x

Saints At West Ham The Preview

Saints travel up to the London Stadium for a big big game that is as much a must not lose situation as must win.

There can be no doubt that today is crucial in the season for Saints, it is the first big test for Mark Hughes and we will find out how much we are psychologically damaged by the last four months where we have won only one League game.

We all know we are better than the position we are in, but now is when the talking stops and the actions have to start, we have to go to West Ham United and put them to the sword.

Certainly the win at Wigan saw a change in formation and mindset in the team and they came through a difficult game strongly in the end, but with respect to Wigan, the game up there in a stadium with a crowd made up of almost a third being from the South Coast is a totally different proposition to the bear pit that is going to be the London Stadium this afternoon.

But our task is simple, weather the storm and then hit them hard, we certainly have the firepower to score, in Carrillo, Gabbiadini, Long and the returning Charlie Austin we have four options that can get goals, we need to make sure that we don't give ourselves an uphill struggle by conceding soft goals.

Hughes has options in all departments, he has the quality at his disposal, he just needs to pick the right team and for many Saints fans that will be two up front again, however that has to be countered by the fact that we do not want to get swamped in midfield and Hughes could be cautious to start with with the aim of getting control of the game and then putting West Ham to the sword as was the case at Wigan.

As mentioned this is a good squad, the time for coaching is past, the time for managing is here, Mark Hughes has to get the squad's mindset right, get the winning mentality back and let them play with the swagger they used to.

Win this game and things will look a lot rosier, lose it and we are in big trouble.

What to read next:

Return Dates Set For Injured Southampton Duo Ramsdale And Bednarek
If you thought that things couldn't get worse for Russell Martin after the defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers, then think again, injuries to two key players in the past fortnight have added to his woes.
Do Southampton Need To Recall Bella-Kotchap For Liverpool Clash
With Jan Bednarek seemingly set to miss his first Premier League game of the season, Saints are struggling for central defenders to take on the League leaders Liverpool at St Mary's, is it time to bring in a player out of the cold.
Does Shea Charles Prove That Russell Martin's Player Judgement is Flawed
There has been a lot of words typed on the internet about Russell Martin and his tactics, but is this just the reason as to why we are doing badly in the Premier League, last season there was a clear evidence that his player selection is not what it should be.
Central Defensive Injury Blow For Southampton
If the next few weeks were going to be tough with the potential absence of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, then they are now getting much worse with the news that a central defender has been injured in International duty over the weekend.
England England's Number 16
It was a dream England debut for Southampton's Taylor Harwood-Bellis, in front of his future Father in law ex Manchester United & Republic of Ireland legend Roy Keane, not only scoring but also nearly getting an assist.
Nick's Saints Saints Away Travel Lay On 6th Coach For Brighton
Brighton away was the first fixture Southampton fans looked for when they came out back in June so there was great disappointment when the game was switched to a Friday night as it means it's virtually impossible to get back on the train.
Saints Not Afraid Of Sacking Russell Martin Even If They Have To Pay
Recent reports have suggested that Southampton have not dispensed with the services of Russell Martin due to the alleged £12 million compensation cost. However it is now suggested that this is not the case and that if they do lose faith they are willing to pay the price.
Southampton Settle Russell Martin Compensation With Swansea City
Its dragged on a bit, but Saints have finally sorted out the compensation package with the Swans for Russell Martin's switch from South Wales to the South Coast, although the details of the settlement are rather vague.
Goalkeeper To Have Surgery As Saints Season Gets Even Worse
One of the highlights, if you can say their were any, of the last few months, was the arrival from Arsenal of Aaron Ramsdale, but now comes some terrible news, that he has injured a finger.
Sources Say Southampton Have Made Decision About Russell Martin
The last two days have been ones of frustration for fans of Southampton Football Club, after a toothless display at Wolverhampton Wanderers, many were convinced that this would surely be the end of the line for the Saints manager.