James Morrison’s belief meets Tonda Eckert’s momentum in West Brom Vs Southampton

James Morrison, who made more than 300 appearances for West Bromwich Albion, has asked his players to think bigger. He wants a squad that believes it can win every game, starting with west brom vs southampton. That call comes after a first point under his watch and before an in-form visitor arrives at The Hawthorns.

James Morrison, Sheffield United and a fragile home record

Morrison took charge after replacing Eric Ramsay on 24 February and has been tasked with steadying a relegation-threatened team. The first step came with a 1-1 draw at Sheffield United on Saturday, a result that lifted Albion out of the Championship’s bottom three and gave their new head coach something to build on.

That build begins at home, where Albion have not won since 29 December. Morrison has been blunt about standards since a defeat to Oxford United he called unacceptable and a dressing room he described as mentally fragile. He challenged his players publicly, then saw the response he wanted on the road. He has been clear that good training means little without a matchday edge and the ruthlessness to turn chances into points.

He also knows the margins at The Hawthorns will be tight. In front of their own crowd, he wants a performance that sustains belief and turns one point into something more. It is where his message — that they can win every game — must live or fall.

West Brom Vs Southampton at 7: 45 pm GMT (2: 45 pm ET)

Standing in their way is Tonda Eckert’s Southampton, unbeaten in 10 matches in all competitions and fresh from knocking Fulham out of the FA Cup at Craven Cottage. The visitors head to The Hawthorns carrying what Eckert calls a good moment, one he insists must be earned again with work and focus.

Eckert has warned against any drop-off after that cup win. He spoke of players fully focused and his willingness to lift intensity if it dips by even a couple of percent. The schedule sharpens that edge. Wednesday’s match is the first of four in 11 days, a stretch that will test legs and concentration in equal measure.

The Southampton manager has studied what awaits. He praised the point West Brom earned at Sheffield United and highlighted the threat on the counter, the collective defending, and two strikers who are difficult to handle, especially in the box. For him, west brom vs southampton is less a stage than a checkpoint in a chase he says is still far from complete.

Tonda Eckert’s squad: Jack Stephens, Shea Charles and Tom Fellowes

Eckert says all his players are looking good for the trip. Jack Stephens and Shea Charles, both rested for the Fulham tie, are set to return. He also confirmed no fresh injuries since Sunday, while Welington will miss out. Ryan Manning may be asked to play two games in a week, with the staff ready to adapt if the pace of fixtures requires it.

The wider picture under Eckert is hard to ignore. The 33-year-old coach has taken Southampton to within four points of the play-off places and into the FA Cup quarter-finals. He speaks often about the work needed to get into a strong position — and the different kind of work needed to stay there. That is the tone in March, with staff describing long days to get everything right before each meeting with the players.

There is also a personal thread. Winger Tom Fellowes is set for a return to his former club, having impressed at Fulham with his ability to cover ground. In a month defined by small advantages, that familiarity with The Hawthorns may matter in moments more than minutes.

Morrison’s side, meanwhile, have the chance to make the most of their own moment. The draw at Sheffield United changed the table and, more importantly for a manager who values mentality, changed the feel inside his dressing room. Now, against a team in stride, comes the test of whether that belief holds.

By Wednesday night at 7: 45 pm GMT (2: 45 pm ET), The Hawthorns will provide the verdict. Morrison asked for faith backed by action. Eckert arrives with momentum and a fit group ready for a demanding run. When the whistle goes, the message that opened West Brom’s week will meet the reality that ends it.