West Ham United hosts Southampton FC on Championship Sunday in a match-up of two sides that have spent much of the season higher up in the table than anyone expected.
The Hammers were in the top four race up until just a couple of weeks ago while Saints were actually top of the table in November and in the top four discussion after New Year’s. Not bad for a couple of teams that were just happy to stay up in the Premier League last season. Let’s preview!
Championship Sunday FYIs
Kickoff: Sun May 23, 4pm, London Stadium
West Ham Starting XI Prediction: go here
PL Position: West Ham 6th, 58 pts Southampton 14th, 43 pts
PL Form Guide: West Ham WDLWL Southampton LWWLD
Odds: West Ham +140 Southampton +350 Draw +290
Team News for Both Sides
David Moyes could be without a couple key players in this critical clash. Left-back Arthur Masuaku (knee) could feature off the bench in this one while star man goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, who also has a knee problem, faces a late fitness test. If he can’t go, then Darren Randolph will once again get the call in between the sticks.
Manuel Lanzini (thigh) could also feature in a limited role for this one. As for Saints, Che Adams is a doubt after having been subbed off at halftime against Leeds.
Oriol Romeu has recently returned from a long-term ankle injury so he will likely miss out while Ryan Bertrand and Will Smallbone remain out of commission as long term injury absentees.
Prediction: West Ham 1, Southampton 0
Look for the Hammers to get the result, and hold off Spurs for the final Europa League qualification position.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank, partnered with News Now. Banks, the author of “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry,” has regularly appeared in WGN, Sports Illustrated, Chicago Tribune and SB Nation. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram.