Ahead of Saturday's game at St Mary's Stadium, we caught up with Southampton fan Jack. He gives us views on the Saints' season so far, the FA Cup, Steve Clarke and more. You can follow Jack on Twitter @_JackL_

Southampton had a fantastic start to the season but appear to be falling away a little now, very much a repeat of what happened to Albion in 2012/13, is there any particular reason for the downturn in results?

You're right, we had a great start, but injuries have halted our progress in the past couple of months. Defensive players being on the treatment table in particular has had a negative effect on the goals against column and subsequently, results. Our entire first choice back five have all been injured or had illnesses at one point or another, with midfield dominator Victor Wanyama also out with a hairline leg fracture - probably the most crucial of them all. Players are returning now and hopefully, with a better run of fixtures coming up (on paper), we should get back on track.

You spent a lot of money during the summer, how have the signings done in general? 

We only bought three players but they all cost between £8m - £14m so, as a result, we had one of the biggest outlays in the country. The above mentioned Wanyama demonstrated his presence before injury contributing to our, at the time of his knock, 2nd best defence in Europe. His passing is often wayward but there's no beating him in a 50/50 clash! Dani Osvaldo has gained a mixed reception since arriving from Roma. His best performances, when he's played, have come at St Mary's but it's clear to all that he's a bit of a hothead, currently serving a three match ban for kicking Newcastle's goalie coach in the crown jewels during a touchline tussle last month. Talented, without a doubt, but he needs to cut out the red streak in his character if he's going to fire us up the table. Dejan Lovren has been without doubt the best signing of the three. £8m seemed a rather large splash of the cash for someone Lyon fans didn't rate, but a winning goal at Anfield and assist at Old Trafford, along with no nonsense defensive performances, make him look a bargain buy.  

Highlight of the season so far?

There's been a few already, but the win at Anfield is a personal highlight. Last season we played there with so much fear and they won convincingly (despite the 1-0 scoreline) but the stark change this time around was delightful. The late leveller at Old Trafford, at the time, probably trumped the Liverpool win, but having seen most other teams get points at the previously nicknamed 'Theatre of Dreams', it doesn't feel quite such an achievement. Rickie Lambert scoring the winner for England with his first touch against Scotland wasn't bad, mind.

Low point of the season so far?

The 3-2 home loss to Aston Villa. We absolutely dominated from start to finish but it was just 'one of those games'. They scored with their only 3 shots of the game and also had just 29% possession. Fabian Delph's winning goal was worthy of winning any game, however.

Player of the season so far?

The aforementioned Dejan Lovren and Adam Lallana compete for this prize. Centre-Half was a weak ever since our promotion to the Premier League, but the former steadied the ship and was a big contributing factor to our great start. Thankfully, he seems to be over a couple of knocks picked up in November and December so should reform his solid partnership with Jose Fonte in the coming weeks. Lallana's been outstanding both before and after his well deserved England call-up. He's added an end product to his game which he lacked previously and is getting goals and assists in almost every game he plays. With Theo Walcott now out of the World Cup, Lallana simply has to go if he continues his current form. In the battle of him and Lovren though, I think Adam pips his Croatian team-mate to this one.

Any player been particularly disappointing?

Only really the back-up players - Paulo Gazzaniga, Jos Hooiveld and Danny Fox in particular. Gazzaniga was signed the summer before last by Nigel Adkins after only one season in League 2 with Gillingham but he looks nowhere near ready for the Premier League with some nervous, flappy showings in goal with mistakes to go with it (a few times resulting in opposition goals). Hooiveld is scarily slow and Fox is no match to the ever impressive Luke Shaw.

Where do you see the Saints finishing this season, can you realistically get back into Europa League contention?

I think we'll finish where we are right now - 9th. There's a bit of a gap between ourselves and the top seven, and ourselves and the teams below us (thankfully!). Without two or three more quality additions to add depth to the squad, I can't see us taking the next step to competing for the top 6 with teams such as Everton. Pochettino seems happy to continue with the current group of players until the end of the season, having faith in the ever emerging youth talents as back-up if needed.

There was a lot of anger aimed at Albion’s management for fielding a weakened team in the FA Cup at the weekend, how seriously are the Saints likely to take the competition this season?

I was pleasantly surprised that we played a pretty strong team on Saturday against Burnley which in the end got us through a nervy yet enthralling seven-goal thriller. With our relatively comfortable position in mid table, the fans really want us to push on and win a Wembley final just as we did back in 2010, albeit in the slightly less treasured Johnstone's Paint Trophy. But, I must say, although we were ridiculed for celebrating winning such a trophy, not much beats seeing your team win 4-1 at the home of football alongside around 50,000 of your fellow supporters.

Most neutrals seemed shocked by the decision to sack Steve Clarke as Albion boss, your take on his dismissal?

Very shocked at the time, although looking at how you guys performed in 2013, it maybe shouldn't have been such a surprise. So many managers have been shown the exit door this season in the top four or five leagues but I think Clarke should have been given more time to turn things around within the current season.

Any West Brom players you admire?

Shane Long has always been a favourite non-Saints player of mine. He may not get you 15 or 20 goals a season in this league but he works very hard for the team when I've seen him play. Each side needs a player like him, (ours is Jay Rodriguez) someone who can always be relied on.

Any particular memories / highlights that stand out from previous Albion v Southampton games?

I'd rather not remember last year's games between us if that's alright with you! My first ever Saints game that I remember was a 1-0 win at St Mary's back in 2003 when James Beattie scored a 30 yard belter. But my personal favourite was the 1-1 draw at the Hawthorns in 07/08. You guys got promoted, and that point helped keep us up. Our goal was Adam Lallana's first ever for the club. My how far him and the club as a whole have come since then.

Premier League champions?

Man City will pip Chelsea in my opinion. They score goals for fun and they seem to be straightening out their away form. As soon as they get Aguero back, they'll storm home.

Relegated?

Sunderland, West Ham and Palace. All three managed by managers I'm not a fan of, so I can't say that I'll be sad to see them go. Saying that, Palace is a good away day.

Prediction for Saturday’s game?

2-1 Saints. We've had a tough run of games that I think we're out of now. A much needed win at home will really get us back towards building some kind of momentum. Lambert (pen) & a late Lallana goal after Morrison equalises for WBA.