Paul Merson has dubbed the Hammers v Saints game a 30-minute game believing the Irons have to be winning after half an hour or find themselves deep in trouble.

He believes that if they don’t have their noses in front after  30 minutes, the atmosphere inside the stadium “will be toxic.”

He told Sky Sports News:  “I think this is a 30-minute football match. If West Ham isn’t winning after 30 minutes, I can’t see how they win this with how it is at the stadium, I think it will be toxic.

“West Ham got well beat last time out against Burnley, who aren’t even free-scoring, but won 3-0 and slaughtered them.

“I’m worried for West Ham and the fans are good at reuniting and getting right behind their team, but it’s an ageing side with not a lot of pace so I worry about them.

“For Southampton, I like Mark Hughes and he’s a good manager. He’s one of those that can win six out of nine or lose eight out of eight and I think here, they have to make sure they don’t lose this game.

Like I said, it’s a 30-minute football match and if they’re not losing after half an hour, I can’t see how Southampton don’t get a result.”