Southampton vs West Ham: Preview and Prediction

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Match Preview:

Surely Manuel Pellegrini’s time as West Ham manager is over if his side lose this match. The Hammers have lost 4 of their last 5 games, have fallen to 16^th place with 16 points, and are just 1 point above the relegation zone.

The Hammers actually have more points away than at home with just under 60% of their points coming on the road. However recent away form is poor with 3 defeats from their last four games. Pellegrini has a mountain of pressure on him and the fans seem to have turned against the Chilean, criticising him for his lack of involvement with the first team and there have even been stories that he has been playing too much golf. Is the focus really there?

Southampton are in the relegation zone in 18^th place and this really is a crunch game given that the Saints would go past West Ham with a win here. The Saints form had really picked up lately and they went on a 3 game unbeaten run but last weekend they lost against Newcastle, which was probably a little harsh as they deserved at least a point on the balance of play. There does seem to be a chink of light for the club and hints that they might be able to escape the bottom three.

At home they have lost 5 of their 8 matches, which is poor but recently there has been an upturn and the club have won their last 2 games in a row at St Mary's, beating Watford and Norwich both by the same score line of 2-1.

Team News:  

Southampton: Yann Valery looks set to miss the game with illness

West Ham: Andriy Yarmolenko has a back injury but is being pencilled in to make this game. Jack Wilshere should recover from his muscle injury to be in contention to play. Aaron Cresswell has a slight knock but is expected to be fit for the match

Southampton vs West Ham Head to Head:

Last season West Ham won this fixture 2-1.

West Ham have won the last 3 meetings in a row.

Southampton have won 3 games from the 8 they have played at home against the Hammers.

Southampton vs West Ham Prediction:

This match is make or break for the Hammers and they are not the easiest team to figure out. They have a good recent record over the Saints and beat Chelsea on the road just a few weeks ago but they can’t seem to find much consistency. This match could really swing either way. There doesn't seem to be much passion from West Ham to do well for their manager and once that effort goes it's very difficult for a manager to win it back, however it's so difficult to predict which West Ham will turn up. Therefore, even though we think Southampton might just edge this encounter, without there being enough value to cover the draw, it looks best to go with goals. We think both teams are likely to get a goal, and Danny Ings is in a great run of form. 

Southampton vs West Ham Betting Tips:

Both teams to score (Yes) at 1.57

Anytime goalscorer: Danny Ings at 2.06