West Ham United midfielder James Ward-Prowse could make his first start of the season against Southampton on Tuesday night, presenting an opportunity to face the club where he made 410 appearances across a 20-year association.
The 31-year-old has returned to Nuno Espírito Santo’s plans following last season’s loan spell at Burnley, but he remains without a starting appearance during the current campaign.
Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie at St Mary’s could provide the perfect opportunity to change that.
James Ward-Prowse faces Southampton reunion
Ward-Prowse joined Southampton’s academy aged eight and eventually became captain before leaving for West Ham in 2023.
Southampton confirmed he made 410 first-team appearances and scored 55 goals during his two decades with the club.
His connection to St Mary’s makes Tuesday’s fixture particularly significant.
Ward-Prowse found himself outside Nuno’s plans last season and spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Burnley. However, ReadWestHam previously reported that Nuno had handed the midfielder a fresh opportunity following his return this summer.
He replaced Pablo at half-time during West Ham’s Championship opener at Turf Moor, with the club’s official Burnley match report confirming his introduction against his former loan side.
Ward-Prowse remained an unused substitute against Charlton on Saturday, leaving him fresher than several midfield teammates ahead of the Southampton trip.
Nuno has reason to change West Ham midfield
Mohamadou Kanté lasted only 45 minutes against Charlton before Lewis Orford replaced him at half-time.
Arne Engels also made his first West Ham appearance following his arrival from Celtic, giving Nuno another decision to make with Championship matches against Watford and Wolves approaching.
Our predicted West Ham XI against Southampton includes Ward-Prowse alongside Orford in central midfield.
His set-piece delivery would provide another potential route to goal after West Ham recorded 25 attempts during Saturday’s 2-1 defeat but failed to find an equaliser.
Former Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters could also feature against his previous club, adding another familiar face to Tuesday’s contest.
Southampton have confirmed the second-round tie kicks off at 7.45pm, with supporters able to find the broadcast details in our Southampton v West Ham television guide.
For Ward-Prowse, the occasion offers more than an emotional reunion. A strong performance would strengthen his argument for a bigger role in West Ham’s promotion campaign.
