We've got an early stoppage. Dusan Tadic has taken a whack in the Wets Ham penalty area from Arthur Masuaku. It doesn't look too bad and Tadic is already up albeit limping heavily.

A direct start from West Ham. Aaron Creswell pings the ball long to Marko Arnautovic. This has been a promising opening from the Hammers. After a bit of probing around the penalty area, they're passing the ball around well.

Pat Nevin
Former Chelsea winger on BBC Radio 5 live

The first goal is important but what a lift it would give this team and this stadium if West Ham get the first goal here.

Away we go. A roar from the home support as we begin.

Garth Crooks
BBC Sport football expert on Final Score

West Ham fans are desperately unhappy. They sit just above relegation and this fixture couldn't be more tense. A win can catapult them out of danger momentarily, give them breathing space.

And here come the players. London Stadium looks pretty much full to capacity despite everything that has gone on.

I have just spotted West Ham's co-owner David Sullivan in the crowd. Neither he or David Gold seem to be sat in the same seats in the directors' box as last week. They are perched a little further back in the stands.

The players are in the tunnel ahead of kick-off. The bubbles are being blown. Hammers skipper Mark Noble has an intense look on his face.

Dave Merrington
Former Southampton manager on BBC Radio 5 Live

Southampton have lacked goals. To get Charlie Austin back will be a big bonus for Mark Hughes. Get the ball in the box he will be a threat, especially with Manolo Gabbiadini floating around him.

We haven’t seen that too often this season, two strikers. It’s usually one up front and it has always been a difficult task.

Image source, Reuters

Today's game is a landmark one for Mark Hughes. It is his first Premier League since joining Southampton.

He has already booked the Saints a place at Wembley for an FA Cup final but Premier League survival is surely the main priority.

He has said Southampton's league position is "baffling".

"Confidence has been eroded and that has affected players' performance," he told Football Focus.

"I have tried to give them more confidence and more direction in what we are trying to do and hopefully that will help us."

Hughes has been boosted by the return of Charlie Austin today. He remains the Saints top scorer despite having not played since December.

Harry Redknapp
Ex-Tottenham manager on BBC Radio 5 live

The most important thing at West Ham is the crowd get behind the team. If they go 1-0 behind you hope they react in the right way. Unfortunately at the moment there is a small minority who are not happy with the ownership but they have got to put that to one side.

West Ham really do need a result.

I've only been to London Stadium once. The big problem is you are a long way away because there's a running track. Everybody gets new stadiums now and suddenly they're getting 60,000 every game.

Image source, Rex Features

Despite the increase security presence, the atmosphere inside London Stadium seems benign. There have been reports of protests outside of the ground but nothing of the sort has been seen inside as yet.

West Ham's co-owner David Gold has already been picked out by TV cameras. He is in attendance.

Of course much of that increased security presence is already in place at the London Stadium.

There is a clear increase in the number of stewards at the ground while police are also present.

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Getty Images

This game today will not only create headlines on the pitch today but off it as well.

This is West Ham's first home game at the London Stadium since pitch invasions, missile throwing and angry protests against the club's board marred the Hammers' 3-0 defeat by Burnley on 10 March.

Joint-owners David Gold and David Sullivan were forced to leave their seats for their own safety during the game, with Sullivan being struck by a coin.

Twenty fans have since received life bans, including four for invading the pitch.

About £60,000 of taxpayers' money will be used to pay for increased security at today's games.

Image source, .

David Moyes makes two changes from the West Ham team which were humbled at home by Burnley before the break. Declan Rice, fresh from his Republic of Ireland debut, starts, as does Arthur Masuaku, who is back from his six-game spitting ban. Lovely.

Image source, .

Mark Hughes also makes two alterations to his Southampton team for his league debut in charge - Charlie Austin and Nathan Redmond come in.

Here's how things stand at the bottom of the Premier League.

The result in today's early game went West Ham and Southampton's way with Crystal Palace losing to Liverpool.

A win today for either of these sides would be a big step towards survival.

Hello there! The Premier League is back and don't we love it.

We're in the home stretch now. West Ham and Southampton have eight games left to save their top-flight status for another season.

Southampton start this game 18th, two points behind West Ham in 17th. The classic six-pointer.

Image source, Getty Images

Two Premier League clubs. Two experienced top-flight managers. Two relegation rivals. Three HUGE points.

And that's just half the story...