Michael Owen predicts result of West Ham clash v Southampton
Michael Owen has backed Southampton to beat West Ham United in the Premier League on Tuesday evening.
The pundit has predicted that the Hammers will lose 2-1 at St. Mary’s, claiming that Ralph Hassenhuttl has transformed the Saints.
David Moyes will be hoping for improvements from the 2-2 draw against Brighton, where they rescued a point late on through Tomas Soucek.
Writing in his Bet Victor predictions column, Owen believes that the Saints have been more impressive than the Irons as both have enjoyed an improvement.
“I’m expecting a good game of football here,” he wrote.
“Both sides have played good stuff this year, especially Southampton. I’m a big fan of Ralph Hasenhüttl and if there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that he’ll have his side well organised ahead of this.
“I think this one could be tight. Although I’ve been impressed with West Ham, I think the Saints have been one of the revelations of the season so far and I fancy them to just edge it in an entertaining match.”
West Ham only kept 43.6% of the ball against Brighton and had 11 shots on goal according to WhoScored – showing far too much respect to the Seagulls.
Southampton have been far better than Brighton this season, and Moyes will know if his side starts in a similar manner tomorrow, the game could be over before it even begins on the South coast.
It’s three games without a win in the Premier League for the Irons, and the quicker that run is ended, the better.
Should this game end in defeat, the Hammers can wave goodbye to any immediate hopes of European football – that’s what a bad Christmas period can do for you.
In other West Ham United news, Frank McAvennie predicts Irons clash v Southampton