Back in action Wednesday evening as the Baggies return after their draw away at Sheffield United, hoping to pick up a result against an in-form Southampton side.
The Baggies picked up a great point on the road to Sheffield last time out as it took us out of the relegation zone as George Campbell rescued his on goal to secure a draw at Bramall Lane. Now our attention turns to our midweek clash to in-form Southampton who have beaten Fulham in the FA Cup on Sunday and they are in the Quarter Finals plus in for a hunt for a play-off place.
Now winless in 14 games in all competitions, the Baggies are looking to use that draw in the weekend to hopefully get all three points to a team who cannot stop winning as they are unbeaten in 10 games in all competitions. For this match preview I’m happy with how we’ve played on Saturday if we get a result on Wednesday I be happy but with our winless run and fighting relegation I’m not confident we get anything at The Hawthorns.
Player To Watch – Southampton
One player Albion will need to keep a close eye on Wednesday evening is Finn Azaz. The Southampton midfielder has been in impressive form and is quickly becoming one of the Saints’ most influential attacking outlets.
Azaz is known for his ability to find pockets of space between the lines and link midfield with attack. His vision and creativity allow him to unlock defences, while he also carries a goal threat from the edge of the box. Whether it’s a clever through ball or a late run into the area, he has the quality to make things happen in the final third.
For West Brom, keeping Azaz quiet will be key. If Albion’s midfield can limit the time and space he has on the ball, it will go a long way in disrupting Southampton’s attacking rhythm. However, if he’s allowed to dictate play, Azaz has the ability to turn the game in Southampton’s favour.
With Southampton coming into the match in strong form, Azaz will certainly be one of the players Albion supporters should be wary of as the two sides meet on Wednesday evening.
Player To Watch – West Brom
For Albion, one player who could prove crucial on Wednesday night at The Hawthorns is George Campbell. The defender has been growing in confidence and continues to show why he is becoming such an important figure in the Baggies’ back line.
Campbell grabbed plenty of attention in the last outing against Sheffield United, producing an excellent goal that capped off an impressive performance. His composure on the ball and ability to step forward from defence adds another dimension to Albion’s play, while his physical presence helps keep opposition attackers under control.
The goal at Bramall Lane also sparked a brilliant moment with the travelling Albion supporters, as chants of “USA! USA!” rang around the away end in recognition of the American defender.
With his strength, positioning and growing influence in the side, Campbell has shown he is a key player for Albion and someone who should be trusted in his natural centre-back role. If he can deliver another solid performance at the heart of the defence, he could play a major part in Albion’s chances of getting a result against an in-form Southampton side.
Line Up V Southampton
I expect there be no changes made to the line up following Saturday. I think it be 442 again, with the same back four of Danny Imray, George Campbell, Krystian Bielik and Callum Styles.
In Midfield Molumby and Diakite would be in the centre and Isaac Price and Ollie Bostock would play in the attacking wings with Aune Heggebo and Daryl Dike up front.
Prediction V Southampton
Predictions for this one, last time out I expected us to lose to Sheffield United as I went for a narrow 3-2 defeat and us to get a penalty. It turned out to be a 1-1 draw to help climb us out the relegation zone for this one I don’t expect anything out of Southampton.
I think we be up for it after our draw and seem to be full of confidence coming to The Hawthorns. I think this would pay off in the first 10 minutes as Ollie Bostock would make a run in to make an assist for Isaac Price to find the target and get the opening to make it 1-0 to the get the crowd going early on.
It be 1-0 for a while with Southampton trying to get back into the game with our defence blocking a number of shots and it would end 1-0 at half time for the Baggies.
In the second half around the 53rd minute the Saints would get back into it with Finn Azaz hitting the post and then for Tom Fellows ex-West Brom player to strike home to get one past his former club and to get his first goal for Southampton at The Hawthorns of all places to be in the name of players to haunt us.
After the Saints goal levels would drop for us as Southampton would be in control throughout the second half and would have a number of opportunities. The Baggies would come close with a corner and Molumby would be on target for the keeper to save.
Around the 85th minute, Saints would put us out of misery as another late goal conceded for the Baggies as Finn Azaz would shoot from long range to strike the ball into the net and give us a defeat here.
Prediction: West Brom 1-2 Southampton
Goalscorers for West Brom: Isaac Price
Goalscorers for Southampton: Tom Fellows, Finn Azaz
I’m going for an Albion defeat on Wednesday, we looked at our best on Saturday and on another day we could of won that game. On Wednesday, I say the Baggies would play well and be at our best in the first half. Come the second half I think we would switch off a little and allow Southampton to get all three points here. The Saints are one of in-form sides in 2026 but the Baggies are the second worst team in the Championship table in 2026 so far.
It’s the reason I’m going for a defeat here, but hopefully see a great performance and I do think in the last 10 games we would do enough to stay up.