Southampton have the first of what they hope will be three season-defining games on Sunday.
Manager Russell Martin takes his Southampton side to West Brom for the first-leg of their play-off semi-final knowing he has had the better of Baggies manager Carlos Corberan this season.
The Saints have won both league meetings, with the 2-1 home win in November followed by a 2-0 win at The Hawthorns in February.
Form can go out the window in the play-offs, but Martin will still be glad Southampton managed to win their last game of the season against fellow play-off side Leeds United to end a run of three straight defeats.
Martin sprung a surprise in that 2-1 win at Elland Road, switching from his favoured 4-3-3 formation to set up with a back three.
It will be interesting to see whether was merely a tactic devised to beat Leeds on the day or a system Martin plans on using in the play-offs.
Southampton team and injury news for West Brom clash
Southampton already know they will be without injured duo Stuart Armstrong and Gavin Bazunu for the play-offs, with the pair both suffering season-ending injuries recently.
Che Adams limped off in the 61st minute against Leeds on the final day of the regular season, leaving Southampton fans with hearts in mouths.
However, Martin has since calmed any concerns by providing a positive update on the 16 goal striker.
Sekou Mara missed the Leeds game with an injury and it is unclear as of yet whether the 21-year-old will be fit for the first leg.
The return of Ross Stewart from injury means this is less of a concern, though, with the £10 million summer signing itching to make an impact.
The only other known absentee is Juan Larios, with the Spaniard due to return from his long-term injury in pre-season.
Predicted Southampton starting XI v West Brom
Alex McCarthy has deputised in goal since Bazunu’s injury and will resume the role on Sunday.
Southampton played with a back three with great success last week, but Martin may be tempted to return to the 4-3-3 shape he has used for the bulk of the season.
Given the Saints have beaten West Brom twice this campaign playing this way – with wingers scoring on both occasions – this could make a lot of sense.
In the away win over West Brom earlier this year, captain Jack Stephens played as an auxiliary left-back and could well take up this position again to allow Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jan Bednarek to play as a central defensive pair.
Kyle Walker-Peters will undoubtedly start at right-back if this is the case.
Flynn Downes is pivotal to Southampton’s promotion chances and will be fit to take up his holding midfield role after making his first start in four against Leeds.
Ahead of him, Joe Aribo and Will Smallbone should make up the midfield three.
If Martin reverts to a 4-3-3, this could see 26-year-old winger David Brooks return to the side to operate from the right wing.
Brooks had started seven games in a row and looked fatigued prior to dropping out of the team against Leeds but Southampton could benefit from his creativity with Stuart Armstrong out.
Eddie Howe managed Brooks at Bournemouth and was very complimentary of the player in 2018, as he said: “He has played ever so well for us, he has got a creative flair, non-stop energy and he took his goals really well today.
“He is a player that can do a little bit of everything, he is very good offensively, is creative, turns well with the ball and is very intelligent.
Adam Armstrong will take up the left wing position, allowing the Saints’ top scorer to cut in on his favoured right foot.
Adams will then line up as the central striker, with his ability to hold the ball up and bring others to play crucial in such a big game.
With all things considered, here is how Southampton are predicted to line up against West Brom.
Southampton (4-3-3): McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens; Downes, Smallbone, Aribo; Brooks, Adams, A. Armstrong