about in this clash?
Based on recent form, it’s Ings and Djenepo who are most likely to hurt Albion.
Djenepo showed flashes last season but has been a constant threat this term.
Danny Ings gets goals, everybody know that, but Stuart Armstrong has also impressed.
Che Adams will be desperate to score. He has had more chances that anybody at Saints so far this season but is yet to hit the neck of the bet.
What have you made of Albion from afar, do you think they have what it takes to survive in the PL?
I think they have the individual quality to survive with likes of Matheus Pereira really impressing everyone so far - especially against Chelsea.
But this will be a long and demanding season for Albion and the step up in quality could hurt them.
It is going to be a unique campaign and anything could happen.
Your match prediction?
Southampton will want to win this one after finally taking some of the pressure off themselves against Burnley, desperately.
I am going to say 3-1 to Saints with an Ings double, just in time to make transfer deadline day on Monday a very, very busy one for me.
