Southampton vs West Ham United - Premier League Preview and Odds

Published on: 27/12/2018

Southampton vs West Ham United - Premier League Preview and Odds

December 27, 2018 19:30pm - Vicarage Road

Premier League

Southampton can extend their winning streak to three games with a win over a West Ham side who kick-off in 12th place after a run of four wins in five matches.

New boss Ralph Hasenhüttl made an instant impact leading the Saints to two wins in his first three games in charge to lift them out of the drop zone. The manner in which they defeated Arsenal at home and then Huddersfield away drew universal praise and gave hope to fans who had grown weary with their lacklustre showings under former manager Mark Hughes.

The South Coast club are unbeaten in four on home soil having drawn three before edging 3-2 past Arsenal 11 days ago. That was their first league win at St. Mary`s since April and just their second in over a year.

Their new open style of play should result in more goals scored - and perhaps a few more conceded - boosting the excitement level for the home crowd who have had little to cheer about in recent months.

West Ham United enjoyed a four-game winning streak before they were beaten 2-0 at home by Watford last time out. Their cause has not been helped by injuries to key players and their problems are set to continue on Thursday with Javier Hernandez, Fabian Balbuena and Marko Arnautovic all fighting to be fit in time.

After starting the campaign with four-straight defeats, the Hammers are now comfortably placed in mid-table and are well in the hunt for a top-half finish. They are unbeaten in four matches on the road having drawn at Leicester City and Huddersfield Town before winning at Newcastle and Fulham.

Recent Form (League)

Southampton: WWLLD

West Ham United: LWWWW

Betting odds and tips

West Ham have only lost three of their eight away games and will provide a stern test for a Southampton side that has been poor at home for some time. However, the home side are enjoying a new lease of life under their new boss while Manuel Pellegrini has an injury crisis on his hands. As a result, a home win for the Saints looks like a good value bet.

You can back the Home Win at 6/5.

By Neil Morris