The latest set of Christmas fixtures in the Premier League conclude on Thursday evening when Southampton take on West Ham in a battle between two sides who will be hoping for much better in 2019 than they have had in 2018.
A place in the top half of the table is at stake for West Ham United but a Southampton win would put six points between them and the relegation zone and even at this stage of the campaign that feels like a significant number.
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Southampton
It looked like the trap door would finally open for Southampton based on how they were playing but credit to them for realising that and getting rid of Mark Hughes before he did irreparable damage and already the future looks much brighter under new boss Ralph Hasenhuttl. They have won their last two matches and will be confident of a third here.
The big difference under the Austrian is that they look like they have a goal threat all of a sudden. That comes from a high press and instantly both the players on the pitch and the fans in the stands look like they are enjoying the football a lot more. They are still a work in progress but if they ever put a defensive solidity together they will be absolutely fine this term.
West Ham United
I think it is fair to say that there has clearly been an improvement in West Ham this season under Manuel Pellegrini. The only issue with them is a lack of consistency but that is as much due to a ridiculous run of injuries as it is anything that they are doing in preparation. There are still concerns over the defensive side of things for the Hammers but in the main they are better in that discipline.
Where there is no doubt about an improvement is in attacking areas and when you factor in that Manuel Lanzini hasn’t kicked a ball in anger yet this season that is very encouraging. The Hammers are missing a couple of other vital attacking stars too so when everyone is finally fully fit they could be quite some outfit it must be said.
Team News
Saints captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is suspended having picked up his fifth yellow card against Huddersfield at the weekend. Michael Obafemi scored the third goal in that win and he could be rewarded with a start.
West Ham’s injury list remains quite a lengthy one. Manuel Lanzini and Andriy Yarmolenko are out for a while and Marko Arnautovic misses this match too. Fabian Balbuena and Javier Hernandez will have fitness tests.
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Betting
I’m expecting to see a few goals here. Southampton don’t yet convince me defensively and in truth West Ham never have so the attacking players should be the ones to deliver the goods in this match. Southampton adopt a high press which generally West Ham struggle with but there is enough quality in them going forward to find the net.
West Ham are looking good in attack and as long as they show more composure in front of goal than they did on Saturday I expect them to find the net and with Southampton much improved in the last couple of weeks over 2.5 goals is a bet that takes my interest in this match.
Tips
WON – Back Over 2.5 goals for a 4/10 stake at 1.80 with Boylesports
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