PREM: Southampton v West Brom preview

Southampton v West Brom preview

Southampton will be without forwards Charlie Austin and Nathan Redmond when West Brom visit St Mary's in the Premier League on New Year’s Eve

Claude Puel will without his top scorer in Austin (six league goals), who prepares for surgery in America on a shoulder injury.

Redmond will miss Saturday's clash after being sent off for bringing down Dele Alli in the Saints' 4-1 defeat to Tottenham on Wednesday, a decision which the club decided not to appeal.

Southampton can leapfrog Everton with a win on Saturday and move back into seventh place in the league table.

West Brom will be looking to bounce back from their recent struggles, having lost three of their last four games against Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal.

Tony Pulis' team are ninth in the table and just one point behind Southampton.

"We've had a real tough run of games and it continues with Southampton, Hull and Spurs," Pulis said in his pre-match press conference.

"We're disappointed we've lost games late but I don't think heads will drop."

Southampton will be without Redmond on Saturday due to suspension, while Jordy Clasie (groin), Matt Targett (hamstring) and Austin (shoulder) remain sidelined.

Pulis could make changes for their trip to Southampton on Saturday.

Jonny Evans is nursing a minor thigh injury and will be assessed with Pulis unwilling to risk his players ahead of Monday's visit of Hull.

Despite two games in 48 hours, Saido Berahino will not be included as he continues to regain fitness following three months out having been deemed overweight by the club.