Why only 'horrendous' development could halt West Ham United now

West Ham United are considered favourites to win the Championship title - and only something huge would change that.

The Hammers beat league leaders Swansea City the last time out away from home and are set to host Southampton on Saturday.

Nuno Espirito Santo has immense quality at his disposal to win immediate promotion to the Premier League.

The Championship title is expected to go to the London Stadium this season.

After 11 league matches, the East London club have scored 30 goals and no other team comes close to their attacking threat in the second tier.

However, there's plenty of time left in the season, and fans' hopes in E20 could be derailed.

What could affect West Ham United season the most

West Ham's chances of beating Southampton are high, and they will hope Swansea drop points against Queens Park Rangers.

The Hammers have a squad with extensive Premier League and top-flight experience.

Despite losing key players in the summer, the Irons held on to Konstantinos Mavropanos and Jarrod Bowen, who can single-handedly take them back to the Premier League.

At the moment, nothing seems likely to stop the East London club, but injuries may have an effect further down the line.

Speaking on Sky Sports' Essential EFL Podcast on 22 October, Andy Hinchcliffe said: "I think you have to say [it'll be West Ham plus one] unless something horrendous happens at West Ham with players getting injured and players not available.

"I think they have to be probably the title winners. And then who can maybe finish behind him."

Why Nuno has new undisputed starter at London Stadium

Keiber Lamadrid is the only player unavailable for West Ham to face Southampton.

Nuno has had to tweak his squad, but he looks to have finally found a stable starting lineup.

Joel Veltman and Morato have done well at full-back, and Arne Engels and Divine Mukasa have formed a decent midfield partnership.

The Portuguese manager has experimented a lot with his attack, but Jarrod Bowen has been ever-present.

Another player who has become indispensable in recent weeks has been Mohamadou Kante, who has played further forward in the middle of the park.

The French youngster's energy and attacking threat up top have seen him become one of Nuno's favourites at the London Stadium.

Kante has now shown he's another player the Hammers can rely on when games get tough.