Championship rivals Southampton and West Ham United will battle for a place in the third round of the EFL Cup at St. Mary’s Stadium.
Tonda Eckert will be determined to oversee a successful season and prove his critics wrong following last season’s “Spygate” scandal. The controversy ultimately cost Southampton a place in the promotion play-off final, where they had been favourites to win and return to the Premier League.
The Saints must now prepare for another season in the Championship, although they have not made the best start. After opening their campaign with an EFL Cup victory over Colchester United, Southampton lost their Championship opener against Watford.
They bounced back against Stoke City to gain some momentum. Goals from Cyle Larin and Divin Mubama, along with a late Ryan Manning penalty, secured the victory, while Stoke’s Svante Ingelsson was sent off and further aided Southampton’s efforts. The Saints now face promotion hopefuls West Ham United in the second round of the EFL Cup in what promises to be a competitive encounter.
West Ham supporters would have hoped for a strong start to life in the EFL Championship, but that has not happened so far. Their campaign began positively with a convincing EFL Cup victory over Portsmouth, setting them up for their opening league fixture.
Against Burnley, the Hammers took a two-goal lead but were pegged back by a brace from Zian Flemming as the Clarets secured a point at Turf Moor. Nuno Espirito Santo would have hoped for a response in West Ham’s next match.
However, Charlton Athletic stunned the Hammers with a 2-1 victory at the London Stadium. A late goal from new signing Joel Piroe was not enough to complete the comeback and earn a point. Espirito Santo will now turn his attention to the EFL Cup, but West Ham must overcome Southampton in the second round to progress.
Team News & Tactics
Southampton
The quick turnaround between matches could lead both managers to make changes to their respective lineups. For Southampton, Eckert could hand Mubama a starting role after his recent goal. He may also call upon Jack Clarke in place of Finn Azaz in the attacking midfield position.
With Taylor Harwood-Bellis involved in transfer speculation amid interest from Aston Villa, the defender could be left out to avoid jeopardising a potential move to Villa Park before the transfer deadline.
Cam Bragg could also replace Flynn Downes in midfield. Tonda Eckert may favour a back four consisting of James Bree, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jack Stephens and Ryan Manning, although Harwood-Bellis’s involvement will depend on the transfer situation, and his absence could lead to a start for Nathan Wood.
Kuryu Matsuki and Bragg could control the midfield, with Mubama leading the line. Leo Scienza, Lewis Dobbin, and Tom Fellows are expected to provide support in attack.
Probable lineup (4-2-3-1): Peretz; Bree, Wood, Stephens, Manning; Matsuki, Bragg; Fellows, Dobbin, Scienza; Mubama
West Ham United
Nuno Espirito Santo is also expected to make several changes to the team that lost to Charlton Athletic at the weekend. The Portuguese manager could bring Lewis Orford and James Ward-Prowse into midfield, while Joel Veltman may return to the backline. Veltman could be joined by Kyle Walker-Peters, Max Kilman and Scarles in the back four.
Espirito Santo could select a 4-4-2 formation, with Orford and Ward-Prowse operating in central midfield. Captain Jarrod Bowen and summer signing Manor Solomon are expected to provide width.
Up front, Joel Piroe could line up alongside Taty Castellanos in the strike partnership after scoring his first goal for the club. It would represent an attack-minded setup from the West Ham manager.
Probable lineup (4-4-2): Hermansen; Walker-Peters, Veltman, Kilman, Scarles; Bowen, Orford, Ward-Prowse, Solomon; Castellanos, Piroe
Key Stats
- West Ham United are without a win in their last two Championship matches.
- The Hammers have conceded at least two goals in each of their last two games.
- Southampton are winless against West Ham in their last four meetings.
- Southampton have won their last two cup meetings with the Hammers.
Player to Watch
Taty Castellanos
The Argentine striker joined West Ham United in January and impressed despite the club’s relegation last season. Although there were reports during the summer that he could leave, he appears set to remain at the club for at least the match against Southampton.
Castellanos is coming off a disappointing performance after missing a crucial penalty against Charlton. However, the EFL Cup tie provides him with an opportunity to redeem himself. The striker must put that miss behind him and deliver a strong performance to help West Ham reach the next round.
Prediction
Southampton 1-2 West Ham United
Southampton may have a slight advantage because they are playing at home and have regained some momentum with their victory over Stoke. However, they have struggled to beat West Ham United in recent meetings, and that trend could continue this week.
The Hammers are not in their best form and are still waiting for their first victory in the EFL Championship. So, Nuno Espirito Santo will want a positive response from his players at St. Mary’s, and West Ham may possess enough quality to overcome Southampton and reach the third round of the EFL Cup.