The Premier League clash between West Ham United and Southampton promises to be a pivotal encounter as both teams navigate their respective challenges. Scheduled for December 26, 2024, at St. Mary's Stadium, this match marks Ivan Juric's debut as Southampton's manager. The home side has struggled recently, recording five consecutive losses, which places them in a precarious position in the league standings. Conversely, West Ham enters the match with a more favorable trajectory, remaining unbeaten in their last three outings . This context heightens the stakes for both clubs as they vie for crucial points during the festive period.
West Ham are dealing with two new injury concerns ahead of their Boxing Day meeting with Southampton in the Premier League.
Head coach Julen Lopetegui revealed before the festive trip to St Mary’s that two of his contingent were battling knocks following Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with Brighton, but he declined to confirm their identities.
In the opposite dugout, summer appointment Julen Lopetegui is yet convince West Ham fans that he is the right man for the job. The Spaniard endured a tough start to life in East London but his fortunes have started to turn and the Hammers battled back for a point against Brighton to make it three games without a defeat – the longest unbeaten run of the new manager's tenure.
With Mohammed Kudus back in the goals and Jarrod Bowen continuing to impress, Lopetegui will hope to use the trip to St Mary's on Boxing Day as an opportunity to build on recent progress.
Southampton possible starting lineup: Ramsdale; Wood, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek; Sugawara, Ugochukwu, Downes, Walker-Peters; Fernandes; Armstrong, Onuachu
West Ham United possible starting lineup: Fabianski; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson; Alvarez, Soucek; Bowen, Soler, Kudus; Fullkrug
Goalscoring has been a significant problem for Thursday's hosts, who have netted a league-low 11 goals this season and failed to score in their last three Premier League matches. Luckily for them, West Ham's defensive record is lacking.
West Ham will be slight favorites against Southampton and have a good chance to extend their unbeaten streak to four games. However, the arrival of a new voice at St Mary's could pose challenges for the Irons, who have managed only five league wins this season.
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