West Ham United vs Southampton

London Stadium sets the stage for a bottom-half Premier League showdown between West Ham United and Southampton.

Despite netting a late equalizer at runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool last weekend, West Ham suffered a painful 2-1 defeat at Anfield, extending their winless run to five games (D2, L3). As a result, they finished the round in 17th, albeit with no threat of relegation. However, that doesn’t change the fact they start this matchday in their lowest position at this stage of a campaign since being relegated to the second tier in 2010/11. Graham Potter hasn’t been the catalyst to inspire West Ham’s resurgence, with only the bottom three collecting fewer points in the Premier League than the Irons’ 12 since his arrival in January (W3, D3, L6). Southampton’s visit could be an ideal opportunity for Potter’s side to add to that dismal tally, considering they’ve only lost once in their last 12 top-flight H2Hs (W8, D3). 

In the meantime, a thumping 3-0 home loss to Aston Villa last weekend confirmed Southampton’s relegation – the earliest in Premier League history. Therefore, the Saints’ only task for the remainder of the season is to surpass the lowest-ever EPL points total set by Derby County in 2007/08 (11). Southampton’s 81% loss rate is the highest ever recorded by any side in a single top-flight season, and with an away fixture up next, things could go from bad to worse. Southampton have managed just one Premier League away win since February 2023 (D4, L18), underlining their struggles on hostile turf. Furthermore, they’ve lost five of their last six league meetings with West Ham in London (W1).