The fight for Premier League survival enters its final stretch, with West Ham and Southampton meeting at the London Stadium for another cracking game.
Both sides are desperate to find form following the international break. However, West Ham are the side more desperate for a win, primarily as the future of their manager David Moyes reportedly rests on results from this game.
The former Everton and Man United boss could be relieved of his duties if he loses here. So a tense encounter could ensue, particularly as West Ham lost this game 3-2 last term.
Read more: Newcastle vs Manchester United: Preview and Expert Football Prediction
Another high-scoring encounter could follow because the Hammers have kept just four home PL clean sheets this term. Furthermore, at least three goals have been scored in ten of the last H2H hosted by West Ham (W7, L3).
That said, the Hammers are unbeaten in four league games here (W2, D2), suggesting the international break perhaps came at a bad time for them as far as their home form is concerned.
Southampton will hold similar feelings, having collected as many points since sacking Nathan Jones six PL games ago (eight) than in the 17 games prior, as they desperately fight to keep in touch at the foot of the table.
Following their battling 3-3 draw with Tottenham, in which the Saints battled back from 3-1 down, manager Rubén Sellés said, “the players want to fight for each other, and I’m very proud of it.”
Selles will hope that his side can produce another battling performance in London that could see them move out of the bottom of the table. They will fancy their chances, though, considering they have won twice as many league away games as home ones this term (W4, D1, L9). Also, given that three of their away league victories this term came against sides that start the round inside the bottom six, all by a one-goal margin, the Saints appear well prepared to march into battle again.
That said, this game will likely feature over 2.5 goals.
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