One of England's most exciting young midfielders will this weekend come face-to-face with a player who probably believes he himself deserves such an accolade. He is perhaps justified, as Matt Oakley has had an excellent season for the Saints, while Michael Carrick, under the watchful eye of Sven Goran Eriksson, has grabbed all the headlines.
Not that Carrick does not deserve a certain amount of credit for some splendid performances of his own. His 75% pass completion rate this season has shown that his composure on the ball is already excellent, and his three goal assists for colleagues have been bettered only by the two principal strikers at the club - Paolo di Canio and Frederic Kanoute.
Oakley has not yet set up a goal directly for a team-mate, but his 20 key passes this season in the build up to goalscoring chances have certainly been most welcome. Furthermore, his overall pass completion rate is equal to Carrick's, and one of the best in the Southampton side.
One of the most impressive aspects of Carrick's game this season has been his ability to win the ball in the centre of the field for the Hammers. Only Leeds United's Olivier Dacourt has attempted more tackles than Carrick in the Premiership this season, and with 94 successful challenges to his name, the Frenchman is also the only man to have won more tackles.
An impressive record, but Oakley is not a million miles behind. He has taken the ball from opponents no fewer than 71 times - more than any other Saints player. His overall tackle success rate of 78% is also better than that of his West Ham counterpart, and the battle for possession between the two this weekend will be one of the most intriguing contests in the game.
Each player has barely troubled the scorers this season, with just one goal each to their name. Neither can be said to have used their attempts on goal wisely, as both have slumped to a woeful goals-to-shots ratio, although while Oakley's strike was in the Saints 3-2 defeat to the Hammers earlier this season, Carrick's must be said to have been more important, as it salvaged a point for his side against Aston Villa.
Neither will therefore be expected to trouble the opposing 'keeper this weekend, but who knows where a speculative effort may end up? Both sets of fans will certainly be anticipating a star turn from their man, but www.surreySPORTS.com are offering 66/1 on a 2-1 win for the Hammers this weekend, with Carrick grabbing the opening goal to put one over on his possible future England colleague.
Chris Green.