West Ham United passed a massive test with last Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Swansea but they will be up against another promotion rival when taking on Southampton at the London Stadium on Saturday.
The period since the international break has been largely positive for the Hammers, who have taken seven points from a possible nine.
However, their most recent home game - a 1-1 draw with QPR - was a reminder of how difficult matches can be in the Championship.
QPR picked up a deserved share of the points after a composed, front-foot performance and their strategy is likely to be mirrored by Southampton, who seldom take a backward step.
Saints started the season with a four-point deduction, but they have already climbed into the top eight.
Tonda Eckert’s side have the best home record in the division, although there is room for improvement on their travels.
Saints took just two points from their opening four away games before winning 1-0 at Norwich City earlier this month.
West Ham United v Southampton Tips Summary
Best Bet - Draw @ 16/5
Alternative Bet - Finn Azaz anytime assist @ 9/2
Bet Builder - Southampton or draw double chance, Finn Azaz 1+ shots on target & Cameron Bragg to be booked @ 16/1
West Ham United v Southampton Prediction
Best Bet: Draw @ 16/5
West Ham and Southampton are two of the heavy hitters in the promotion race and they could be tough to separate.
As the home side, West Ham will be under pressure to go after maximum points.
But Hammers’ manager Nuno is a wily tactician and will be well aware of the potential pitfalls of being too open against high quality opposition.
Southampton are sweating on the fitness of their star striker, Cyle Larin, who is nursing a hamstring strain.
But they have scored in every away game this season and have the offensive quality to cause problems for any second-tier side.
West Ham will probably pursue a patient approach and perhaps hope for a moment of magic from their outstanding attacker, Jarrod Bowen, who has netted five times in his last six Championship games.
It should boil down to a tense, hard-fought spectacle with every chance of the spoils being shared.
Alternative Bet: Finn Azaz anytime assist @ 9/2
West Ham defenders will need to keep their wits about them, because they will be up against one of the best creative players in the division.
Saints’ attacking midfielder Finn Azaz has contributed five assists, including the delightful pass for James Bree’s match-winning goal in the recent 1-0 win at home to Portsmouth.
The Hammers will be aware of the threat but they may struggle to stop Azaz from delivering another magic moment.
West Ham United v Southampton Bet Builder Tip
- Southampton or draw double chance
- Finn Azaz over 0.5 attempts on target
- Cameron Bragg to be carded
Pays 16/1
West Ham go into every Championship home game with the expectation of winning, but they suffered setbacks against Charlton (2-1) and QPR (1-1), and could drop points against Southampton, who are emerging as major rivals in the promotion race.
Nuno’s side are on a high after last Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Swansea, but they face a stern test from Southampton, who have the ability and composure to get on the ball and work their way into the game.
Saints will have to pick and choose their moments to attack, but Azaz will probably be involved in their most dangerous actions.
Azaz has registered 23 shots in 11 league appearances and looks a solid wager to at least force a save out of West Ham keeper Mads Hermansen.
Saints are unsure about the fitness status of ex-West Ham midfielder Flynn Downes, so there could be a key role for 21-year-old academy graduate Cameron Bragg, who may collect his fourth card of the campaign.
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Key Match Stats
- West Ham have conceded the first goal in three of their last five games
- The Hammers failed to win either of their last two home matches
- Seven of West Ham’s last eight home fixtures have generated at least three goals
- Southampton have scored in each of their last six away matches
- Saints have avoided defeat in nine of their last 10 Championship games
- Southampton have kept clean sheets in each of their last three fixtures
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
