Jay Rodriguez hasn't scored since March 2014 but he comes awfully close to ending that run. Dusan Tadic whips in a cross from the right and the England striker heads inches wide. That's the closest we've come to a goal.

Saints striker Jay Rodriguez, who is back in action after a long injury lay-off, muscles his way into the penalty area and fires in a low shot but it's easily saved by Boaz Myhill.

If this games remain as tame in the second period, wouldn't the introduction of a certain player give it a bit of spice? I'm not sure he's been down the touchline for a jog yet, though. 

Nervous moment for Saints goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, who is tripped as a West Brom corner is delivered. Fortunately for the the Dutch goalkeeper, on loan from Fulham, the ball bounces to safety and he eventually recovers. 

Half an hour gone and no doubt who's had more of the ball. Still goalless, though. 

Image source, Opta

Chris Brunt takes the corner for the Baggies, and delivers a fine set-piece (doesn't he always?), but Craig Dawson cannot direct his header on target from close range. 

Southampton look content, but maybe need to step up the speed of their attacks to start causing the Baggies any real problems. West Brom's main threat is coming from Callum McManaman, who wins another corner. 

Dusan Tadic is getting some grief from the home fans now as he hops to his feet and delivers a cross which Salomon Rondon heads behind for a Southampton corner. It's subsequently cleared. 

West Brom happy to sit back and suck up the pressure as Southampton control possession and switch the ball from right to left. Dusan Tadic has just been walloped by Chris Brunt and the Serbian is not happy with his treatment. 

Dusan Tadic takes it but it is headed clear. The Saints are controlling the game in midfield so far, you would have to say. 

Other than that penalty excitement, it's not been thrilling. West Brom defender Craig Dawson heads away as the ball is delivered into Jay Rodriguez. Eventually the Saints win a corner. 

Image source, Getty Images

The strange thing about that is that had Callum McManaman thrown not himself so theatrically, I think he would have been awarded a penalty because contact would have been made. Funny one, but replays made it look like the referee got it right. 

Callum McManaman is sent flying down the right by Rickie Lambert and he beats Matt Targett to the ball, but throws is a dramatic fall and his appeals are waved away by Stuart Attwell. Tony Pulis is furious.

Image source, Getty Images

Cedric Soares and Dusan Tadic will be a test for any defence this season as they break down the Southampton right, but West Brom left-back Chris Brunt does well to slow the Saints pair down as the counter attack wilts. 

Saints defender Virgil van Dijk, fresh from his £13m move from Celtic, is linking well with Victor Wanyama in front of him. Not been troubled too much so far. Frustration from the home fans as a delayed offside flag is shown to Salomon Rondon. 

Which is whipped in low and hard but it is nicked away before Baggies striker Rickie Lambert can get a touch on it. 

West Brom's Callum McManaman is jinking down the right already and giving Saints full-back Matt Targett a few warning signs. He wins the first corner of the game.

Image source, Getty Images

Jermaine Jenas
Former England midfielder on Final Score

"Saido Berahino and West Brom have both handled the situation badly. Now, the player will be booed by his own fans and that will affect his performances, while Spurs didn't get the player they wanted. It's nothing but negative."

Contrary to our earlier team-sheet, it seems Dusan Tadic is starting on the right side of the midfield with James Ward-Prowse playing more centrally. He's seeing plenty of the ball.