Saturday’s game against Southampton is arguably our biggest game this season. Although, we might’ve said that more than once, we simply cannot afford to drop points. Given our remaining fixtures, we still have Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City and Man United. Given that we have not played any games since the embarrassing defeat to Burnley, the players must be fresh especially with the warm weather ‘training’ in Miami. Only 2 points are separating West Ham and Southampton. This match will be a ‘6 pointer’.
Last 4 results against Southampton
06/02/2016- Southampton 1-0 West Ham United
25/09/2016- West Ham United 0-3 Southampton
04/02/2017- Southampton 1-3 West Ham United
19/08/2017- Southampton 3-2 West Ham United
Dangermen to watch out for-
Charlie Austin–
Southampton striker Charlie Austin has scored 6 premier league goals for the Saints this season. Unfortunately for us he will be back for Saturday’s game given that he was injured for a period of time. He scored a last-minute penalty against us in August and always has a point to prove against us given the comment made by David Sullivan a few years back; “he has no ligaments”. The comment was unacceptable and despite his previous injuries in the past, he is still a goal scorer to watch out for and must not be underestimated. He must feel he has a point to prove so could this be a factor to watch out for if he contributes to Saturday’s game.
James Ward-Prowse–
Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse has been a key figure the for Saints this season. He is known for his excellent/dangerous set piece delivery, creating chances for his team-mates and whipping dangerous crosses into the box to cause defenders problems. He has contributed to 3 goals and 2 assists this season and he has played almost every game this season. Given how poor our defending has been the last 3/4 games, his crossing abilities can cause our defenders problems.
Dusan Tadic–
The 28-year-old Serbian midfielder was a player we were linked with in the previous summer transfer window. This season he has contributed 3 goals and 3 assists for Southampton this season. He can play either as a number 10 or as a winger. Despite lacking consistency this season, he still has the ability to play key passes and create dangerous opportunities as he has proved since he joined Southampton.
Ryan Bertrand–
English left back Ryan Bertrand is a key player for Southampton. he is a regular starter for Southampton this season and can cause problems to our defence with his overlapping runs on the left side of the pitch as well as causing dangerous crosses into the box. He has assisted 3 times this season for the Saints and this could be a pivotal figure causing trouble to Zabaleta.
Nathan Redmond–
The 24-year-old English winger has had a poor season for Southampton in comparison to last season. In his first season for Southampton he contributed to 7 goals. However, this season he has not scored but he has assisted his teammates 3 times. He is a pacey/technical winger and despite his poor form this season, Mark Hughes would have improved the morale in the squad as proven in his first game in charge against Wigan. Given our poor defensive record, West Ham have a habit of making the most out of form players into world beaters when they play against us.
Likely line-up from Southampton:
Likely line-up (4-2-3-1 formation)
Alex McCarthy
Cedric Soares Jack Stephan’s Wesley hoedt Ryan Bertrand
Mario lemina Pierre Emile Højbjerg
Dusan Tadic James Ward-Prowse Nathan Redmond
Guido Carrillo
Other possible line-up (4-3-3 formation)
Alex McCarthy
Cedric Soares Jack Stephan’s Wesley hoedt Ryan Bertrand
Mario lemina Oriel Romeu Pierre Emile Højbjerg
Dusan Tadic James Ward-Prowse
Guido Carrillo
By Abu ( @Asheth16 )