Can Saints make it four in a row and perhaps find themselves in the top ten of the Premier League for the first time in nearly a decade.

Big Fat Sam brings his West Ham troops to St Mary's looking to be only the second team this season to do the double over Saints in the league, indeed although Manchester United are the only team to manage this so far this season, our last six games include five teams who have all beaten us already this season, so the incentive is there for Saints to remain unbeaten in this run in to the end of the season.

But back to Saturday and both sides have their injury problems, for the london side Andy Carroll is a doubt and his absence could be a big plus for Saints who struggled to cope with Carroll at Upton Park earlier in the season and throughout the year have struggled with target men at set pieces.

Saints main doubts concern Jay Rodriguez and Luke Shaw both of whom have been key men in the last few months, both have suffered from a virus all week as has Jason Puncheon, the big question is how much this virus will have taken out of them and their ability to be strong over 90 minutes.

But it could give Mauricio Pochettino a chance to give some of the fringe players a chance to shine and although a top ten placing will be a short term priority, there are also a few in the squad who need to convince the manager that they are worth a part in his plans next season.

Playing a few of those whose opportunities have been limited isnt neccessarily a bad thing, after three straight victories achieved by basically the same side, a little bit of freshening things up, albeit enforced could be just the tonic needed to keep the winning run going.

On a head for head note, this game is a big factor in who will finish top of the promoted sides, for large parts of the season it looked ods on it would be West Ham, but now it isnt so certain and a win for Saints would put them three points clear of the Hammers, although they will still have a game in hand over us.

Under normal circumstances i would perhaps fancy us in this game, but can Saints win four games in a row ? my head says thats a big ask and that perhaps we will fall a little short, certainly West Ham's current more direct style will suit us less than that of our last four opponents and we shouldnt forget in the euphoria surrounding three straight wins that it wasnt that long ago the more direct QPR & Newcastle turned us over, we have the basis of a good side, but we are still a work in progress and the elements that got us into trouble in the first place, although papered over recently, are still there.

Times are good at Saints at the moment, but we have to stay focused and make sure we dispel all lingering doubts of getting dragged back into the relegation fight as quickly as possible.             

Photo: Action Images

schatfield added 14:43 - Apr 12 and for the first time in a long time, Lawro has predicted us to win. Does that mean we will now lose!?
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AlexSaint_13 added 15:19 - Apr 12 probably, just to be a pain in the ass...
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LennyJam added 16:32 - Apr 12 1-1 IMO
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darkangelv2 added 16:39 - Apr 12 According to Big Fat Sam Andy Carroll is not an injury concern. The press have just forwarded him as a concern as he was left out against Liverpool due to the conditions of his loan. We really should spank them but the long ball game they play will really challenge our pressing game which is not suited against teams like West Ham.
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schatfield added 16:43 - Apr 12 that is my fear. we will do all the fancy passing stuff, get caught out and then they will lump it down to Andy Carroll and score.
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richardmdcooper added 17:52 - Apr 12 We're a far better team than west ham just as we were last season. I expect us to win comfortably. That being said Lawro's prediction worries me
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felly1 added 21:49 - Apr 12 I really hope Mo Po has looked at how the Hammers play and finds a way to counteract it because I doubt he will have ever come across a side in Spain that play such a direct style.
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tiptop added 22:00 - Apr 12 Who gives a fk about Lawro. We are a different team to that that played them at upton pk. A better team. We were turned over with long balls and pace and have shown we are work in progress. It will be interesting. Jarvis, Carol (who has found some form too)and Vas te my worries . Not amazing this season but dangerous for us.. Also conditions might favour WH. They did well at Liverpool to get a point and Liverpool schooled us at anfield Im thinking draw, but feeling Saints win. We have'nt won 4 in a row in recent seasons so.... Statistically its on! Win this and top 10 is too.

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simmo400 added 06:45 - Apr 13 Think WH will park the bus. Frustrate Saints all day. Keep feeding Carroll who will keep falling over looking for free kicks to steal the game. Messy 1/1 draw I think.
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SaintStu7 added 11:29 - Apr 13 saints are on the up but recent history would suggest that without the threat of relegation we will lose our focus and drive. I do believe however that this manager and group of players are carrying zero baggage and their fearless approach will see us gain a result today. COYR
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