---
title: "West Ham could hand James Ward-Prowse first start against Southampton"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2026/08/24/west-ham-could-hand-james-ward-prowse-first-start-against-southampton/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2026-08-24T09:10:00Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T17:24:42Z"
---

# West Ham could hand James Ward-Prowse first start against Southampton

**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](https://readwestham.com/tag/carabao-cup/) tie at St Mary’s could provide the perfect opportunity to change that.

> James Ward-Prowse is a free-kick master. Here’s some of his best 🤩 \[THREAD\] \
> \
> (via [@SouthamptonFC](https://x.com/SouthamptonFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)) [pic.twitter.com/1kLYZemHFl](https://t.co/1kLYZemHFl)
>
> — B/R Football (@brfootball) [January 14, 2023](https://x.com/brfootball/status/1614384038436896768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## 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](https://www.southamptonfc.com/en/news/article/ward-prowse-departs-saints-after-20-years?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 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](https://readwestham.com/2026/08/17/nuno-hands-30m-james-ward-prowse-fresh-west-ham-lifeline/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 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](https://www.whufc.com/en/news/match-report-or-late-flemming-double-denies-west-ham-at-burnley?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 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](https://readwestham.com/2026/08/23/west-ham-predicted-xi-v-southampton-nuno-could-make-five-changes/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 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](https://www.southamptonfc.com/en/news/article/date-confirmed-for-west-ham-cup-tie?utm_source=chatgpt.com), with supporters able to find the broadcast details in [our Southampton v West Ham television guide](https://readwestham.com/2026/08/23/southampton-v-west-ham-tv-channel-kick-off-time-and-how-to-watch/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).

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.