Russell Martin reveals Southampton injury doubt for second-leg clash v West Brom
Southampton manager Russell Martin has noted an injury doubt on Che Adams which could benefit West Brom as the two sides reunite at St. Mary’s for their play-off semi-final second leg.
Martin claimed that Adams was “giving everything to be fit” and could be the difference maker for Saints, with 16 goals in the league this season and Albion boasting a robust defence.
Carlos Corberan, on the other hand, is expecting no fresh injury concerns for the trip to the South Coast, with the winner meeting Leeds United in the final on 26 May.
Should Adams make at least part of the game, it will make for an intriguing battle between the Scotland international – who has been linked with Premier League talks – and an Albion defence which will feature Kyle Bartley after his momentary hamstring scare in the first leg at The Hawthorns.
Martin went on to say, as quoted by The Mirror (17 May, page 62): “[Adams] is in a good place – a much better place than he was.
“There will be nerves and tension for both teams, coaching staffs and sets of fans. It’s a huge game.”
Attack v defence, or will West Brom fly out of the blocks?
The expectation as these two sides do battle once more is that Southampton will dominate possession, but it remains to be seen whether they will create – and take – many clear-cut chances.
If Corberan decides to try and get on the front foot early and snatch a lead, it could make for a memorable second leg – but the Spaniard will be mulling over the risk versus the reward, especially if Saints have the likes of Adams in their ranks.
The Baggies doubtless have the pace, work ethic and tenacity to impose an early marker on the game, but it could come at a cost in what could turn out to be a footballing chess match.
Southampton midfielder Flynn Downes credited the Albion fans this week over their electric atmosphere inside The Hawthorns, hinting that his own side need the backing of the home crowd.
Whilst that could be the decisive factor, West Brom will be looking to block out the home advantage which helped Leeds United blow Norwich City away on Thursday night, and get a disciplined job done to be in with a shout.
In other West Brom news, Okay Yokuslu has given his take on the second leg at Saints.
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