Southampton FC vs West Ham United FC, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Southampton FC vs West Ham United FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Ex-Roma manager, Juric who was sacked only a couple of months into his tenure in the captial, has now signed for the Saints’ hoping to pull a rabbit out of the hat. As he occupied the Press box at Craven Cottage to watch his current team, the Croatian realised the mammoth of a task that he has at hand. Southampton as usual were poor, registering their first shot on target in the 56th minute. 

Despite past grim performances, the Saints’ showed spirit against a deadly Fulham side who surprised Liverpool last week at Anfield. The return of Aaron Ramsdale proved to be a boost as he made a couple of fine stops to keep Fulham’s ascendancy on hold. Juric will bring high pressing, aggressive attacking football to the forefront, and if West Ham aren’t switched on, could be Southampton’s first victims as they look to quickly turn things around. 

West Ham did a classic West Ham against Brighton at the London Stadium. They drew, again. Brighton took the lead in the 51st minute, with Mohammad Kudus quickly replying within 7 minutes to equalise and add to his tally of Premier League goals. Antonio’s injury meant another attacker would take the wheel. Fullkrug’s unhappiness at life in East London continued as he didn’t threaten whatsoever. 

The German who was so effective for Dortmund last season and got a Germany call up, has been stale under Lopetegui. Against Brighton, the German won 2 of 7 aerial duels, had 3 touches in the opposition box and one shot off-target. The Spanish boss needs another attacker supplementing Jarrod Bowen and Mohammad Kudus or else West Ham fans will make their disdain felt. A win against struggling Southampton could lift Hammers’ spirits and give the fans something that has been lacking for a while now. 

Head to Head Record - Both teams have played each other 42 times. Southampton have won 12, West Ham have won 20, with 10 ending in a draw. The Saints’ have scored 45 goals against Spurs. While the Hammers have scored 62. 

Current Standings - The Saints are in 20th with 6 points. The Hammers are in 14th with 20 points. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Southampton FC Preview

Southampton possesses an abysmal record against the Hammers. In their last 11 Premier League games, they’ve only won 1, drew 3 and lost 7. The only good part is that the sole 3-1 victory came on Boxing Day in the 2021-2022 season. New manager Juric will want to give his fans a little Christmas cheer if he can, considering Southampton’s statistics on Boxing Day. 

The Saints’ have won 5, drawn 2 and lost just one of their last 8 games on the 26th of December. Southampton were defensively astute in their last outing against Fulham, registering only their second clean sheet of the season. Juric will want his front line to get on the scoresheet, knowing the Saints’ have now gone 3 games without scoring. 

Player to Watch Out For

The Croatian becomes the fourth manager to take charge of a club on Boxing Day. All previous three manager were unbeaten on their debut day and would prove beneficial if a point could be gained rather than lost. He will have to quickly shrug off any talk of what happened in the Italian capital and get on with his duties in England. This is a trick stage of the campaign and far from winning, staying in the competition is the whole and sole focus. If he can turn this around, the club will forever be indebted by his services.

Injury - Bazunu, Stewart, Smalbone and Larios are all out injured. 

Southampton probable XI - Ramsdale (GK), Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Wood (DEF), Sugawara, Downes, Aribo, Walker-Peters (MID), Fernandes, Dibling, Armstrong (FWD). 

West Ham United FC Preview

During David Moyes’ days, West Ham always had the upper hand against Southampton. Now Lopetegui needs to show that he has the same credentials in his locker. In their past 5 away league games against the Saints’, the Hammers are unbeaten - drawing 3 and winning 2. The Hammers also have a good track record against sides starting at the bottom of the table - they are now unbeaten in their last 20 Premier League games, winning 14 and drawing 6. 

The Hammers are in a funny position in a tightly congested mid-table. If you add 6 points to their season - they would be sitting on 5th. If you take away 6 points - they would be flirting with the relegation zone. So winning games is a must. Lopetegui will first need to bring stability to his backline. In 2024 itself, West Ham have conceded 74 Premier League goals - their single most in a calendar year. The East London club are brilliant going ahead with Kudus, Soucek, Bowen and Pacqueta. But defensive positioning with composure and control needs to be embedded a little more into this squad. 

Player to watch out for

Kudus has been instrumental for the Hammers, known for his ability to take defenders head on. The Ghanaian footballer has completed the most dribbles in the Premier League than any other player (42). Along with forming a formidable front row partnership with Bowen, he has scored 3 goals and 1 assist in his last 6 Premier League games. 

Injury - Michael Antonio is out injured.  

West Ham probable XI - Fabianski (GK), Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson (DEF), Alvarez, Bowen, Soucek, Pacqueta, Kudus (MID), Fullkrug (FWD). 

SOUTHAMPTON FC vs WEST HAM UNITED FC
Winning Prediction

West Ham have the attacking prowess to cause hurt to most Premier League clubs. But this season, they just haven’t been able to get into their stride. With the squad they possess, you’d expect the Hammers to be a little high above. 

They currently sit on United’s tail in mid-table with slight defensive frailties. They face a team languishing right at the bottom. Southampton will throw everything at West Ham under new coach Juric, who loves aggressive, front footed football. The Saints’ did enough to pick up a point at Craven Cottage and will do the same at St.Mary’s against the Hammers. 

Southampton to Win (2-1)

1xBet

330% up to ₹65,000 on your 1st Deposit with Reg Code: TOPBK

BET NOW