Southampton vs. West Ham United Betting Preview – EPL, December 29, 2020

Both these clubs have endured a curious drop in form on the last few weeks of the year that have seen surges up the table stall a little.

Injuries and illness have not helped, but both Ralph Hasenhuttl and David Moyes will be hoping that a win here will give their players renewed impetus going into 2021.

Southampton may have dropped a few points in the last few games – and has missed its star striker in Danny Ings – but I am still a little surprised that the Saints are not odds on to win this one at home. West Ham has played well at times this season but should not be able to cope with the home side on Tuesday. I think the price for a Southampton win looks good here.

Ralph Hasenhuttl had to make do without Danny Ings, Oriol Romeu, and Jannik Vestergaard against Fulham on Boxing Day and was probably a little lucky to come away from Craven Cottage with a point. James Ward-Prowse did hit the bar with one of his trademark free-kicks, but the performance was nowhere near as accomplished as we have seen this season.

Romeu could be back for this one, but the Saints will still be without some key personnel. But there is a good spirit at St Marys’ at the moment, and without VAR, Southampton could have taken three points from Fulham. A better show against West Ham should add to the tally, though.

West Ham only came away from Brighton with a point on Sunday thanks to the half time tinkering of David Moyes. The Hammers boss made a mistake with his starting eleven selection and paid the price, with the Seagulls getting within ten minutes of an important win.

But a more attacking West Ham team went on to salvage a point from that game, and Moyes should make the necessary changes for this game against Southampton. Michail Antonio could still miss out, but if there are enough attacking options in the team, then West Ham should be able to make a good game of it, at least.

Moyes shouldn’t make the same mistake two games in a row, but he will be coming up against a very good Southampton side. Even with Ings out, Hasenhuttl can still rely on a rejuvenated Che Adams to make and take chances – and he could be the difference here.