West Ham manager Sam Allardyce believes his team have the confidence to end Southampton's impregnable home record and take over top spot in the Championship tonight.

The Hammers travel to the Saints, who have won their last 16 home games, knowing that a win will see them climb above the league leaders.

Allardyce, whose side are yet to lose away this season, told the club website: "It is a massive game. We have the confidence and opportunity to go and spoil Southampton's fantastic home record.

"The amount of wins they have had on the trot is outstanding. We will have to upset them and try and be the ones to break that run. Hopefully we can do that.

"It has been a great start for Nigel's [Adkins] side and carrying on where they left off last season. It will be a hugely difficult game, it will be the biggest test we have had this season.

"We don't want to give up our away record. It will be a terrific match and hopefully at the end of it we will still be undefeated."

The Irons thrashed Blackpool 4-0 on Saturday but they could be forced into changes this evening. Matt Taylor is a doubt with a calf injury and James Tomkins could miss out with a groin problem.

West Ham could also bring Joey O'Brien, Carlton Cole and the rested Henri Lansbury back into the squad for the showdown.