Yann M'Vila is expected to play some part for West Brom against Southampton
Yann M'Vila is expected to play some part for West Brom against Southampton

Don Goodman predicts who'll start in West Brom midfield for play-off clash v Southampton

West Brom News Speaking to Don Goodman

West Brom News is delighted to have Don Goodman joining its team of Albion experts at the start of 2024. Goodman played for the Baggies between 1987 and 1991, scoring 60 goals in 140 league appearances to make him one of the most prolific strikers in Hawthorns history. Goodman also played for Bradford, Sunderland, Wolves, Motherwell and Walsall in his career and since hanging up his boots, he's been working in the media with Sky Sports. Now, Don has agreed to join West Brom News and we're absolutely thrilled to share his expertise on the Baggies every week.

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Don Goodman says there is no "obvious reason" for Carlos Corberan to recall Yann M'Vila to the starting line-up when West Brom take on Southampton.

The Baggies host Southampton at The Hawthorns on Sunday (12 May) in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final tie.

Corberan has a number of selection calls to make, one of those being in holding midfield, where Alex Mowatt and Okay Yokuslu started in the 3-0 win over Preston North End.

M'Vila started three of the previous four matches, coinciding with a disappointing run of form, and Goodman believes sticking with Mowatt and Yokuslu makes the most sense.

"What you've got to take into consideration is that we don't watch training every day and we don't know how players are physically and emotionally - it's been a long hard season," he told West Brom News.

"But I do think Mowatt and Yokuslu have been a really solid partnership for most of the season, with West Brom fifth for most of it.

"I wouldn't see an obvious reason to break that up, without being in Carlos Corberan's mind and understanding exactly what tactics he intends to go with against Southampton."

Yann M'Vila yet to get going at West Brom

M'Vila was brought in midway through the campaign, but his lack of sharpness due to not playing at all over the previous six months soon told.

The signing made sense as it was an experienced head who, crucially, was available on a free transfer during Albion's time of need.

west brom
West Brom midfielder Alex Mowatt

While the Frenchman has had some occasional promising moments, there have been no standout displays and he will surely not start v Southampton.

Mowatt and Yokuslu impressed last time out in the morale-boosting win over Preston and must get the nod again for both legs of this huge showdown.

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