Southampton vs West Ham preview: Saints and Hammers still habour top four hopes

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at St Mary’s Stadium

Paul McNamara
Friday 05 February 2016 13:42 GMT
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(2016 Getty Images)

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It’s a big game for…

Aaron Cresswell: The Hammers left-back hasn’t reached the heights this term that he did in his first season at Upton Park. Nevertheless, the Scouser is clicking into gear at the right time. If his form continues on its current upwards trajectory, then Cresswell could edge himself into contention for a place in Roy Hodgson’s England squad this summer.

Best stat…

4: There has been nothing to separate these sides in their past four Premier League encounters on the south coast. The last positive top-flight result between the pair at St Mary’s was Southampton’s 2-0 win in January 2002

Remember when…

Andy Carroll did what he does best, when these teams met in the last round of Premier League fixtures in 2015. With the Hammers a goal down at the break, Slaven Bilic called for his Geordie Talisman, who responded by completing the hosts’ comeback with a late headed winner.

Player to watch…

James Ward-Prowse: Another England hopeful running into a hot-streak of form. A wonderful dead-ball striker, Ward-Prowse scored twice in Saints’ recent victory over West Brom. In common with his team, the skilful midfielder has emerged from a sticky patch to remind us how good he is.

Past three-meetings…

West Ham 2 (Antonio, Carroll) Southampton 1 (Jenkinson, og), Premier League, December 2015

Southampton 0 West Ham 0, Premier League, February 2015

West Ham 1 (Noble) Southampton 3 (Schneiderlin (2), Pelle), Premier League, August 2014

Form guide…

Southampton: LLWWWD

West Ham: WWLDDW

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 5.30pm

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 from 5pm; Highlights on Match of the Day on BBC1 10.30pm

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