Sports Mole previews the Premier League clash between West Brom and Southampton at The Hawthorns as both teams seek vital points for very different reasons.

Two sides in need of the points for different reasons meet in the Premier League on Saturday as West Bromwich Albion entertain Southampton at The Hawthorns.

The Baggies are looking to continue their rise away from relegation trouble under Tony Pulis, having lost just one of 10 games since the Welshman's appointment.

A 0-0 draw at Sunderland last weekend was another positive result for Albion as they took a point on the road against one of the teams around them in the table.

Southampton, meanwhile, have defied the odds and critics to stay firmly in the top-four race, although a 2-0 defeat at home to Liverpool on Sunday meant that they finished the weekend outside of the Champions League places.

The Saints continue to lead the way in terms of defensive solidity, having conceded only 19 times in the league this season, but goals at the other end have dried up recently, with only one in their last four matches.

Sadio Mane was the scorer of that goal - a stoppage-time winner against Queens Park Rangers at the start of February - but was dropped for Liverpool because he turned up "25-30 minutes" late for the pre-match meal.

With Graziano Pelle without a Premier League goal in 2014 and Jay Rodriguez still sidelined, Ronald Koeman needs all the firepower that he can get and will likely recall Senegalese winger Mane at the expense of Filip Djuricic.

Morgan Schneiderlin and Ryan Bertrand are ready to return after injury and suspension, and Toby Alderweireld, who has not played since January 11, is also nearing a comeback as Koeman's ranks approach full capacity.

While the Belgian works his way back to match sharpness, Maya Yoshida should again deputise. Matt Targett and Steven Davis, who was taken off at half time against the Reds with a knock, are those who are likely to make way.

Pulis bolstered his midfield for the trip to Sunderland as both Craig Gardner and James Morrison were selected to support the central pair, but the flair of Stephane Sessegnon may get the nod now that they are back on home soil.

Victor Anichebe is West Brom's only injury worry, but he would nevertheless be unlikely to dislodge Brown Ideye or Saido Berahino, who have six goals between them in Albion's four-match unbeaten run, in the two-man attack.

Long-serving defender Jonas Olsson, who has only featured on five occasions this season and not since September because of injury, was back on the bench last weekend and should be included in the squad at The Hawthorns.

Southampton are unbeaten in three games against the Baggies, including August's 0-0 draw at St Mary's.

West Brom:

Form in Premier League: WDLDWD
Form in all competitions: WLDWWD

Possible starting lineup: Foster; Dawson, McAuley, Lescott, Brunt; Sessegnon, Yacob, Fletcher, Morrison; Berahino, Ideye

Southampton:

Form in Premier League: WWLWDL
Form in all competitions: WLLWDL

Possible starting lineup: Forster; Clyne, Yoshida, Fonte, Bertrand; Schneiderlin, Wanyama, Ward-Prowse; Elia, Mane, Pelle

Sports Mole says: 1-0