West Brom full-back Conor Townsend has been talking to the media ahead of the play-off semi-final second leg against Southampton.
The two sides played out a 0-0 draw in the cagey first meeting at The Hawthorns on Sunday, with neither side wanting to have to chase the game in the second leg.
That game will be played at St Mary’s on Friday night, with many touting Southampton as favourites given their home advantage.
Townsend does not necessarily believe this to be a bad thing, though, as he has revealed what his side are using as motivation ahead of the play-off final decider.
Conor Townsend claims West Brom happy to be underdogs
Townsend believes Carlos Corberan’s side will relish the fact that they travel to the south coast with many expecting them to lose.
When asked about Southampton being favourites after the 0-0 draw in West Brom’s home tie, Townsend responded: “That is fine, we are happy being the underdogs.”
“If the media want to paint it that those two (Southampton and Leeds) are nailed on then fine, it does not make a difference to us. We probably use it to our advantage in the dressing room.”
Southampton beat the Baggies at home in November, with Will Smallbone and Adam Armstrong scoring either side of a Kyle Bartley goal to secure a 2-1 win for the Saints.
They also won the reverse fixture in the regular leage season, triumphing 2-0 at West Brom in February, meaning they have conceded just once to their semi-final opponents in three meetings this campaign.
Southampton taking nothing for granted ahead of second leg
Whilst Townsend may insist that Southampton are favourites to try and cement the underdog tag his side are clearly using to try and give them an edge, Russell Martin will be taking nothing for granted.
St Mary’s will be in full voice on Friday night but West Brom will set up to frustrate the Saints and quieten the home crowd.
Southampton will have to take the initiative as the home side and this will suit their opponents who will back themselves to defend resolutely and nick something on the break.
Martin will be wise to this and must ensure his side to not get caught out in transition whilst trying to take the game to their opponents.
The tie is finely poised and the game on Friday will effectively be a one-off shootout for a place in the Wembley final on 26th May.