West Ham v Southampton preview: Key fixture in fight against relegation
With reports suggesting West Ham boss David Moyes fears for his job if he loses here, a tense encounter could ensue, particularly as they lost this game 3-2 last term.
That continued the trend of this fixture producing plenty of action as each of the last ten H2Hs West Ham hosted witnessed at least three goals (W7, L3), and considering they’ve kept just four home PL clean sheets this term, more of the same could follow.
That said, the Hammers are unbeaten in four league games here (W2, D2), suggesting the international break perhaps came at a bad time for them as far as their home form is concerned.
Southampton will hold similar feelings having collected as many points since sacking Nathan Jones six PL games ago (eight) than in the 17 games prior, as they desperately fight to keep in touch at the foot of the table.
Following their battling 3-3 draw with Tottenham, in which the Saints battled back from 3-1 down, manager Rubén Sellés said “the players want to fight for each other and I’m very proud of it,” which will be music to fans’ ears as the season reaches its climax.
Considering Southampton have won twice as many league away games as home ones this term (W4, D1, L9), they may be optimistic about their chances of securing back-to-back away wins at West Ham for the first time since 1992.
As three of their away league victories this term came against sides that start the round inside the bottom six, all by a one-goal margin, the Saints appear well prepared to march into battle again.
Players to watch: West Ham’s lucky charm Jarrod Bowen has won all eight of his goalscoring outings this term, while James Ward-Prowse’s last two PL goals came in first or second-half injury time, both against London clubs.
Hot stat: West Ham are the only side yet to score a PL goal before the 15th minute this term.
