Slaven Bilić’s Baggies are back on the road for the second time this season as they travel to the south coast to take on Southampton at St Mary’s on Sunday afternoon (ko 12pm).
Southampton
Their latest campaign
The Saints didn’t enjoy the most productive of starts to last year’s Premier League campaign and after a very mixed month in September, they failed to win a single game in October.
Southampton went eight games without a win until they broke their duck against Watford at the end of November and enjoyed a solid transition into the new year between December and January. This good form was followed up when football resumed in June after the national lockdown, losing just one of their remaining nine games of the season.
In the dugout
Manager Ralph Hassenhüttl was on the wrong end of Premier League history last year when his Southampton side were demolished 9-0 by Leicester City. Nevertheless, their recovery over the course of the season was admirable as they ended the campaign just outside the top-10 under his guidance.
Prior to his move to England’s south coast in 2018, the Austrian built his managerial reputation successfully in Germany with FC Ingolstadt 04 before most notably taking the reigns at RB Leipzig during their debut season in the Bundesliga. He led them to an impressive second-placed finish between 2016-17 and qualified for the group stage of the Champions League.
One to watch
Danny Ings was close to winning the golden boot award last season after enjoying the most prolific scoring season of his career.
The England international netted 22 goals for the Saints last year and was just a goal short of Jamie Vardy at the top of the Premier League leaderboard. His fine form in front of goal has also seen him involved in the national side once again with Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate calling the 28-year-old striker up to the recent UEFA Nations League squad.
Our last meeting
Albion’s last triumph on the south coast was in 2016 when they secured a 2-1 victory courtesy of strikes from present Albion players Matt Phillips and Hal Robson-Kanu.
Stats
Albion
- There’s been at least three goals in each of the Baggies' opening Premier League games.
- Albion’s last victories at St Mary’s have seen them have to score two goals or more.
- Baggies striker Callum Robinson has scored three goals in his first four matches since joining the club permanently.
Southampton
- Hassenhüttl's side have been beaten twice in two games at St Mary’s this season.
- Southampton have conceded a combined seven goals from both of their home games this term.
- At the other end of the pitch, Saints have scored three goals compared with Albion’s five from their first three top-flight matches.
Head to head
| Albion wins | Draws | Saints wins | |
| League | 23 | 21 | 26 |
| FA Cup | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| Total | 24 | 24 | 31 |
Our one to watch
Callum Robinson opened his account for the Premier League season in fine style last Saturday.
The Albion forward had already scored since becoming a permanent Baggie during the Carabao Cup win against Harrogate earlier in September.
But two smart finishes against Champions League outfit Chelsea in Albion’s last league game will have boosted Robinson’s confidence and no doubt he’ll be looking to continue his hot streak against the Saints on Saturday.
Follow the game
Gez Mulholland will be joined by once midfield-now-microphone maestro Andy Johnson to provide proudly partisan commentary and an expert insight for WBA Radio.
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Live commentary starts from 15 minutes before kick-off and will be accessible through the live match centre or WBA TV.
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