The background
It’s a quick turnaround and return to action for West Ham United as they host Southampton on Monday, just 48 hours after picking up a Boxing Day point at Aston Villa.
The Saints arrive in E13 for the 5.30pm kick-off on the back of a superb 4-0 win over Arsenal, which denied the Gunners the chance to overtake Leicester City at the head of the Barclays Premier League table.
West Ham, meanwhile, have not won in their last eight now, but have only lost two of those encounters, drawing their last five.
That latest draw came at Villa Park, when Aaron Cresswell ended a three-game wait for a goal, only for Jordan Ayew’s second half penalty to ensure the spoils would be shared.
The Hammers go into their final game of 2015 tenth in the table with 26 points from 18 starts – two points and two places better off than the Saints.
The history
West Ham and Southampton were promoted back to the top flight together in 2012 and have established themselves in the Premier League once more since.
The two clubs have met 164 times in all competitions, including the early Southern League days, with West Ham winning 72 times to Southampton’s 46.
However, it was the Saints who had the upper hand last term, winning 3-1 at the Boleyn Ground in August, before the Hammers held on with ten men to draw 0-0 at St Mary’s in February.
Jussi Jaaskelainen made his only Premier League appearance of last term in that match, coming off the bench after Adrian’s red card and making a series of fine stops.
The match
Team news
West Ham United
Slaven Bilic will check on James Tomkins’ and Aaron Cresswell’s fitness after the pair were forced off during Saturday’s draw at Aston Villa.
Tomkins suffered a facial injury, while Cresswell felt tightness in his hamstring and both will need to be assessed.
However, Andy Carroll (groin) and Manuel Lanzini (hamstring) could return after spells on the sidelines.
Southampton
For the Saints, they will again be without Graziano Pelle and Cedric Soares.
Pelle will be absent for a few weeks with a knee problem, while Soares has a groin injury.
Match info
- Monday’s referee is Michael Oliver. He will be assisted by Harry Lennard and Daniel Cook. The fourth official is Andre Marriner.- The last three Premier League games between these sides at Upton Park have produced a total of 13 goals.
- None of the last 12 Premier League games between these two played at West Ham's ground have ended in a draw (nine wins for West Ham).
- The Hammers lost their opening two league games at home this season but are unbeaten in the subsequent six.
- West Ham have recorded five successive top-flight draws for the first time since October 1968 - they've never drawn six in a row before in the division.
- Saints were unbeaten in their first six Premier League away games this season but have lost their last two on the road.
- They have won just two of their last 15 Premier League away games (W2, D5, L8), scoring 11 goals.
Ticketing, travel, coverage and other info
- As part of our Farewell Boleyn season, we will be looking back at the greatest goals scored at the famous ground at this fixture. Look out for plenty of special features.
- Tickets for this game have SOLD OUT. However, tickets may become available online as Season Ticket Holders relist.
- There will be no service on the Hammersmith & City line on Monday, but the District line will be serving Upton Park as usual. Click here for the latest on TfL services and here for National Rail.
- Sunny spells are predicted for Monday, with temperature at kick-off of 10C (50F).
- If you’re not heading to the game, make sure you keep up to date on the action on our digital channels. The whufc.com match centre has live audio commentary and text updates, in-running stats, photos and more, while you can get involved with the conversation on social using the hashtag #WHUSOU.