MATCH PREVIEW // INTERNATIONAL RETURNS BOLSTER HAMMERS FOR CRUCIAL SAINTS VISIT

By Daniel Mcinally 

West Ham United welcome Southampton to London Stadium this Saturday, in what could be a contest crucial to both sides’ quest to remain in the Premier League this season.

Although the Saints are two points and one place behind the Hammers, they have renewed cause for optimism thanks to the influence of new manager Mark Hughes, who will be hoping to kick start his first Premier League game at Southampton with a win.  

Arthur Masuaku returns for West Ham after completing his six-game suspension, however Andy Carroll, Winston Reid, Sam Byram and Pedro Obiang remain side-lined. 

Southampton striker Charlie Austin is in contention to start, proving his fitness after a hamstring injury side-lined him for three months. 

West Ham manager David Moyes addressed the media before the fixture, and appeared under no illusion as to the importance of this weekend’s fixture.

“I’m hoping we can pick up points from every team. We look at Southampton and Stoke as must-win games, which they are but we look at others as ones we can pick up points from,” Moyes said.  

"I think the supporters will be right behind West Ham. They know the importance of the game."

West Ham had a number of players out on international duty, with Marko Arnautovic, Javier Hernandez and Manuel Lanzini enjoying the limelight for Austria, Mexico and Argentina respectively, and Moyes was keen for them to continue their good form this weekend. 

“Chicharito getting to 100 caps for Mexico is a great achievement, then Manu (Lanzini) scoring his first goal for Argentina which was a big moment for him,” said Moyes.

“Marko scored two goals in his first game for Austria and another in the second game.” 

Five-time Premier League winner, Patrice Evra has pledged to use all of his experience to help West Ham avoid relegation. 

“I’ve only been here for a month or so and I didn’t play at home yet. I can say that when I saw 50,000 fans from the bench against Watford. I was like ‘wow’! Those West Ham fans love their team,” Evra said. 

“We have to perform. It’s easy for us to say that, but talk is not enough. We must do it. Nobody can hide from this situation”