Southampton boss Claude Puel plotting to overhaul West Brom

Ninth-placed Saints have several injury concerns ahead of tomorrow’s match.

They trail Albion by seven points, although they hold two games in hand over Tony Pulis’ side.

Last season, Saints finished sixth to qualify for the Europa League, but the south coast club already trail sixth-placed Manchester United by 17 points with nine games to play.

Puel knows that ship has sailed, but he’s eager for the League Cup finalists to overhaul the Baggies.

“It will be important to take points at West Brom, or one point minimum for our ambitions for the end of the season,” said Puel, who is keen for Saints to build on Wednesday’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace.

“The win against Crystal Palace was very important in terms of the result because many teams behind us also took points.

“I was happy because with all those scenarios the team kept a good spirit and kept going always, and in difficulties they gave a good answer.

“It will be the same against West Brom and with the schedule afterwards too.”

Late goals from Maya Yoshida and James Ward-Prowse dragged Saints to a tense league win over Palace at St Mary’s.

Former Albion striker Shane Long missed three fine chances before the hosts finally turned the tie in the last 10 minutes.

Puel has had one day fewer than Pulis to prepare for this game and he also faces losing several key players.

Combative midfielder Oriol Romeu is suspended, but Saints could also be without Manolo Gabbiadini, Ryan Bertrand, Steven Davis and Sofiane Boufal.

Romeu will start a two-match ban after collecting 10 bookings, and Davis suffered an ankle problem against Palace.

Bertrand missed the Palace win with a hamstring complaint and Boufal has a muscle injury.

Gabbiadini started life in the Premier League in stunning style, scoring four goals in his first three league games following his arrival in January, but the strike is still battling a groin issue, leaving Puel sweating on the state of his squad.

“Romeu is suspended, we will see with Davies if he can play, with his ankle injury yesterday,” said Puel.

“And I don’t know for example if Gabbiadini can participate with the squad for this game.

“It’s difficult for the moment to prepare this game.

“With Bertrand, Davis and Boufal, all these players I don’t know about for the moment.

“But it’s a good thing of course to have a good result against Crystal Palace and that can give us good confidence.”