There is just one match in the Premier League on Sunday and it comes from the Olympic Stadium as West Ham host Southampton in a clash between two sides who haven’t started the season how they would like and who could really do with a win.
West Ham have just a fortunate win over Bournemouth to their names in the league this season and are in the relegation zone going into the match while Southampton are only a couple of draws better off and not too far clear of the danger zone.
West Ham
Some of the defending from West Ham so far this season has been worse than calamitous and they have conceded 13 goals in their four defeats so Slaven Bilic won’t need to look too far to see where his problems lie but knowing the problem and solving it can sometimes be easier said than done.
Scoring goals hasn’t been too much of an issue for the Hammers this season and it shouldn’t be either with the likes of Dimitri Payet in the side so if they can find a way to shore things up at the back without losing any of that attacking threat then they can still make something of the campaign despite the poor beginning.
Southampton
Claude Puel finally got his first win in charge last weekend when Southampton saw off Swansea and he will be looking for back to back wins in this match. It is understandable that Saints took a while to get going given that they lost their manager in the close season and two of their better players in the form of Graziano Pelle and Victor Wanyama.
There have been signs that Saints are turning things around. They had a good win in the Europa League prior to the Swansea win and have back to back clean sheets to their name as well so things are starting to look up for the Hampshire based side.
Team News
West Ham have a few issues defensively with Aaron Cresswell out long term and now Arthur Masuaku has joined him on the injury list. Winston Reid should boost the defence having recovered from a knock. Andy Carroll and Andre Ayew are still sidelined.
Charlie Austin is expected to start the game for Southampton after an impressive recent run of scoring form. If he does he’ll face the side who declined to sign him and told the world he had a knee injury so he might have a point to prove.
Betting
West Ham have real issues defensively and I fear for them in this match off the back of that. You can’t concede four goals to a Tony Pulis side and not be under pressure and while I’m sure Slaven Bilic will have worked his team hard on defensive structure in training this week I’m not convinced he has the personnel to cope.
Southampton are just starting to find a groove defensively and if they can keep Dimitri Payet quiet then I think they will have their chances to win the game. Even if they can’t I think they have enough about them going forward to bag a couple of goals and still win the game. Even a draw gets us our money back on the Asian lines so Southampton looks a no brainer here.
Tips
WON – Back Southampton (0AH) to beat West Ham for a 4/10 stake at 1.81 with 12bet
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