Southampton boss Tonda Eckert is set to bring two Saints players back into the fold on Wednesday night against West Bromwich Albion

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.