West Brom have found late answers, but their recent goals often needed a loose clearance or a penalty. Southampton have reached clean shooting positions through several different players even without their usual central striker. The midfield's first pass and the second touch after a clearance should shape this match. Both sides can build a reply, so the quality of the next shot matters more than the last scoreline.
Price's passing and West Brom's quick releases will test Southampton's central screen, while Scienza and Azaz can carry the ball toward Manning's delivery on the left. Southampton scored from a low cross and a corner continuation against QPR, and their West Ham goals came from different rebound runners. Downes returned for minutes against QPR and the club says he is ready; Larin missed the last two, during which Dobbin and others supplied finishes. Morgan created and scored at West Ham before leaving injured.
Southampton can get beyond the first block and bring a second player to the loose ball, while Downes helps contest West Brom's first forward pass. That's why I'm siding with Southampton.
