West Ham united vs Southampton Predictions, Betting Tips and Preview

Match Preview

West Ham united vs Southampton Predictions, Betting Tips and Preview

Southampton are a side I tipped for some struggles this season, but things may be coming together for them. West Ham haven't settled properly in to their new home and are suffering a hangover after another year of European disappointment.Below are our predictions, betting tips and preview.

Game: West Ham united vs Southampton

Venue: Hillsborough Stadium

Kick-off: Saturday, 24th September, 3pm

Losing to what I thought was a very average Astra side must have been a low point for a side anticipating European football in their new stadium. The revenue after such a transition would have been a boost, but it was clearly damaging to this group of players. Injuries have also played their part, but the Hammers are struggling.

The highlight of the last month for the Hammers was needing Payet to step up and score an injury time winner against a League Two side in Cup action this week. It's been four losses in a row against top level opposition though, last time out throwing away a 2-0 lead to lose at home to Watford.

Southampton are only just above the Hammers in the table, but they have won three straight games in all competitions. They've yet to win away but winning breeds confidence, and they'll know their hosts are fragile at present.

Match Predictions and Betting Tips

West Ham are best odds 19/10 with Unibet to get just their second win of the league season. The draw is available at 12/5 with Bet Victor. Southampton are actually favourites to win this game at 17/10 with William Hill.

Looking at Southampton's last 19 games in any and all games – which dates back to early April of last season – the Saints have only been beaten three times, and that was on their travels against Arsenal, United and champions Leicester. They're not really in the habit of losing in 2016. Their last meeting with West Ham resulted in a 1-0 win.

Southampton have the opportunity to make it four straight wins in competitive competition. That isn't at all beyond them. They've achieved that feat twice in each of their last two Premier League seasons. The Hammers struggled could well continue here, so back Southampton: draw no bet at odds of 13/15 with 10Bet as our free betting tip.

The Hammers main problem has been keeping teams out. The two occasions on which they've kept a clean sheet this season have resulted in wins. They've given away 15 goals in five games otherwise, so don't be surprised to see the Saints score more than once here. Back Southampton to win 2-1 at odds of 10/1 with Bet365.

Charlie Austin must be in line for a start here. He's scored four goals in his last three games and has been the biggest catalyst for all three of their wins. West Ham have given away seven goals in five games to strikers, so clearly they're not defending their box well at present. Back Charlie Austin to score again at odds of 37/19 with 888Sport.