Our prediction for this Premier League match:
Monday’s football game at the Hawthorns pits together WBA and Southampton, the two teams who defeated Chelsea and Burnley respectively at the weekend. The Baggies did well to shock ten-man Blues at Stamford Bridge, but they need to keep on raising their form if they are to secure the Premier League survival. Sam Allardyce’s men are high on confidence ahead of the visit of Southampton, and we are positive that they will leave their hearts on the field.
A man to watch in the home team will be Pereira, who scored a brace against Chelsea. Both Ivanovic and O’Shea should be fit to face the Saints, while Gibbs is a major doubt. Southampton came from two goals behind to beat Burnley 3-2 at St. Mary’s Stadium, but seeing that the hosts want this win more than the visitors, we are tempted to put our money on the relegation strugglers. Obafemi, Smallbone, and Oriol Romeu remain sidelined with injuries.
Highlighted Player (Branislav Ivanovic):
Over the years Branislav Ivanovic has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world football. Bane plays as a centre back, but he is capable of playing as a full back as well. The Serbian defender has been playing for Chelsea since 2008 and he used to play for the likes of Srem, OFK Beograd and Lokomotiv Moscow in the past as well.
Ivanovic leaves his heart on the field in every single match and that is the main reason why the fans love him. He is known for his aerial ability as well and it has to be noted that he has scored 22 goals for Chelsea since arriving to Stamford Bridge in 2008.
The Serbian footballer has won two Premier League trophies with the Blues, but the Champions League trophy won in 2012 is considered the biggest success of his career. Branislav is married to Natasa, who gave birth to his four children.
Highlighted Team (Southampton):
Southampton are an English football club that have been playing their home games at St Mary's Stadium since 2001. The Saints were based at The Dell in the past and the capacity of Southampton’s new stadium is 32,505. Southampton wear red and white striped shirts and the colour of the team’s away kit is navy and green.
The Saints have yet to win the Premier League trophy, but they did well to clinch the FA Cup title back in 1976, while participating in the final of the prestigious competition in 1900, 1902 and 2003. Southampton outplayed Manchester United in the 1976 FA Cup final and that is probably the club’s greatest victory ever.
The club are well known for their football academy and Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale is one of the players who began their football carrier at the St. Mary’s Stadium outfit. Southampton’s fiercest rivals are Portsmouth and the two teams square off against each other in the South Coast Derby.