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Southampton FC vs. West Ham United
While eyes in Germany are on the round of 16 of the DFB Cup during the week, the country’s biggest cup competition also continues in England. The FA Cup, however, only enters the round of 16, so that at the moment 16 teams can still hope for a place in the final on 14 May. Two of them, Southampton FC and West Ham United, will face each other at St. Mary’s Stadium on Wednesday evening from 20:30.
The road to the so-called 5th round has not exactly been easy on either side. Both Southampton and West Ham faced underclass opponents in the last round, but only prevailed 2-1 in extra time in each case. For the Hammers, however, elimination would have been much more embarrassing as their opponents – Kidderminster Harriers – currently play in the sixth division! Southampton, on the other hand, eliminated second division side Coventry City, who currently occupy 10th place in the EFL Championship. Who do we see at an advantage in the direct clash of the two Premier League representatives and what predictions we would make for this match, you can read now in our Southampton vs West Ham tip.
Southampton – West Ham Info
– Date & Time: 02.03.2022, 20:30 hrs.
– Venue: Southampton, St. Mary’s Stadium
– Competition: FA Cup, 5th Round (Round of 16)
– TV coverage: DAZN
Southampton Form & Balance Check
Southampton FC are currently in the best phase of the season. After a bumpy start to the season with just four points from their first seven games (not a single win), the Saints have got better and better on track as the season has progressed and, since around the turn of the year, it’s fair to say that no club likes playing Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side – especially not at St Mary’s Stadium. Southampton have only lost once there all season. Since the 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton on Matchday 6, the Saints have gone ten home games in a row without defeat.
Saints are working brilliantly as a team
The Saints have even won two in a row in front of their home crowd recently. The 2-0 win against Everton FC was followed by another 2-0 win against Norwich City last weekend. After the 1-1 draw against Manchester City, the 3-2 win at Spurs and the 1-1 draw at Manchester United, the Saints are now unbeaten in five Premier League games, which is an excellent achievement considering the strong opponents. A great strength of the team is the variability in the offensive. The last eight goals have come from six different scorers.
Southampton facts & analysis
– FA Cup so far: 3:2 n.V. at Swansea City, 2:1 n.V. at Coventry City.
– Last win 2-0 against Norwich
– Unbeaten for 10 PL home games
West Ham Form & Balance Check
The visitors from London are currently in a very good mood as well, so we can expect a really exciting cup match on Wednesday. After suffering two defeats against Leeds United (2:3) and at Manchester United (1:2) on 16 and 22 January, the Hammers have picked up a proud eight points from their last four Premier League games. The 1-0 home win over Watford was followed by two draws at Leicester City (1-1) and against Newcastle United (1-1), before the most recent home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers was won narrowly again with 1-0.
From offensive strength to defensive strength?
In the first half of the season, the goal-hungry offense was usually responsible for most of the Hammers’ successes. As of this writing, Liverpool FC, Manchester City and Chelsea FC are the only three clubs that have scored more goals than West Ham. For some time now, however, the focus seems to have shifted more towards a stable defence. In the last five games, the Hammers have conceded only four goals, but have also scored only four goals themselves. For Southampton FC, the motto will once again be to be compact at the back and to decide the game with a successful action up front.
West Ham facts & analysis
– FA Cup so far: 2-0 vs. Leeds United, 2-1 n.v. at Kidderminster Harriers.
– Last win 1:0 against Wolverhampton
– Unbeaten in 4 competitive matches
Predicted line-up – last updated 28 Feb 2022
Both teams won their last match without conceding a goal, so we don’t expect many changes in personnel. On the hosts’ side, Alex McCarthy, Lyanco and Nathan Tella are still missing through injury.
The visitors will again have to do without Angelo Ogbonna, who has been out since November 2021 with a torn cruciate ligament. The starting eleven is likely to be largely set in stone. Cup keeper Alphonse Areola should be in goal again. Said Benrahama could also return to the starting eleven, possibly in place of Manuel Lanzini.
Sensational Salisu 💫
Another defensive masterclass on Friday 💪 pic.twitter.com/hTrmn5JXKX
– Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) February 28, 2022
Southampton – West Ham direct comparison & stats
The direct comparison is almost completely even, but with 28 to 26 wins and 22 draws it is very narrowly in favour of West Ham. The record of the last five games is also balanced with 2 wins for the Hammers, 2 draws and one success for Southampton. Most recently, the 0-0 draw at Southampton was followed by a 2-3 defeat at West Ham’s stadium. There has not yet been a duel in the FA Cup.
– West Ham United have scored in each of their last 5 matches.
– Southampton FC celebrated their last home win against West Ham United in 2017.
– When West Ham United lead 0-1 in away matches, they win 90% of the games.
– Southampton FC have not lost any of their last 11 home matches.
