After a couple of years of mediocrity tinged with bitter disappointment, the buzz is suddenly back at St Mary’s.
The Hasenhuttl revolution has begun and as Southampton prepare to face Manuel Pellegrini’s West Ham, a tide of new found optimism is sweeping through the fanbase.
On the back of consecutive league wins for the first time since April 2017 during Claude Puel’s ill fated reign, Southampton are finally begin to play with a verve and intensity which has been sorely missing for several years. The “Klopp of the Alps”, Ralph Hasenhuttl has made an instant impact since his arrival on the South coast and whilst the Austrian might not like the moniker or the accompanying comparison to the current Liverpool manager, one can only assume that the new boss must be pleased with the progress made in just three weeks.
The high press or “gegenpressing” implemented by Hasenhuttl has coincided with a resurgence in Southampton’s form with impressive performances from the likes of Hojbjerg, Redmond, Ings and even the heavily criticised summer signing from Borussia Mönchengladbach, Jannik Vestergaard. A change in formation to 3-5-2 has allowed a solid platform for the attacking players to chase high up the pitch, whilst opportunities offered to the academy players has signalled the beginning of a potential return to the once vaunted “Southampton way”.
West Ham also come into the game in decent form on the back of four league wins in five, although Pellegrini will be frustrated that their recent run of four consecutive wins was ended by Watford last weekend. Despite a slow start to the season, the Hammers have looked galvanised, with a number summer signings, including the indefatigable Felipe Anderson, impressing during their climb to 12th in the Premier League. Whatever happens on Thursday evening at St Mary’s, the encounter promises to be a lively game full of attacking intent.
Why Southampton will win
The key word here is momentum. Previous articles have touched upon Southampton’s mental fragility, especially when holding on to winning positions. Yet since Hasenhuttl’s arrival, the Austrian has instilled a sense of resilience and ruthlessness absent to date this season, whilst teaching a team of under-performers how to win again.
The pace and tenacity of Nathan Redmond on the counter attack coupled with the guile of a revitalised Stuart Armstrong could cause West Ham problems, especially against a West Ham team which failed to keep out an average Watford attack last week at the London Stadium. The on loan Danny Ings has scored three goals in his last two games and if he can work the channel between the West Ham defensive pairing with the same aplomb he managed against Arsenal and Huddersfield respectively, he could be detrimental to West Ham’s chance of success.
The potential return to the starting line up of Mario Lemina could also cause headaches for Pellegrini as the Gabonese midfielder seeks to impress a host of European clubs with his revival in form. No-one doubts the underlying talent but the Lemina will need to add consistency to his game if he seeks to take the next step as a player. His ability to retain possession in tight spaces will undoubtedly cause issues for a West Ham team prone to conceding.
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Why West Ham will win
Although West Ham failed to win a league game until mid September, they have since amassed an impressive seven league wins and their Chilean manager, Manuel Pellegrini has done well to incorporate so many new players into his team. One of the most impressive aspects of West Ham’s performances has been the spread of goals from across the team with Anderson, Arnautovic, Hernandez, Snodgrass and Antonio all offering a threat.
The absence of Arnautovic could hurt the Hammers but they will be happy that Southampton’s Danish midfielder, Pierre Emile Hojbjerg will be missing due to suspension. The Dane has been a imposing presence in the middle for the Saints this season and as acting captain following Ryan Bertrand’s injury layoff, the 23rd year old has been matured into a strong and capable leader.
Southampton’s capacity to leak goals will encourage West Ham to believe that they can get something from the game and whilst Hasenhuttl has resolved the issue pertaining to a lack of scoring goals, he is yet to oversee a clean sheet in his brief time in charge. Although the Southampton defence have improved since they reverted to three centre backs, there remains an obvious lack of pace coupled with occasional lapses of concentration, which Chicharito, Anderson etc will be seeking to exploit.
Predicted Lineups
Southampton: 3-5-2
Goalkeeper: McCarthy
Defenders: Stephens, Bednarek, Vestergaard
Midfielders: Valery, Lemina, Romeu, Armstrong, Targett
Forwards: Ings
West Ham: 4-2-2-2
Goalkeeper: Fabianski
Defenders: Zabaleta, Ogbonna, Masuaku, Diop,
Midfielders: Anderson, Noble, Snodgrass, Rice
Forwards: Hernandez, Antonio
Score Prediction: Southampton 2-2 West Ham