- Date and Time: Thursday, December 26, 2024. 15:00 GMT+1
- Venue: St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton, England
Southampton vs West Ham Preview
Southampton
Ivan Jurić takes charge of Southampton for the first time on Boxing Day as they play host to West Ham. A forgettable first half of the season has diminished their chances of survival this term, as they already sit eight from safety.
Southampton will likely continue to deploy the 3-4-1-2 formation, which enabled them to be competitive against an in-form Fulham on Sunday. Aaron Ramsdale’s return from a broken finger was a huge positive for the Saints, while Tyler Dibling was lively in the advanced position.
👊👊👊 pic.twitter.com/72ChflITQF
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) December 23, 2024
Southampton will once again be without Adam Lallana this weekend, meaning Joe Aribo and Flynn Downes will play in the midfield area. The team will need to be more efficient in the final third after scoring just nine goals from an open play xG of 14.52. But they are at least out-performing their xGA of 33.31 after allowing 27 goals.
West Ham
Despite their struggles, an away victory will once again be a prominent Southampton vs West Ham prediction this weekend. Julen Lopetegui’s side went a third game without defeat before Christmas after playing out a 1-1 home draw against Brighton.
The Hammers struggled to create meaningful chances in the final third of the field. Mohammed Kudus scored, but the team appeared light following the injury sustained by Michail Antonio. Niclas Füllkrug looked off the pace in that recent outing and was hooked after an hour at the London Stadium.
A trip to Southampton on Boxing Day ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/0fA447BQtC
— West Ham United (@WestHam) December 23, 2024
Danny Ings could be handed a rare start in his place on Thursday. West Ham’s struggles in the final third are evident from their xG of 21.11, but they’ve scored 14 goals. Meanwhile, their xGA stands at 27.82, having conceded 21 goals from open play.
Bet hereSouthampton vs West Ham Prediction
- Pick: West Ham to Win
- Odds: 2.05 (22Bet)
- Score prediction: Southampton 1-3 West Ham
Goals have been in short supply for West Ham this season, but it appears to be a golden opportunity to flex their muscles in the final third against Southampton. Their side have been weak defensively throughout 2024-25.
The Hammers have a fine record in this fixture in Premier League history, especially over the last eleven. Over that period, they’ve recorded seven wins, with the Saints winning on just one occasion. West Ham have won on two of their last five visits to St Mary’s.
West Ham vs Southampton Prediction, Betting Tip
- Pick: Over 5.5 Cards
- Odds: 2.30 (22Bet)
West Ham and Southampton both rank among the worst-disciplined teams in the Premier League this season. There could be value in the selection of over 5.5 cards.
Southampton have averaged 3.06 cards per game and have had over 5.5 cards in half of their matches this season. Meanwhile, West Ham averages 2.47 cards per game in the English top flight.
Mohammed Kudus could be an interesting goalscorer angle. The forward has scored three from an xG of 3.93 this season and has averaged 3.21 shots per 90 in the Premier League.
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