Southampton v West Brom: Prediction, Tips and Odds

The Championship play-off semi-final tie between Southampton and West Brom is finely balanced after last Sunday's 0-0 draw at The Hawthorns, which was high on tension but lacking in excitement.

Saints were probably happier with the result, although they were unable to register a third straight success over their midlands opponents.

Southampton are 4/5 finish the job with a home win inside normal time and are 4/11 to head to Wembley.

West Brom are 18/5 to succeed without the need for extra-time or penalties and are 2/1 to reach the play-off final.

Dan Childs' Southampton v West Brom tips and predictions

West Brom to qualify - 2/1

West Brom were slightly frustrated to be held to a 0-0 draw at The Hawthorns last Sunday, but they still have an excellent chance in the tie and can see off Southampton at St Mary's.

Another close match is in store and the greater pressure is on the home side, who were widely expected to achieve automatic promotion.

Saints missed out on a top-two finish due to a drop-off in performance in the final two months of the campaign.

They lost seven of their last 16 league matches and ended up nine points adrift of second-placed Ipswich, who defeated them on the South Coast (1-0) as well as at Portman Road (3-2).

Southampton were generally strong at St Mary’s, but they took just seven points from their five matches at home to fellow top-six clubs.

Russell Martin’s side were 2-1 winners at home to West Brom last November, but they were far from convincing on the day and could count themselves fortunate, having lost the shot count 14 to 10.

Albion will have taken heart from their performance on that occasion and should fancy their chances of doing even better.

The Baggies have not won away to a top-six side, but they have picked up creditable draws at Leeds (2-2) and Ipswich (2-2).

They have performed well at some of the division’s toughest venues and another strong showing could be rewarded with a place in the final.

Grady Diangana to score or assist - 11/5

Pacy attacker Grady Diangana has been an increasingly influential player for West Brom and he looks a tempting option to deliver a goal or an assist in the second leg.

Diangana started out his professional career at West Ham, making his first-team debut at the age of 20, but he struggled to fully establish himself and failed to score in any of his 17 Premier League appearances.

He moved to West Brom in August 2019 - initially on a loan basis - and became a regular with the Midlands’ side, although it would be fair to say that he found it tricky to deliver on a consistent basis.

However, Diangana is one of several Albion players who seem to be enjoying playing under Carlos Corberan.

He has contributed seven goals and eight assists this season and is relishing playing in a central role, just behind centre-forward Brandon Thomas-Asante.

Diangana had a lively game in last Sunday’s first leg - forcing a couple of saves from Southampton keeper Alex McCarthy - and I fancy him to make an even bigger impact on the South Coast.

Flynn Downes to be booked - 9/4

Southampton are renowned for their calmness in possession, but their style of play demands energy and intensity off the ball and asks a lot of their central midfielders, Will Smallbone, Flynn Downes and Joe Aribo, who are expected to get through a mountain of work.

Downes tends to play the deepest of the trio and bears the greatest defensive responsibility because it is often his duty to snuff out opposition counter-attacks.

The 25-year-old has to make plenty of tackles and has been testing the patience of referees with ten yellow cards collected in 34 Championship fixtures.

He was booked in last Sunday’s first leg at The Hawthorns and looks a tasty option for another caution.

Read more football betting tips and predictions on site

Southampton v West Brom odds

Southampton - 4/5
Draw - 5/2
West Brom - 18/5

View the full market and more odds for Southampton v West Brom

Read Southampton v West Brom how to watch, TV channel, head-to-head stats, team news and more on site

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.