Southampton are all set for the second of three games in the space of a week, as they visit the Hawthorns for the first time since the 2024 Championship play-offs.
West Brom, on their third manager of the season, are in dire need of points as they try to steer themselves from the relegation zone.
It’s a game that could see Tonda Eckert’s Saints go one point off the play-off spots after Wrexham’s slip-up against Hull City on Tuesday.
Predicted Southampton lineup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper and defenders
Goalkeeper - Daniel Peretz: Southampton’s new starting goalkeeper has been a revelation since signing in January. Despite some questionable distribution at times, Peretz has been a great addition to Eckert’s playoff-hunting side.
Right back - James Bree: The English full back has been brilliant since returning from his loan at Charlton, and suits the profile Tonda Eckert needs on the right-hand side.
Centre back - Taylor Harwood-Bellis: The first defender on the team sheet, Harwood-Bellis captained Saints to the 1-0 cupset at Fulham on Sunday, and has been brilliant since winning his place back in the side.
Centre-back - Jack Stephens: Tonda Eckert confirmed in his Tuesday press conference that the Saints captain will return to the fold for this game, after a rest on Sunday.
Despite Joshua Quarshie being favoured for his height against big striker Aune Heggebø in the reverse fixture, Stephens has developed a formidable partnership with Harwood-Bellis and has to start in this one.
Left-back - Ryan Manning: With Welington still out through injury, Manning will keep his place in the side, and has been in good form since getting back into the team.
Midfielders
Centre midfield - Flynn Downes: The midfielder who was so good under Russell Martin in 2023/24 is getting back to his best, and despite the return of Shea Charles to the squad for this game, will keep his spot at the Hawthorns.
Centre midfield - Cam Bragg: Caspar Jander has had a number of poor performances in recent weeks, and Bragg is a reliable stand-in. The 20-year-old is trusted by Tonda Eckert and could get the nod here, with Shea Charles’ fitness for a start not being guaranteed.
Attacking midfield - Finn Azaz: The Irishman looked like a natural top-flight player at Fulham on Sunday, and is one of the first names on the teamsheet at the moment. A shoo-in to start in the position behind the centre forward.
Attackers
Right winger - Kuryu Matsuki: Tom Fellows started on Sunday, but Matsuki has been excellent since starting against QPR in February, so will get his place back for this important match.
Left winger - Leo Scienza: The tricky Brazilian is the first name on the team sheet for Southampton, and will be vital in providing goals and assists in the final stretch of the season.
Striker - Ross Stewart: Despite a big lunchtime clash against Coventry City coming up on Sunday, Tonda Eckert has taken a one game at a time approach in his Southampton career so far, so will likely start his best striker in this game in a bid to take all three points.