Paul Merson worried for West Ham United

Former Arsenal forward Paul Merson has branded Saturday's Premier League clash between West Ham United and Southampton "a 30-minute football match".

The Hammers will take to the field for the first time since the unsavoury scenes that marred their 3-0 defeat to Burnley on March 10.

David Moyes's side will enter the match in 17th position in the Premier League table - one point above 18th-placed Southampton.

Merson has claimed that if West Ham are not winning after 30 minutes, the atmosphere inside the stadium "will be toxic" due to the strained relationship between the supporters and the board.

"I think this is a 30-minute football match. If West Ham aren'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," Merson told Sky Sports News.

"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."

West Ham have won five, drawn four and lost five of their 14 home Premier League fixtures this season.