Southampton vs West Ham United: Preview and predictions
By Ben Whitlock
Southampton take on West Ham United in the second week of the Premier League this Saturday at St. Mary’s Stadium.
Both teams are looking for their first wins of the campaign, after Saints’ opening day draw with Swansea, and West Ham’s 4-0 loss away to Man United.
With the Hammers currently sat bottom of the table, Slaven Bilic’s side will be looking to kick start their season this Saturday.
Unlike Saints, (as of yet), West Ham haven’t held back in spending this transfer window. As well as gaining the services of Joe Hart on a season long loan, they’ve also bought in big names such as Javier Hernandez,for £16 million, and Marko Arnautovic for £20 million respectively.
Both these players started in their opening day defeat to Man United, but never really got into the game against a strong opposition. Saints’ new boy Mario Lemina watched his teams opener from the sidelines as an unused substitute.
Why Southampton will win
The hosts are likely to have the same lineup that faced Swansea last week. Although it was a frustrating game where Saints had 29 shots with only two on target, it was still promising. Saints’ created lots of chances, but just could not put the ball in the back of the net.
After seeing West Ham’s performance against Man United last week, I’m sure Mauricio Pellegino’s men will have plenty of chances again.
Southampton could also potentially give a debut to Mario Lemina, who will certainly have an impact across the pitch and could dictate the game if given the chance.
The hosts shouldn’t be short of any confidence after last weeks performance, and with the start of the season nerves out the way, I am optimistic Saints will pick up the three points.
Why West Ham will win
Despite being bottom of the table after last weeks thrashing my Manchester United, West Ham still have highly talented players that can change the game in an instant.
Although Saints’ defence doesn’t look too shaky, Arnautovic and Hernandez will be a threat at all times. The 2 summer additions will be the Hammers danger men, and after a poor performance from the pair last week, they will be looking to make a point.
Next: Pellegrino gives injury update ahead of West Ham game
Predicted line-ups
Southampton
Goalkeeper: Fraser Forster
Defence: Cedric Soares, Jack Stephens, Maya Yoshida, Ryan Bertrand
Midfielders: Steven Davis, Oriol Romeu, James Ward-Prowse, Dusan Tadic, Nathan Redmond
Striker: Manolo Gabbiadini
West Ham:
Goalkeeper: Joe Hart
Defenders: Pablo Zabaleta, Winston Reid, Angelo Ogbonna, Arthur Masuaku
Midfielders: Mark Noble, Pedro Obiang, Andre Ayew, Edimilson Fernandes, Marko Arnautovic
Striker: Javier Hernandez
Verdict
On paper, Saints and West Ham are two similar teams. However, it is the former that I fancy to take the 3 points here. If West Ham play anything like they did against Man United then it should be an easy game for the Saints. This being said, I think the hosts will score a couple of goals, but also concede.
Southampton 2-1 West Ham