There could be a relegation battle twist as West Ham’s survival rivals Southampton and Leeds suffer major international break injury blows.
West Ham are in the thick of what promises to be one of the tightest Premier League relegation battles of all time alongside Southampton, Leeds United and six other clubs.
Just four points separate the nine clubs from 12th to 20th and at least 36 points is expected to be needed to survive.
The battle for survival will undoubtedly be decided by fine margins so West Ham boss David Moyes will take anything he can get.
And the same goes for Leeds, Southampton and the other clubs during the almighty scrap that is about to ensue over the final two months.
Now there has been a relegation battle twist as West Ham’s survival rivals Southampton and Leeds suffer major international break injury blows.
The timing of the March international break is always an issue given what is at stake for many teams during the run-in.
West Ham have 11 first team players away with their national sides but appear to have come through unscathed so far.
The same cannot be said for West Ham’s next opponents Southampton and Leeds, though.
Ahead of the relegation six-pointer with West Ham at the London Stadium, Saints were already hit by a blow to defensive duo Jan Bednarek and Armel Bella-Kotchap with both likely to miss the Hammers clash.
Now Southampton’s top scorer Che Adams has picked up a calf injury which forced him off in Scotland’s game against Cyprus and means he will miss the clash with Spain (Daily Record).
The injury makes him doubt for the visit to West Ham.
Meanwhile Leeds, who West Ham play in the penultimate game of the season, have been dealt a double injury blow during the international break.
Brilliant forward Wilfried Gnonto look extremely emotional as he left the field having sustained an ankle injury just 22 minutes into Italy’s 2-0 win over Malta.
It came after key Leeds defender Max Wober was sent home from international duty with Austria after suffering a thigh muscle injury (Leeds Live).
While West Ham welcome Southampton to the London Stadium this weekend, Leeds travel to Arsenal.
West Ham could go as high as 14th with a win given that fixtures between several other relegation rivals guarantees points elsewhere.
The Saints clash marks the start of a hectic schedule for the Hammers with nine games in 27 days across April.
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