Southampton Match Preview

West Ham United’s victory over Swansea City last Saturday took them back to second place in the Sky Bet Championship table on goal difference and only one point behind the leaders. However, if they beat Southampton in Stratford this afternoon and other results go their way, they would then regain top spot.

After taking maximum points from their recent set of consecutive away matches, the Hammers can now look forward to back-to-back games in front of their home fans, as West Bromwich Albion provide the opposition next weekend.

It is worth remembering that Nuno Espírito Santo’s men have already beaten the Saints this season, as despite naming a team that mainly consisted of Development Squad players, they still managed to come from behind to win 4-1 and book a third-round home tie with Premier League outfit Fulham, whereas Tonda Eckert fielded a full-strength side for that game at St Mary’s back on 25 August. Here’s hoping that the hosts can repeat that outcome here.

The Saints went into the extended international break off the back of a 2-1 defeat at Wrexham but, since they have returned to league action, they have not conceded. With the East Londoners having scored in every game to date, it might be difficult for them to keep that run going today.

The Saints fans would have been disappointed to have only picked up a point from a home game against newly promoted Bolton Wanderers last time out and are hopeful of bouncing back here. However, that might be easier said than done against a side that are unbeaten in nine games.

Both sides have had a full week to prepare since last weekend’s games so it will be interesting to see who comes out on top here with the Irons looking to further build momentum after their impressive 1-0 triumph in South Wales.

Whilst there is a doubt about Saints midfielder Flynn Downes making a return to his boyhood club, due to him damaging his ankle ligament in their 1-0 victory over Norwich City ten days ago, two other players could be in line for reunions, as Kyle Walker-Peters and James Ward-Prowse will be available to their respective bosses.

The match is a 3pm kick-off and the referee is Michael Salisbury.