Premier League: Southampton v West Brom match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at St. Mary’s

No Premier League side has survived at the end of the season after losing their three opening games, but Southampton – who lost their first four - are 8 points clear of the relegation zone with four games left to play and look likely to break that record.

Manager Mauricio Pochetinno has picked up 17 points from a possible 36 since he replaced Nigel Adkins in January, a run that has seen the Saints climb to mid-table safety.

Few at the start of the season expected this clash to be a mid-table affair, but West Brom have surprised many by not slipping out of the top-half of the Premier League all season.

The Baggies, seeking their first ever win at St. Mary’s  in four outings, have been slipping down the table since January and manager Steve Clarke has spoken of his determination to better last season’s finish of 10 for the club’s highest top-flight finish since 1981.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

West Brom 2 (Odemwingie 2) Southampton 0, November 2012

West Brom 1 (Brunt) Southampton 1 (Lallana), Championship, April 2008

Southampton 3 (John 2, Skacel) West Brom 2 (Koren 2), Championship, October 2007

STATS…

Southampton are unbeaten in their last 6 top-flight games for the first time since the beginning of the 2003-4 season.

Southampton have made more tackles (750) and interceptions (702) than any other Premier League club this season.

Southampton have scored as many league goals (21) in 2013 as Manchester City.

West Brom have won just 3 league games since Boxing Day.

West Brom are three points short of setting a new club record in terms of matches won and points gained in a Premier League season.

Twelve of West Brom’s previous 15 goals have come in the second-half.

ODDS…

Southampton to win: 1.8

West Brom to win: 3.4

Draw: 3.5

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm.