A... different Southampton

Ralph Hasenhuttl is on Southampton's bench since December 8th. A coach who led Leipzig to a successful journey during 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons. These two years, the German team was based on scoring, although that has costed in their defensive effectiveness. After his recon game vs Cardiff (0-1), the 'Saints' have registered two huge wins against Arsenal (3-2) and Huddersfield (3-1). That was exactly what I expected from the Austrian coach, having his players did their best in attack. This is proved by the three goals they've scored in these games, following Hasenhuttl's favourite 3-4-1-2 formation. Central defender Hjobjerg got his 5th yellow card and won't perform tonight due to his suspension.

West Ham lost in the London clash vs Watford last Saturday. That was their first loss after 4 wins in a row, an outcome that placed them in the second half of the table. Although it was a balanced game, their opponent were more effective and scored twice for the final 2-0. It's worth mentioning that the 'hammers' had many absences, as almost all of their attackers are either injured (Arnautovic, Yarmolenko) or not 100% fit (Chicharito, Perez). In addition, defenders Reid, Balbuena will miss tonight's game too. 

Home team are on a high flying mood with Ralf Hasenhuttl on their bench and have the opportunity to reach to their third concecutive win against a team who have many injuries lately. If they win, Southampton will move far away from the relegation zone, since neither of Cardiff, Burnley, Fulham and Huddersfield, who are lower positioned in the table, didn't win in their games for the 19th round. Home win is offered at quite decent odds, 2.26 are not to be missed.