Ryan Mason calls on game-changer to save his job – West Brom predicted XI vs Southampton
Ryan Mason could be about to pick his final starting eleven as West Brom boss against Southampton on Tuesday.
West Brom face in-form Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium in a midweek clash that doesn’t look to be shaping up in Albion’s favour.
Last time out in the Championship, West Brom were beaten 3-1 by QPR, after Mason made some questionable calls to his starting XI.
The Baggies’ head coach opted to play Joe Wildsmith ahead of Josh Griffiths in a bizarre selection that unsurprisingly backfired.
Aune Heggebo continued his goalscoring form and will no doubt be given the nod against the Saints.
Here, West Brom News predicts what lineup Mason will go for in this clash.
Ryan Mason to start Isaac Price vs Southampton
Mason is under big pressure at West Brom and recent results have not done the head coach any favours.
The 34-year-old has deserved criticism so far this season, as he only has himself to blame for the mistakes that he’s made with tactics and team selections.
Nat Phillips served out his one-game suspension versus QPR and is in pole position to return to Mason’s starting lineup.
After Wildsmith’s mistake at the weekend, it would be no surprise to see Griffiths come straight back into the team, and Mason has hopefully learned from his misjudgement.
The Baggies boss went for Heggebo up top with Josh Maja against the R’s, but after an hour Isaac Price replaced the latter.
Mason will most likely start with Price this time, as the midfielder has the ability to save the former’s job.
George Campbell was slammed for his showing against QPR, but is predicted to keep his place once again.
Here’s why West Brom will fear travelling to Southampton
Southampton have won 12 points out of a possible 15 since Tonda Eckert took charge of the Saints after the dismissal of Will Still.
They haven’t lost at home since the first day of November, and given Albion’s away form, a loss is looking likely.
- West Brom have lost their last four visits to St. Mary’s Stadium
- The last time Albion won at Southampton was in 2016
- This came after Hal Robson-Kanu and Matt Phillips both scored to help West Brom win 2-1
The good news for some Albion fans will be that it could be Mason’s last game in charge.
Time will tell, but a win certainly doesn’t look likely for the visitors on the basis of the what fans have seen under Mason.
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