The Athletic’s West Ham United journalist Roshane Thomas believes that Jarrod Bowen is likely to start for the club against Southampton this weekend at the expense of Felipe Anderson, per The U Irons podcast (February 24, 16:44).

What’s he said?

The January signing from Hull City has played just 16 minutes for the club in the Premier League since his acquisition.

He made his debut as a second-half substitute against Manchester City before playing six minutes at Anfield against Liverpool on Monday evening.

Did he really play for us?! No West Ham fan has managed to name all of these obscure Irons signings....

Indeed, Bowen was almost a game-changer, going through on goal with Alisson Becker in the last minute of normal time, only to be denied by the Brazilian’s head.

£36m man Anderson, meanwhile, had just one shot on target in the game, which was off target.

And Thomas believes that Bowen could replace Anderson in the starting XI as David Moyes’ men prepare to play Southampton this weekend.

He said: "I think if he [Moyes] does [start Bowen] then I imagine it'll be for Anderson, because Bowen had more chances than Anderson in this match."

Need a spark

If West Ham are to climb out of trouble – they remain in the relegation zone – then they really need a spark of inspiration.

Bowen could well provide that.

He was electric for Hull before his move to east London, scoring 16 goals and registering six assists in 29 Championship outings.

Of course, it is not a given that he will instantly take to Premier League football – he could well struggle – but he possesses the attributes to make an impact.

Quick, strong on the ball and a deceptively skilful dribbler, Bowen could be the mercurial presence West Ham have been crying out for.

Starting him against Southampton makes all the sense in the world.

Meanwhile, David Moyes was let down by one man against Liverpool!