EPL: Southampton v West Brom preview

Southampton v West Brom preview

Southampton will be looking to improve their home fortunes on Saturday when going up against West Brom at St Mary's.

The Saints have only won one of their five Premier League games on home soil this season – a 3-2 victory over West Ham back in August – and a big improvement is needed.

Midfielder Dusan Tadic believes the fear sets in too early in front of the home supporters and this is having a negative effect on the performances.

The south coast outfit have only won two of their eight league matches and it has been a tough start for manager Mauricio Pellegrino, who arrived in the summer.

Italian forward Manolo Gabbiadini should retain his place in attack after scoring twice in the 2-2 draw against Newcastle last time out, meaning Charlie Austin will have to settle for a place on the bench.

Pellegrino has reported no fresh injury concerns although full-back Jeremy Pied continues to work his way back to full fitness from a groin injury.

After a good start to the season, West Brom have been sliding down the table and they have not picked up a win from their last six league outings.

Scoring goals is once again the issue for the Baggies, having netted just seven times, but the performance from Nacer Chadli last time out could help improve this area.

The Belgium international scored a brilliant free-kick in the 1-1 draw against Leicester City and he is expected to retain his place.

Manager Tony Pulis does have a dilemma in goal after he confirmed Ben Foster and Boaz Myhill are both struggling for fitness despite the duo training on Thursday.

Centre-midfielder James Morrison, winger Oliver Burke and forward Hal Robson-Kanu will not play any part due to their respective muscle injuries.