Southampton supports can now exhale and enjoy the final two matches of the season knowing they will see Premier League football again next season.
Saints will travel to London to take on the Hammers on Saturday in the season’s penultimate match both sides could line up a little differently than we are used to seeing. Outside of Vestergaard and Yoshida the Saints are healthy so these final matches could be used to give players a chance to play that have not seen the pitch as much as they would have liked.
With that said let us take a look at how either team could win this match.
Why West Ham Will Win
West Ham have had a slightly underwhelming season after spending a bit of money over the summer. They are currently sitting in 11th on the table with 46 points and a -9 goal differential. Their leading goal scorer this season has been newcomer, Felipe Anderson.
The Brazilian has been a sparkplug for the Hammers this season and if he plays on Saturday he could have a big match. He causes issues with his pace and is a great finishers as we saw in the match against West Ham earlier in the season.
With both teams safe from relegation and not fighting for European spots on the table it may be a more open match as the intensity will not be as high. I expect a good atmosphere in the London stadium and a fun match between the two sides.
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Why Southampton Will Win
I suspect Hasenhuttl will start experimenting with formations and tactics that allow players to in new roles or get some play time that have not seen the pitch in a while.
For example, Fraser Forster may get a shot at playing in the net against West Ham and players like Moi will get a shot at proving that they are capable of playing in the Premier League. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, the players that are playing for a role on the team next season or playing to find a team they will look to impress.
The players playing with nothing to lose could lead to them playing hard even in a match that does not really mean anything.
Predicted Line-ups
West Ham: 4-1-4-1
Goalkeeper: Lukasz Fabianski
Defenders: Arthur Masuaku, Issa Diop, Fabian Balbuena, Ryan Fredericks
Holding Midfielder: Declan Rice
Attacking Midfielders: Felipe Anderson, Robert Snodgrass, Mark Noble, Michail Antonio
Strikers: Marko Arnautovic
Southampton: 4-2-2-2
Goalkeeper: Fraser Forster
Defenders: Kayne Ramsey, Jan Bednarek, Jack Stephens, Matt Targett
Defending Midfielders: Oriol Romeu, Mario Lemina
Attacking Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong, Josh Sims
Strikers: Shane Long, Danny Ings
Predicted Score:
West Ham 2-2 Southampton