Rock-bottom Southampton host West Ham in a festive Premier League contest.
Victory will move Ivan Juric’s rock-bottom Saints to within five points of safety, whilst West Ham can go 13th before Manchester United play a few hours later.
Team News
Jack Stephens is available for Southampton following completion of his four-game ban.
Will Smallbone (thigh), Ross Stewart (calf) and Gavin Bazunu (Achilles) remain ruled out.
West Ham could be without Konstantinos Mavropanos due to a knock.
Carlos Soler is available following his one-match ban but Lucas Paqueta is suspended following his fifth yellow card of the season in their 1-1 draw against Brighton.
Michail Antonio (leg) remains absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Southampton host West Ham at St Mary’s Stadium on Thursday 26 December at 3pm GMT, live on Amazon in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Southampton have won one of their last six league meetings against West Ham (W1, D3, L2).
- West Ham are winless in their last five league visits to Southampton (D3, L2).
- This is Southampton’s first Boxing Day meeting against West Ham in the Premier League.
- Southampton have conceded five goals in each of their two home games against London-based opposition.
- West Ham have conceded 11 goals in their last five matches.
Prediction
Having watched Southampton produce a solid defensive display in their goalless draw at Fulham, Juric now need to find a way to build on that performance but implement his high-pressing style.
West Ham meanwhile have scraped their way to two consecutive 1-1 draws but they need to try and cut out the defensive mistakes, especially given their attacking quality which should be enough if can improve their shot into goal conversion.
Southampton though know that they realistically need to take two wins in their next three games if want a chance at survival, but I can see Julen Lopetegui’s Hammers doing enough to hold them to a draw here.
Prediction: Southampton 1-1 West Ham
Result: Southampton 0-1 West Ham
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