Two promoted sides face up for the first time in the league this season and despite Southampton running away with the Championship title last term, it is West Ham who look the stronger side having picked up three league wins to Southampton’s one.
Both sides have lost attacking players to injury as Southampton’s record signing Gaston Ramirez (dead leg) and West Ham’s Ricardo Vaz Te (shoulder) face two months on the sidelines.
Andy Carroll will see the game as the ideal opportunity to get off the mark and show parent club Liverpool what they’re missing as the Merseysiders struggle with injuries up-front.
KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm
PAST THREE MEETINGS…
West Ham 1 (Noble) Southampton (Hooiveld) Championship, February 2012
Southampton 1 (Hooiveld) West Ham 0, Championship, October 2011
Southampton 1 (Beattie) West Ham 1 (Defoe), Premier League, April 2003
STATS...
West Ham haven’t beaten Southampton in the last 11 years.
The Saints have been leaking goals for fun, conceding a total of 20 this season.
ODDS...
West Ham to win: 1.85
Southampton to win: 4.20
Draw: 3.60
TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm
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