Southampton appeal for help to make the most of 'advantage' against West Brom
West Brom’s play-off rivals are putting out all the stops to beat them to a place at Wembley Stadium.
West Brom's play-off rivals Southampton are asking supporters to make their presence known ahead of their Championship play-off semi-final at St Mary's Stadium tonight (May 17).
The tie is evenly poised with the Baggies holding the Saints to a goalless draw at the Hawthorns on Tuesday. General admission is sold out for both the home and away supporters in what promises to be a huge match.
In the build-up to the match, Southampton sent out a message to supporters to try and generate an atmosphere. The crowd are being encouraged to wear the red and white colours of Southampton and to arrive early so they can cheer the team when on when they arrive at the ground.
In a call to arms published on Tuesday, the club said: "We’re encouraging supporters to turn out early, be in their colours and bring the noise, as we head into Friday evening’s playoff semi-final second leg against West Bromwich Albion (KO 8pm).
“The Saints team bus will arrive at St Mary’s at approximately 6.15pm, with food, bars and music from 5pm to get the party started.
"The support this season has been brilliant, and now we’re asking supporters to take it up a level and bring the noise to be our 12th man for this important semi-final.
"We want the players to walk out to a sea of red and white as they arrive, as well as in the stands, so we encourage supporters to wear their colours.
"Whether it’s a new shirt or an old shirt, we’d love to see the Saints red and white army out in full force to make the most of an important second-leg home advantage.”
Last week Carlos Corebran said the atmosphere generated by the Baggies at the Hawthorns against Southampton was the best that he had heard during his managerial career. West Brom must do something tonight that they haven’t done for seven years and that is beat Southampton away. They have lost their last three meetings down on the South Coast. Speaking ahead of the match, opposition boss Russell Martin said: "I don't know what Carlos is going to do. It is about us and our approach. "We need to make sure the players are ready to play the way we want it to be played. "We are at home with our fans. This is an amazing opportunity."
The winner of the tie will play Leeds United who dismantled Norwich City 4-0 at Elland Road on Thursday night. As a result David Wagner was relieved of his duties as Canaries head coach.