Southampton vs West Ham United Predictions

Southampton vs West Ham predictions for this Premier League encounter. Southampton, bottom with six points, face a daunting task in escaping relegation. The Saints have the league’s lowest goal tally (11) and third-worst defence, conceding 36 goals. Read on for all our free Premier League predictions and betting tips.

Premier League | Dec 26, 2024 at 3:00pm UK at St. Marys Stadium

Southampton vs West Ham Predictions

Can Southampton Upset West Ham in Jurić’s Debut?

• Southampton’s goal drought: The Saints have failed to score in 8 of their 17 Premier League games this season, highlighting their attacking struggles.
• West Ham’s patchy attack: The Hammers have only scored more than two goals in a match once this season, underscoring their inconsistency in front of goal.
• Juric’s defensive influence: In his time at Torino, Jurić’s sides consistently ranked in the top five for fewest goals conceded, a sign of what he might bring to Southampton.

Our Tips

Boxing Day football always comes with an extra layer of drama, and this year’s fixture at St Mary’s promises to deliver. Southampton, propping up the Premier League table with a miserable six points, are desperate for a Christmas miracle. The Saints’ decision to bring in Ivan Jurić as manager has stirred some optimism among fans, but the Croatian’s task is monumental. On the other hand, West Ham, despite sitting 14th with 20 points, are themselves underwhelming this season. With their squad boasting talent like Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus, expectations were far higher than their current mid-table mediocrity.

As Southampton aim to halt their slide and begin a climb to safety, Jurić’s impact will be under scrutiny. For West Ham, an opportunity beckons to put more daylight between themselves and the relegation scrap. It’s a game laced with tension, and both teams know the stakes are significant.

---

Best Bet: Under 1.5 Goals

Low-scoring matches often dominate narratives when struggling sides like Southampton meet underwhelming ones like West Ham. This encounter has all the makings of another such affair. Backing under 1.5 goals seems the most sensible play, especially considering both teams’ toothless attacking form and the tactical tendencies of their managers.

Southampton’s attacking frailty has been a season-long issue, with just 11 goals in 17 matches – the league’s worst tally. Their goalless draw against Fulham last weekend exemplified their struggles in the final third, with Aaron Ramsdale the standout figure for keeping a clean sheet. The Saints’ xG of just over 1.0 in that game was their lowest since the season opener, underscoring the monumental task Jurić faces in sharpening their attack. Furthermore, they’ve failed to score in nearly half of their league matches, an alarming statistic that highlights the scale of their problems.

West Ham, while more potent on paper, are not exactly firing on all cylinders. They’ve scored just twice in their last three matches, and the absence of Michail Antonio through injury significantly reduces their attacking options. Captain Jarrod Bowen, despite his consistent output, is visibly fatigued, with only one goal and one assist in his last five matches. Mohammed Kudus, while skilful, has struggled to make the decisive impact expected of him, and their reliance on set-pieces and scrappy moments to find goals is telling.

Another crucial factor is Ivan Jurić’s history as a manager. His sides in Serie A were renowned for defensive discipline, particularly at Torino, where his team consistently ranked among the league’s best for goals conceded. While it is unrealistic to expect a complete transformation in Southampton’s defensive solidity in a matter of days, the early signs were there against Fulham. Ramsdale’s assured performance and the Saints’ reduced defensive vulnerability suggest Jurić’s methods are already having an effect.

For West Ham, they’ve managed multiple goals in only six of their 17 matches this season, and Boxing Day doesn’t look like the time they’ll buck that trend. Their last two matches, both 1-1 draws, highlight their struggle to impose themselves against even middling opposition. A slow and disjointed attack combined with Southampton’s improving defence could well lead to a tight, uneventful affair.

BettingTips4You.com expert Gram Dodd weighs in: “With Southampton failing to score in eight games and West Ham struggling to find their attacking rhythm, expecting a high-scoring affair here seems wildly optimistic. Fewer than two goals is the logical play.”

Correct Score Prediction: Southampton 0-1 West Ham

Given the case for a low-scoring game, a slender 1-0 victory for West Ham aligns perfectly. Lopetegui’s side have the edge in quality, particularly with Bowen and Kudus capable of unlocking Southampton’s defence, but their lack of cutting-edge options means they’re unlikely to run riot. Southampton, still acclimatising to Jurić’s methods, will likely focus on keeping things tight rather than chasing the game aggressively.

West Ham’s recent form further supports this prediction. Their last two results, both 1-1 draws, were defined by cautious play and sporadic attacking success. Against a Southampton side desperate to avoid another thrashing, it feels inevitable that this match will be dictated by fine margins.

For the Saints, optimism stems from Jurić’s focus on defensive organisation. However, it’s unlikely they’ll completely neutralise West Ham’s threat, particularly from set-pieces or individual brilliance. A narrow defeat feels almost inevitable but may still represent progress.

Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox? Subscribe Now To Our Newsletter. We will never spam, we fully respect your privacy!

Selected Bookmakers Offers