‘Massive’ – Exclusive: Kevin Phillips predicts West Brom clash v ‘Kamikaze’ Southampton
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips has predicted that West Brom’s winless start to the Premier League season will continue this weekend by tipping them to draw with Southampton at St Mary’s.
Slaven Bilic’s side have taken the lead in their last two league matches against Everton and Chelsea but have just one point to show for it after letting slip of a three-goal advantage to draw against the London club last weekend.
Southampton got themselves off the mark last week when they beat Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor but Phillips doesn’t see the Saints’ defence as something that the Baggies should fear as they make their way to the south coast this weekend – especially after the way they defended earlier last month in the 5-2 loss against Tottenham.
“I’m going to go for another draw,” Phillips told West Brom News after correctly predicting a draw against Chelsea last week.
“I think it’s a tough place to go because I watched Southampton against Tottenham and in the first half, I thought they were excellent. I expect a performance from Southampton.
“I’m going for a draw but it’s a massive test for the mentality of those West Brom players now and how they react to the result [against Chelsea] at the weekend.
“If it was me and I was an attacking player, I’d be looking forward to going down there because I feel like they’ll get opportunities and they’ll get goals.
“You don’t play a high-line when you’re playing against Kane, Son and Moura – that was a bit kamikaze [by Southampton] but there you are.
“I’m sure Bilic will get his game-plan right.”
West Brom have lost all of their last four meetings with Southampton and won just two of the last 11 fixtures between the two clubs.
Bilic is set to be boosted by Conor Gallagher being available to play again this weekend after being ineligible against Chelsea while Branislav Ivanovic could also be in the West Brom manager’s plans.
Albion remain in the hunt to sign a new striker ahead of their trip to Southampton but with 10 goals in their last four matches across all competitions, there’s no reason why Bilic’s front-men cannot continue to fire on all cylinders at St Mary’s on Sunday.
In other West Brom news, this Baggies transfer target is set to sign a new contract at his club.
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