West Ham welcome Southampton to the London Stadium in the race for Premier League survival.
Victory would see West Ham climb out of the relegation zone and go 14th in the table, whilst Southampton can move off the foot of the table and go 19th with a win over the Hammers.
Team News
Goalkeeper, Lukasz Fabianski could return for West Ham after he missed their last five matches with an eye socket injury and fractured cheekbone.
Michail Antonio (calf) could also be in contention for selection but Emerson Palmieri (illness), Nayef Aguerd (hip) and Gianluca Scamacca (knee) are doubts and face late fitness tests.
Southampton could be without Che Adams after he suffered a calf injury whilst on international duty for Scotland.
Mohamed Salisu (unspecified) is also doubtful but Armel Bella-Kotchap is ruled out after he suffered a shoulder injury during their 3-3 draw against Tottenham.
Valentino Livramento (muscle) and Juan Larios (adductor) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
West Ham host Southampton in a 2pm BST kick-off at London Stadium on Sunday 2 April, live on Sky Sports in UK.
Stat Attack
- West Ham have won just one of their last five league meetings against Southampton (W1, D3, L1).
- Southampton have won just one of their last five visits to West Ham (W1, L4).
- West Ham have scored 14 goals and conceded just four goals in their last five home clashes against Southampton.
- David Moyes’ Hammers have scored in all four matches at home in 2023 (W2, D2).
- Southampton have claimed seven points in their five away matches in the Premier League in 2023 (W2, D1, L2).
Prediction
Amidst their impressive European form, West Ham now have to focus on domestic matters because they’ve been inconsistent and are now fighting for their top-flight status which surely is a bigger priority than an European trophy at this point of the season.
One positive for Moyes’ Hammers though is that they are yet to lose at home since the turn of 2023, although they were lucky to draw against Aston Villa in their last domestic outing but I would like to see them translate their European performance into their domestic displays.
Southampton meanwhile are starting to pick up some form with one defeat in their last four games, but I want to see them improve their defensive marking which almost cost them against Tottenham if not for their clinical finishing and fighting spirit to snatch a draw.
Victory therefore feels imperative for both teams which could make for a nervy start but if Southampton can show the same spirit as they did last time out, I do feel like they could spring a surprise.
Prediction: West Ham 1-2 Southampton
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