The Championship semifinals present a thrilling clash as West Bromwich faces Southampton. With both teams eyeing a return to the Premier League, the stakes are high in this pivotal encounter.
Match Preview
Neither team finished the Championship season strongly. West Brom won only one of their last four matches in the regular season.
Their sole victory occurred on the final day of the Championship season, defeating Preston North End 3-0, ending a three-match losing streak.
Similarly, Southampton endured a three-match losing streak until the regular season’s final day. They defeated playoff contender Leeds United 2-1 at Elland Road.
This marks the third encounter between West Brom and Southampton this season. Southampton emerged victorious in both previous matches during the Championship regular season.
In the first meeting, Southampton secured a 2-1 win with goals from William Smallbone and Adam Armstrong, sandwiching a goal by Kyle Bartley.
The second encounter ended in a 2-0 victory for Southampton, with goals from Ryan Fraser and David Brooks on either side of halftime.
At the Hawthorns this season, West Brom recorded a commendable record of 15 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses. They scored 38 goals and conceded 17. Notably, two of their last three home fixtures ended in victories.
West Brom emerged as one of the Championship’s top-scoring teams, netting 70 goals. Under manager Carlos Corberan, they boasted one of the league’s strongest defenses, conceding only 47 goals, the third-lowest tally.
Southampton performed admirably away from home, securing 39 points, making them the third-best away team in the Championship. However, only one of their last four away matches ended in victory.
Nevertheless, Southampton achieved a record of 11 wins, 6 draws, and 6 losses away from home. One of those victories occurred at the Hawthorns during the regular season.
Under manager Russell Martin, Southampton possessed the third-most prolific attack in the league, scoring 87 goals. However, defensive frailties were evident, with the team conceding 63 goals.
Adam Armstrong was instrumental for Southampton, scoring 21 Championship goals, finishing second in the Golden Boot race. Che Adams contributed an additional 16 league goals.
Prediction & Analysis:
West Bromwich’s home record presents a formidable challenge for Southampton, yet the latter’s previous success at the Hawthorns provides confidence.
With an attacking prowess led by Adam Armstrong and Che Adams, Southampton possesses the firepower to trouble West Bromwich’s defense.
Expect a closely contested encounter, but Southampton’s recent form and head-to-head superiority could see them secure a narrow victory.
- West Bromwich 0-2 Southampton