Exclusive: Frank McAvennie predicts outcome of West Ham clash v Southampton
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie has been wowed by how well Southampton have played this season but still believes West Ham can avoid defeat at St Mary’s on Tuesday.
David Moyes and his players will aim to bounce back to winning ways on the south coast after disappointing results and performances against Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Brighton in their last three games.
Southampton have also failed to win in their last three outings and sit one place and three points above 10th-placed West Ham in the Premier League table.
Former West Ham striker McAvennie would be happy with a draw but claims that the Irons might have it in them to pick up all three points at St Mary’s.
“Oh god, I tell you what I think that will be a good draw. They’re on fire at the moment, they’re playing really good football,” McAvennie told West Ham Zone.
“Knowing West Ham they could go there and sneak a win but if they can go down there and get a point it would be a good result.”
It will be interesting to see what team Moyes will name to start against Southampton because his team selection in the last couple of matches has left fans scratching their heads.
Mark Noble has failed to perform in an attack midfield role as Moyes named defensive line-ups against both Chelsea and Brighton.
After the 2-2 draw with Graham Potter’s side, Moyes admitted “it was not the right decision” to name the starting line-up he did so that suggests to us that he’s likely to bring the likes of Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma back into the side versus Southampton.
Ralph Hasenhuttl has done a brilliant job on the south coast this season but the Saints are beatable.
There should not be any room to sit back and invite pressure against a team sat in ninth and just above you in the league table.
In other West Ham news, the Irons have found their new Mr Dependable amid Mark Noble’s struggles.