It's a bit of an overhaul for Southampton. Claude Puel reacts to conceding four against Tottenham by making six changes, three of which are in the back four.

Only Virgil van Dijk survives in the defensive unit. Sam McQueen is in for Ryan Bertrand, Cuco Martina for Cedric Soares and Maya Yoshida for Jose Fonte.

Further forward Shane Long replaces Jay Rodriguez, while Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is in for James Ward-Prowse.

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Tony Pulis makes perhaps a surprise change to his side after defeat at Arsenal. Salomon Rondon is out and Hal Robson-Kanu gets the nod for his first start of the season. That's their only change.

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Image source, West Brom

The fixture computer was not too kind to West Brom over Christmas. They hosted Manchester United and then had a trip to Arsenal. Two defeats, no goals scored, three leaked. Hardly hammerings but still, no points from Santa's sack.

They could do with something here.

Did you know? Tony Pulis' side have drawn just one of their past 10 league games. They don't seem that interested in picking up a point. Very much a feast or famine outfit.

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The players have disappeared from the turf at St Mary's. Down the tunnel they head for some inevitable words of wisdom.

Saints manager Claude Puel has just done some pre-match media and says his side must "play clinical" as "there will not be many spaces against this team".

The home mascot - I believe he's called Sammy Saint - is being clinical in his brilliance so far. He's asking for plenty of whooping and hollering from the home massive.

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Look at the big, beaming smile on Ryan Bertrand's face. That, my friends, is the face of a man who had a cracking Christmas stocking.

Southampton's Twitter page says "spirits are high" despite their 4-1 home hammering by Tottenham three days ago.

Saints are, of course, out of the Europa League already. To get into next year's competition they need to find consistency and bridge the gap to the top five. They sit eighth, 12 points behind Spurs who occupy fifth.

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Jay Rodriguez warms up with a smile on his face among the Southampton substitutes as they play keep ball in a circle. Jose Fonte has a smile on his face too, despite being on the bench.

The sun beats down on a small corner of the pitch at St Mary's with the rest covered in shade. No sign of the south-coast fog which claimed Brighton v Cardiff last night. We have clarity, we have two sides sat one place apart in the table, now please, give us some quality action.

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Look at this guy. He's had a new bike and new hat for Christmas so he's going all out and taking them to the New Year's Eve party.

He's come dressed like a Quality Street, seeking some Saints Heroes who can deliver a few Celebrations.

Anyway, enough with the festivities, I'm done with cards, glitter, pastries, and cold turkey, let's get some football on.