Phil Parkes has suggested that West Ham United should take inspiration from Premier League rivals Southampton, as reported by Blowing Bubbles' print magazine (Issue 100, page 15).

What did he say?

The Hammers are in trouble ahead of their Premier League clash with Manchester City as they sit in the relegation zone, above Watford on goal difference and one point behind Aston Villa and a safety spot.

This comes with the team achieving just one win from their last eight games, as well as immediately after throwing away a two-goal lead against Brighton & Hove Albion to draw.

David Moyes' men also have a tough run of games, as their clash with City is followed by meetings with Liverpool, Southampton, Arsenal, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.

While Parkes admits it is hard to see where West Ham will get points from, he insists they can look to Premier League rivals for encouragement: "You only need to look at Southampton for inspiration. They were struggling like mad but they had a run where they got good results and they dragged themselves out of trouble."

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Immediately after losing 1-0 against the Hammers, Southampton went on a very impressive run which took them away from the relegation zone.

This saw them win five of their following seven games, losing just one of those, which offers an indication of just how quickly things can change for a club.

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In terms of West Ham, they may be looking to replicate a run like this in their last six games of the campaign, when they face Newcastle United, Burnley, Norwich City, Watford, Manchester United and Aston Villa.

If they are able to make the most of that kind run, as well as picking something up from the tough tasks they have immediately ahead, then there is a good chance they will be able to keep their place in the Premier League.

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