Chris Sutton predicts result of West Ham United clash vs Southampton
Chris Sutton expects a tough game when West Ham take on Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon at St Mary’s.
The Hammers have won their last four games in all competitions, bouncing back from a tough start that saw them lose five of their first seven Premier League games of the season.
But with the home side manager Ralph Hasenhuttl under pressure, Sutton told his BBC predictions column [13 October] that he believes the game could easily be a draw but tipped Gianluca Scamacca to lead West Ham to a 2-1 win.
“This is another tough one,” he said. “I feel like I could go for a draw in a lot of the games this week – Liverpool versus City is one of the few where I think there will be a clear winner.
“It’s hard to judge Southampton off the back of their last game, because it was at Etihad Stadium and everyone loses there.
“But Saints will need to be much better than they were last last time out at St Mary’s, when they were beaten by Everton.
“I don’t think the pressure on Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has gone away, and he needs a good result here.
“I’m very tempted to go with a draw but things are going West Ham’s way at the moment – certainly more than they are going Southampton’s.
“I really like Gianluca Scamacca up front, and the Hammers seem to be finding a way to win games.”
Hard
It will not be an easy game against Southampton this weekend regardless of what the form table says, and West Ham will do well to ensure they know that.
The team is doing very well and got another hard fought win in midweek against Anderlecht, but injuries to Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna mean they’re now light at the back.
In addition to that we know how gruelling the schedule can be from Thursdays to Sundays, and with Southampton having extra time to rest and prepare they will make it difficult for David Moyes’ side to be successful.
With pressure from the home crowd the Saints will undoubtedly push to start fast and test the resolve of West Ham’s players, meaning a draw isn’t out of the question.
But the added individual quality that we have available to us, especially in attacking areas of the squad, should see us get over the line and prove Sutton right on this one.