Darnell Furlong can be difference-maker for West Brom v Southampton after what he said
Darnell Furlong could be a difference-maker for West Brom against Southampton.
The Baggies and the Saints are set to square off with a place in the play-off final up for grabs.
Following their relegation from the Premier League last season, Southampton finished fourth in the Championship while Carlos Corberan guided West Brom to a fifth-placed finish during the 2023/24 campaign.
It sets up a two-legged play-off semi-final between both clubs, with the first leg taking place at The Hawthorns on Sunday (12 May).
Southampton did the double over West Brom this season and finished 12 points ahead of Corberan’s side, which could leave a few Albion supporters feeling slightly apprehensive.
But Furlong, the only outfield player to feature in every game for West Brom this season, has insisted that he and his teammates are up to the task.
The right-back told BBC Radio WM (8 May), “We know the play-offs is a lottery but we will be doing everything we can, we’re here for a reason, so are the other teams but we will take it to them and see what happens.
“The play-offs are a very special part of football; the Championship play-off final is one of the biggest games in the world. It’ll be nice to get there and see what happens.”
Darnell Furlong can be a difference-maker for West Brom against Southampton
Furlong sounds confident heading into the clash, and after his performance in the 3-0 win against Preston North End (4 May), there is no reason why he shouldn’t be.
Furlong was the difference-maker against Preston and will hope to bring some of this momentum into the play-offs.
As per Sofascore, in addition to his goal and assist, the 28-year-old made three clearances, three interceptions and one tackle, while he also wasn’t dribbled past once.
He won four of his seven ground duels and 100 per cent of his aerial duels while playing one key pass.
As well as his assist, Furlong won the penalty which was converted by Alex Mowatt in first-half stoppage time, meaning he had a part to play in each of the Baggies’ three goals.
He also completed one dribble, and West Brom supporters will be hoping for more of the same from Furlong against Russell Martin’s men.
After his fighting words during the week, the player must ensure he backs this up on the pitch.
In other West Brom news, Corberan must be wary of one Southampton ace after his recent warning.
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