West Ham vs Southampton Preview

• West Ham to win
• Under 4.5 goals

Hammers slump towards the finish line

Despite a brave performance at Anfield last time out, West Ham fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat against Liverpool, extending their winless run to five Premier League games (D2, L3). With safety long secured but no chance of European qualification, the Hammers seem to be drifting toward the end of a forgettable campaign. They enter this round in 17th place – their lowest position at this stage of a season since their eventual relegation in 2010/11.

Manager Graham Potter has yet to leave his mark since taking over in January, with just 12 points collected from his 12 matches at the helm (W3, D3, L6) – a tally better than only the bottom three sides in that period. But there’s hope for a morale-boosting result here, as the Hammers welcome rock-bottom Southampton, a side they’ve beaten in eight of the last 12 top-flight meetings (D3, L1). West Ham have also enjoyed a 100% home win record this season when facing teams who started the weekend in 14th or lower.

Saints staring down the record books

Already condemned to the drop, Southampton’s aim now is simply to avoid finishing with the worst-ever Premier League points total. Interim boss Simon Rusk saw his side slump to a 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa last weekend – a game notable only for Aaron Ramsdale’s two penalty saves. The Saints remain one point shy of Derby County’s infamous 11-point haul from the 2007/08 season, with their league-worst 81% loss rate placing them firmly on course to make unwanted history.

Southampton’s travelling form offers little hope of avoiding that fate, with just one win from their last 23 Premier League away matches (D4, L18) – a dreadful run dating back to February 2023. They have also lost five of their last six top-flight visits to West Ham (W1), conceding exactly three goals on four occasions in that span.

Tactical snapshot: Potter’s dilemma vs Saints’ survival blues

Potter may look to shuffle his starting XI, possibly bringing in Niclas Füllkrug after his impressive cameo against Liverpool and his goal in West Ham’s last home game. The German striker also provided the winning assist in the reverse fixture and could be a key outlet once more.

For Southampton, survival is no longer the goal – damage limitation is. Their defensive setup will be critical, but that’s been an area of concern throughout the campaign. Despite Ramsdale’s heroics last week, the Saints have failed to keep a clean sheet in 11 consecutive games, and they’ve conceded multiple goals in each of their last five.

Key battle: Füllkrug vs Ramsdale

Niclas Füllkrug (West Ham)

The German forward could earn a rare start after netting in West Ham’s last home match and contributing in the reverse fixture at St Mary’s.

If he features, his physical presence and aerial ability could cause problems for a fragile Southampton defence.

Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton)

After a rare pair of penalty saves last weekend, Ramsdale might be called into action often once again.

Only against Liverpool and Manchester United has he conceded more Premier League goals than he has against the Hammers (20), which adds further pressure.

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West Ham v Southampton, 2024/25 | Premier League