West Ham – Southampton Prediction & Picks (31.03.2018)

West Ham United and Southampton meet, in a match for the 2nd round of the Premier League. The history of recent direct matches between these two teams indicates total balance, since there were 2 draws and 3 wins for each team in the last 8 matches. The last direct confrontation between these two teams, on 04-02-2017, ended with the victory of West Ham United by (1-3). In this game the home factor may be decisive, since Southampton presents considerable differences in their results at home and as a visitor.

West Ham United:

The home team comes to this second day after a defeat in its premiere in the league, against Manchester United, by (4-0). This is a team that usually maintains its competitive levels in home and away matches, since in the last 30 matches they register 3 wins, 6 draws and 6 losses in away matches, with 19 goals scored and 27 conceded; against 6 wins, 2 draws and 7 losses at their stadium, with 15 goals scored and 28 suffered. In the last 10 home matches West Ham United has won 4, tied 2 and lost 4. The team has scored goals in 8 of the last 10 matches, so there are defensive processes that need improving.

West Ham comes to this game with a heavy defeat against Manchester United, 4-0, starting in the worst form this competition. In this according to game for the English championship, the trainer Slaven Bilic must line up in 4-2-3-1, privileging the possession of ball and the organized attacks. Chicharito is the outstanding player in this team, being the Mexican player very competent at the time of finishing. Carroll and Kouyate remain away from those summoned due to physical problems.

Southampton:

The away team comes to this 2nd round, after the draw in its premiere in the league, against Swansea City, by (0-0) This is a team that curiously has been stronger outside than at home, since in the last 30 games recorded 6 wins, 4 draws and 5 losses as a visitor; against 5 wins, 4 draws and 6 losses at their stadium. In the last 10 away matches Southampton has won 4, tied 3 and lost 3.

Southampton enter this day after a scoreless draw at home against Swansea, starting in an irregular way this competition. Normally the Argentine coach Mauricio Pellegrino acts in 4-2-3-1, privileging possession of the ball and organized attacks, however, in this match he must opt ​​for a strategy based on counterattack. Tadic is the great master of Southampton, being responsible for creating and organizing the offensive process. Virgil Van Dijk is in doubt for this game, due to an injury.