West Ham could receive a major boost ahead of Saturday’s crucial Championship clash with Southampton, with the visitors facing fitness concerns over two key players as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side target a return to the top of the table.

The Hammers welcome the Saints to the London Stadium knowing victory could take them back to the Championship summit, but they will be under no illusions about the challenge facing them.

West Ham thrashed Southampton 4-1 in a Carabao Cup tie at St Mary’s earlier this season, but Saturday’s meeting carries considerably greater significance for the greater ambitions of both clubs. Tonda Eckert’s side will be serious rivals in the race for automatic promotion, despite beginning the campaign on minus four points.

A Southampton victory would leave the Saints just two points behind West Ham, making this a potentially pivotal fixture in the early promotion battle.

West Ham have historically enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture, winning 83 meetings to Southampton’s 52, with 50 draws. The Hammers have won three of the last five encounters, while the Saints have managed only two victories in the last 15 meetings between the sides dating back to 2018.

Southampton sweat over Cyle Larin fitness

And Nuno Espirito Santo’s task may have just become a little easier.

The Canadian international has been a major success for the Saints, but he could deal them a massive blow by missing the trip to east London through injury.

Larin was forced off during Southampton’s goalless draw with Bolton after a collision, prompting fresh concerns over his fitness.

However, the latest update from Southampton boss Eckert was more encouraging, with the manager hopeful the striker would recover in time for Saturday, provided there is no setback.

The uncertainty still gives West Ham something to monitor during the build-up to the match, particularly given Larin’s goalscoring form this season.

Another Southampton player at risk of missing the trip is a familiar face to West Ham supporters: Flynn Downes.

The lifelong Hammers fan realised a dream by joining his boyhood club four years ago.

Former Hammer Flynn Downes is another doubt

Although he never quite established himself as a regular, Downes remained popular with supporters and played his part in West Ham’s memorable Europa Conference League triumph.

Downes eventually joined Southampton permanently in a deal worth around £18m after a successful loan spell.

Now, however, the midfielder is looking a major doubt to be fit for his return to the London Stadium after suffering ankle ligament damage against Norwich City.

Eckert has described the trip to West Ham as an ambitious target for Downes, although the player is determined to push for a return. The latest assessment suggests Downes is the bigger doubt of the two Southampton players.

His absence would be another potential setback for the visitors, given his importance in midfield.

At the time of writing, Hammers News understands West Ham have a near fully fit squad, with bit-part midfielder Keiber Lamadrid their only injury absentee.

That would give Nuno a strong selection pool as he attempts to build on the victories over Lincoln and Championship leaders Swansea.

The Hammers have a significant opportunity to underline their promotion credentials, but Southampton will arrive determined to close the gap.

Whether Larin and Downes make it remains to be seen. For West Ham, any weakening of the opposition would be welcome as they look to turn their recent momentum and secure a third win on the bounce and go 10 games unbeaten.