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West Ham United vs. Southampton FC
On the traditional Boxing Day of the Premier League this year we will see, among other things, the duel of West Ham United against Southampton. While this will be matchday 19, it will only be the 18th game of the season for both teams. With Omikron still raging in England, the Premier League has not been spared. Matchday 18 during the week, when West Ham and Southampton were also due to play, was almost completely cancelled. The Premier League gathered during the week but decided to continue play despite rising corona cases within the clubs.
Looking at the sporting side of things, the Hammers will need to beat their visitors come the Londoners want to get back into the top four. West Ham have won just one of their last six games in the league, but still sit in a strong 4th place in the table. Southampton, on the other hand, are once in the relegation battle and have failed to win a full six games. Find out if the Saints could also walk off the field winless at the Hammers in our West Ham – Southampton betting tip.
West Ham – Southampton Info
– Date & Time: 26/12/2021, at 16:00.
– Venue: London, Olympic Stadium
– Competition: Premier League, Matchday 19
– TV coverage: Sky
West Ham Form & Balance Check
West Ham have a real chance to get back on track against Southampton. The Hammers have only managed to emerge victorious once from their last six appearances in the league. However, West Ham got that win in their last home game against Chelsea FC. While manager David Moyes’ side were unable to build on that result against Burnley and Arsenal, the last home result should give the players a positive feeling before kick-off. Especially at home, West Ham are a force at the moment. The Hammers are undefeated at London’s Olympic Stadium for four games and have picked up ten points from them. With 28 points, West Ham are in 5th place in the table.
West Ham are looking for defenders
Should West Ham win against Southampton, the Hammers would only be one point behind Arsenal, as West Ham played one game less. In order for the Londoners to be able to really compete in the second half of the season, West Ham want to strengthen their defence. Regular centre-backs Zouma and Ogbonna are out for the long term. Among others, Niklas Stark from Hertha BSC is being considered as a new signing. So far, the two defenders have been replaced by Diop and Dawson.
West Ham Facts & Analysis
– West Ham are in 5th place in the table.
– The Hammers picked up only one win from their last 6 games.
– West Ham are unbeaten for 4 home games in a row
Southampton form & balance check
Southampton FC are in a relegation battle at the end of the first half of the season. With 17 points, the Saints are 15th in the table and still have six points more than Burnley, who are in the first relegation spot. But it could be that this lead will shrink further and further, as Southampton seem to be unable to win any more. Southampton are now six matches into the season without a fourth win. Most recently, Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side have suffered three defeats and three draws.
Offensive gets going
The Saints’ big problem is scoring goals. With just 16 goals from 17 games, Southampton are one of the least dangerous teams in the Premier League. But there is reason for hope for the fans. Coach Hasenhüttl’s team scored at least once in their last four home games. And they are also getting better and better away from home. In the last game at Crystal Palace, Southampton fought their way to a 2-2 draw.
Southampton facts & analysis
– Southampton are 15th in the table.
– Saints have been waiting for a win for 6 games.
– Southampton have scored just 16 goals in 17 games
Predicted line-up – last update on 24 December 2021
West Ham will be competing in a 4-2-3-1 system under coach David Moyes. The Hammers are compact against the ball and close down the centre. With the ball, West Ham operate via the wings and can also find the way through the centre of the opponent thanks to a compact midfield. In addition, the Londoners have an extraordinary strength in standard situations.
The team of coach Ralph Hasenhüttl lacks individual quality. Despite this, Southampton show a very decent system. The Saints play a 4-4-2 formation, which allows them to play orderly football. Recently, the attack has been getting better and better.
West Ham – Southampton direct comparison & Statistics
West Ham and Southampton have already met 75 times. In this duel, West Ham earned the more positive record. The Hammers won 28 matches, whereas the Saints could only win 25 encounters. A further 22 meetings ended in a draw. The last time the two sides met, the whistle blew for a 0-0 draw.
– West Ham are unbeaten in 8 games against Southampton.
– 6 of those last 8 encounters were won by West Ham.
– Last time Southampton won against West Ham was in 2017.
– 4 home games in a row the Hammers have won against the Saints.
