West Ham come into this game with the terrible record of not having won at home all season, but are boosted by the news that Freddie Kanoute is set to return to West Ham's squad after a groin injury and Don Hutchison is also in contention after recovering from cruciate ligament surgery. Eduoard Cisse is suspended for this game however. Southampton are playing extremely well at the moment and this was shown by beating the champions Arsenal 3-1 last with striker James Beattie in superb form. Latvian striker Marian Pahars (ankle) is Southampton's only doubt. Swedish international Anders Svensson is back in contention for a place in the starting line-up after overcoming a hamstring strain but Rory Delap is expected to be preferred in midfield. Despite their excellent recent form, Southampton are not the best away having only won once and losing 5. Their strikers are in excellent form, however and Beattie, together with Augustin Delgado can get off the score sheet at West Ham.

Under fire manager Glenn Roeder has not seen his side win since the 0-1 success at Fulham on 23 October. Their 12 points represents the worst ever start in the Premiership by a West ham side, which underlines how bad West Ham currently are. After beating the champions last week, Southampton will not fear anyone, and I expect them to make Gordon Strachans 50th game in charge a winning one. Away Win. Medium stake.