West Ham striker Sam Baldock is keeping his fingers crossed that his two goals in the 4-0 win over Blackpool will be enough to keep his place for tomorrow night's top-of-the-table clash at Southampton.
Baldock, a £2million signing from MK Dons in August, became an instant fans' favourite with his brace against Blackpool, forming a potent partnership with John Carew.
But manager Sam Allardyce could change the system at Southampton from a 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3, which will leave the 22-year-old sweating on his place.
"I will change things if I think it's necessary," said Allardyce. "I will adapt my team first and foremost to nullify Southampton's strengths.
"If we don't do that we will become one of many teams to lose at Southampton. Sam did very well and he's different to the other strikers we have. People were saying he ought to be in the team as soon as we signed him but he is a young player and I wanted him to settle in first."
Matt Taylor is doubtful with a calf injury, so Baldock may yet keep his place. He said: "I hope I won't just get the odd chance."
