West Ham United defender Carl Jenkinson believes that if they continue with the same level of play as they did against Manchester United on Sunday then they can trouble Southampton tonight.
Jenkinson, who arrived at Upton Park on loan from Arsenal at the start of the current season, has featured prominently in Sam Allardyce’s starting eleven. The full-back has made 19 appearances in the league thus far and has also contributed in attack with two assists.
The England international started Sunday’s match against the Red Devils at the Boleyn Ground. The hosts looked set to win all three points until the visitors snatched an injury time equaliser, much to the Hammers’ dismay.
Jenkinson has expressed confidence from their showing against Manchester United and believes that if they can continue their form from the weekend then they can trouble Ronald Koeman’s team tonight.
“I am confident that if we go out there and play the way we did on Sunday, then we can get a result”, Jenkinson said in an interview with the club site.
relatedNewsStory
“We played fantastically well against Manchester United and going by the law of averages, if we play like that every game then we are going to get a lot of points between now and the end of the season, so as long as we can keep up that level of performance we will be all right.
“I think the plan is to go there and play as we did on Sunday”, he added.
Southampton have enjoyed a spectacular run in Koeman’s inaugural season in England. The Saints are currently lying third in the Premier League as they look to challenge for a spot in the Champions League next season.
Jenkinson believes the hosts will play an open game as they will look to seal all three points from the fixture in order to consolidate their league standing, an approach that can work in the Hammers’ favour.
“The good thing is that Southampton will be going for it as well. It should be a nice game of football because both teams want to play football and score goals.”
A win for West Ham at St. Mary’s tonight would give their hopes of a place in Europe next season a big shot in the arm.
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.
