West Ham v Southampton
Saturday 31 March, 15:00
Saturday 31 March, 15:00
Troubled times
This is a defining occasion for West Ham, both for its significance in the Premier League relegation battle and as the first match at the London Stadium since the crowd trouble that marred the Hammers' 3-0 home defeat by Burnley before the international break.
David Moyes's side are 17th in the table on 30 points, one place and two points above Southampton, with eight matches to play.
The never-ending battle with injuries goes on, with Manuel Lanzini the latest doubt after picking up a knock while on international duty with Argentina.
James Collins is expected to miss out with a hamstring problem, while Winston Reid, Sam Byram, Pedro Obiang and Andy Carroll are all long-term absentees.
On the plus side Edimilson Fernandes could return from an ankle injury after almost four months out.
Double boost for Hughes?
Southampton got off to a winning start under new manager Mark Hughes a fortnight ago with a 2-0 victory at Wigan that took them to the FA Cup semi-finals but they need to pick up their form quickly in the Premier League, having won only once in 17 games since late November.
Hughes could have two important players fit to start, with England left-back Ryan Bertrand and Charlie Austin reportedly ready. Austin's goal threat could be vital if Hughes is able to call on him for the run-in.
Maya Yoshida could also return here.
Bounce could help Saints
In fairness to West Ham, they were probably the better team for three-quarters of the fateful Burnley match as they had good early chances and were well in the game - and the fans were in their seats - until the visitors opened the scoring in the 66th minute.
It went downhill fast from there and now they have a mountain to climb in restoring a positive mood for the vital run-in.
Overall the Hammers have a solid home record of W3 D4 L2 under Moyes but the toxic atmosphere at the London Stadium hardly helps. The first goal could be all-important, as it was in the Burnley match.
A positive is that Moyes's side have scored in seven of his nine home games, the exceptions being the Burnley defeat and a goalless draw against Arsenal, although the high draw ratestems largely from their difficulty in keeping a clean sheet (three in those nine home games).
That porous defence could open the door for Southampton if they can sharpen up under Hughes.
It is worth remembering the experienced manager had a good record of top-ten finishes in the Premier League with a number of clubs before his recent struggles at Stoke and he has taken over a fairly talented if under-performing squad at Southampton.
Prior to the 3-0 defeat at Newcastle that led to the sacking of Mauricio Pellegrino,Southampton had been making some progress on the road with score draws at Watford and Burnley and victories over bottom club West Brom in the Premier League and FA Cup.
Hughes's side must have a decent chance here if they can rediscover their recent record of scoring on the road and it is worth noting they have lost only three out of 12 when they have scored away this season in all competitions.
A draw is quite possible here but the edge might be with Southampton, especially if they get some new manager bounce, and the visitors are the pick on draw no bet at 1.92.
Regular scorers
Under 2.5 goals is fairly short at 1.70, in keeping with the image of two low-scoring sides, but it's not a straightforward call because they do score regularly, if not heavily.
Southampton have scored in seven of their last nine away games in all competitions, with four of those scoring games going over 2.5 goals, while West Ham have scored in eight of Moyes's 10 home games in all competitions, although only two of those scoring games have gone over 2.5 goals.
Both teams to score could be a good shout at 1.88.
Ref Watch
Jon Moss is at the higher end of the card counts in the Premier League, although his three matches this season involving one of these teams have been lower with 20 or 30 bookings points.
Opta Stat
Since winning 3-0 at London Stadium last season, Southampton have lost five of their six Premier League trips to London (W1). West Ham are 2.96 to win here.
RECOMMENDED BETS
Back Southampton on Draw No Bet at 1.92
