With Southampton at the brink of relegation in the Premier League, they will looking to redeem themselves as they taken on struggling West Ham at the St. Mary’s Stadium. The match is scheduled for Saturday, 14th December with kickoff at 20:30 GMT.
The 3-1 comeback defeat to West Ham at the hands of Arsenal might have sealed the last nail in the coffin for coach Emmanuel Pellegrini. The Hammers are currently on their worst run in the Premier League at 16th position with only 16 points.
With a number of coaches being showed the exit with the likes of Emery and Silva, all the pressure will be on Pellegrini as they also face another struggling side. The Saints are currently 18th in the Premier League with only 15 points.
Coahc Hassenhult has been under immense pressure with the poor form shown by the side. This follows their 2-1 defeat to Newcastle which handed the Magpies their fourth win in their past six matches.
This will be a do or die match for Pellegrini who heads into the match as the big dogs especially with the depth in squad. However, Hassenhult will be looking to escape the dreaded relegation side which has seen the side lose its quality.
Southampton vs. West Ham Head to Head
Both sides have played 16 games together with the Hammers picking up 7 wins while the Saints 5 wins. Here is a look at their past encounters:
West Ham 3-0 Southampton
Southampton 1-2 West Ham
West Ham 3-0 Southampton
Southampton 3-2 West Ham
Southampton 1-3 West Ham
West Ham 0-3 Southampton
Southampton Team News
Coach Hassenhult will have to bring in the services of Cedric despite criticisms over the past performances put forward by the Portugal International. However, Stuart Armstrong will be back in training after recovering from a hamstring issues picked up couple weeks ago.
Sofiane Boufal is currently serving a reduced training after picking up a toe injury. Yan Valery is also another figure that will miss the match due to a virus infection. With lack of right back positions in the squad, it is evident that Cedric will make his 9th Premier League start.
West Ham Team News
Antonio who seemed to pick up an injury in the closing minutes of their 3-1 defeat to Arsenal will be fit for selection. However, it remains a doubt whether new signing Sebastian Haller will start the match after being sidelined by Pellegrini.
Left back Aaron Creswell and right back Ryan Fredericks are on a risk of suspension after picking up 4 yellow cards. Some of the injuries woes for the Hammers include midfielder Lanzini and goalkeeper Fabianski.
Prediction and Odds
This will be a high intensity battle for both sides as they aim to gain momentum to finish off the year.
West Ham win
Goals Over 2.5
Both Teams to Score
Antonio to Score
