West Ham United are set to welcome a demoralized Southampton side to the London Stadium on Saturday, hoping to snap a five-match Premier League winless streak and secure their top-flight status for another season.
Despite recent struggles, the Hammers are within touching distance of mathematical safety. With a comfortable 14-point cushion above the drop zone, a win over Southampton could all but seal their place in next season’s Premier League campaign. Meanwhile, the Saints are merely playing for dignity after their relegation was officially confirmed.
West Ham’s Battle for a Respectable Finish
Graham Potter’s side had shown promise earlier in the season with victories over Arsenal and Leicester City, but consistency has eluded them. Their recent trip to Anfield ended in heartbreak as a late Liverpool winner handed them a sixth defeat under Potter’s tenure. Currently sitting 17th, West Ham are still within reach of a mid-table finish, just three points shy of Everton in 13th.
Home form, however, remains a concern. The Hammers have only managed two wins from their last seven league fixtures at the London Stadium, failing to find the back of the net in more than half of those outings. Still, they hold a strong historical record against Southampton, with just one loss in their last 12 league encounters.
Southampton’s Historic Struggles Continue
Southampton’s season has been historically poor. With 26 losses in 32 matches, they’ve endured the worst campaign in their 139-year existence. Their defeat to Aston Villa last weekend was their first under interim manager Simon Rusk and yet another low point in a season to forget. The Saints have been rock bottom for 170 days this season, a grim record that reflects their long-term struggles.
As they prepare for their final six matches, Southampton are merely aiming to surpass Derby County’s infamous 11-point record from 2007–08. They’ve only won five of their last 23 games against West Ham, although they do boast three away wins in that span, offering a sliver of hope heading into the clash.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
West Ham United will be without Aaron Cresswell, Crysencio Summerville, and Michail Antonio due to injury. Manager Graham Potter could opt for a back four featuring Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Max Kilman, with midfield reshuffles likely. Edson Alvarez or Tomas Soucek may join James Ward-Prowse in central midfield, while Niclas Fullkrug is pushing for a starting role up front alongside Paqueta, Kudus, and Bowen.
Southampton, still dealing with fitness issues, will miss Albert Gronbaek and Charlie Taylor, while Paul Onuachu remains a doubt. Flynn Downes returns from suspension and is expected to reclaim a midfield role. Tyler Dibling may be reinstated to the starting XI after recent substitute appearances.
Predicted Lineups:
West Ham United (4-2-3-1):
Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Scarles; Soucek, Ward-Prowse; Bowen, Kudus, Paqueta; Fullkrug
Southampton (3-4-2-1):
Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens; Walker-Peters, Downes, Ugochukwu, Manning; Fernandes, Dibling; Archer
While neither side has much left to fight for in terms of the league standings, West Ham will be eager to end their season on a high and possibly leapfrog mid-table rivals. Southampton’s defensive woes, conceding a league-high 77 goals, could be their undoing again. Expect the Saints to find the net but ultimately fall short against a more motivated West Ham side.
Prediction: West Ham United 3-1 Southampton
