Southampton make the trip to The Hawthorns on Friday night to take on West Brom.
The Saints will be looking to bounce back from the midweek disappointment of their 3-1 defeat to Bristol City at Ashton Gate.
That of course, brought an end to a 25-game unbeaten run for Russell Martin’s side. It also saw them slip out of the automatic promotion places, being leapfrogged by Leeds United.
West Brom meanwhile, are also currently in a play-off place in the Championship standings. They will also be on a high following the fresh confirmation of the takeover of the club by Florida businessman Shilen Patel.
As a result, Southampton look set to face a tricky task when they travel to the Midlands later on Friday.
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Striker Che Adams and 25-year-old Flynn Downes both missed Tuesday night’s clash with Bristol City. The duo had picked up knocks in the win over Huddersfield Town last weekend.
However, Martin is hopeful that the duo could both return to action for Southampton against the Baggies.
Meanwhile, Joe Aribo may provide another option for the Saints in the centre of the park, after returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty with Nigeria.
James Bree, Ross Stewart and Juan Larios are all long-term absentees for Martin’s side.
How Russell Martin might lineup vs West Brom
Having rotated certain individuals for the midweek trip to Ashton Gate, Martin may be tempted to change his Southampton side again.
Gavin Bazunu has however, been an ever-present in the league this season, and should continue in that role.
The back four of Kyle Walker-Peters, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek and Ryan Manning is another area where the Saints may well remain as they are.
If Downes is fit, he will surely start. Stuart Armstrong could also come back into the lineup, having dropped to the bench at Bristol City. They could partner Will Smallbone in what has been a regular midfield three for Southampton when fit and available recently.
That would mean Joe Rothwell and Shea Charles drop out of the starting XI.
In attack, Adams is another who will surely return if he is able to do so. Ryan Fraser is another who could return after dropping to the bench in midweek. If that happens, Sam Edozie and David Brooks may drop out of the starting XI, with top scorer Adam Armstrong likely to keep his place in the side.
Here’s how we think Southampton will lineup v West Brom on Friday night…
Bazunu (GK)
Manning
Bednarek
Harwood-Bellis
Walker-Peters
S.Armstrong
Downes
Smallbone
Fraser
Adams
A.Armstrong