Southampton have one point so far this Premier League season, and West Ham have three. The Hammers will certainly be the happier with their start despite opening day defeat to rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
This game is the difference between a good start and a poor one. West Ham were unfortunate not to beat Spurs on the opening day and then the Hammers put away a manger-less Crystal Palace comfortably – 3-1. Southampton lost their opening game also – away at Anfield. Their first home game was a disappointment too, as they were held to a bore draw by West Bromwich Albion.
Mid-week both sides competed in the Capital One Cup. Southampton put away West Ham’s arch enemies Millwall 2-0, whereas West Ham struggled to break down the wall that Sheffield United put up. Thanks to a Winston Reid own goal Sheffield United were able to hold out until penalties where they triumphed.
Team News
New Southampton boss Ronald Koeman is still without long-term injuries Jay Rodriguez and Sam Gallagher.
West Ham’s injury list is as long as ever as Kevin Nolan, Andy Carroll, James Collins, Matt Jarvis, and Carl Jenkinson are all definitely out for the Southampton clash. Midweek goalscorer Diafra Sakho will be hoping he can get back to full fitness after tweaking his back versus Sheffield United.
Likely Line-ups
West Ham United
Adrian
Cresswell – Reid – Tomkins – O’Brien
Noble – Kouyate
Vaz Te – Zarate – Downing
Cole
Southampton
Forster
Clyne – Fonte – Yoshida – Bertrand
Cork – Schneiderlin – Wanyama
Long – Pelle – Tadic
Prediction
Southampton’s squad is very good on paper and with Morgan Schneiderlin running the midfield they are likely to keep possession. West Ham’s style has changed however and they would like the majority of possession at home also. A classic midfield battle will go a long way to deciding this one and with Southampton set to out-number West Ham’s midfield, it could be a tough one for the Hammers. West Ham will get chances and if they take them like they did against Crystal Palace last week they are certainly capable of winning.
It’s bound to be a close one, so I’ll sit on the fence – 0-0
Toby, Saints did well at Liverpool. Albeit after a slow start. They and WBA were both poor I understand. I can’t see any possibility of this being goalless. We have the firepower to take all 3 points. I hope to see us use it.