Ivan Juric takes charge of his inaugral Southampton game with a Boxing Day clash with West Ham United at St. Mary’s on Thursday.
There is no better way to put it, but Southampton’s goalless draw away to Fulham was a positive result on many fronts as they get set to host West Ham United at St. Mary’s on Boxing Day. The Saints were winless in their last six games, and a respectable draw at home to Brighton & Hove Albion was the only positive result in that run.
During the goalless draw away at Fulham, new manager Ivan Juric was watching from the stands as there was clearly a ‘new manager bounce’ on effect with the team. The former AS Roma boss was a disaster with the Giallorossi; he does hold credibility following his stints at Hellas Verona and Torino, something that could inspire hope in Southampton fans ahead of a season that promises gloom at the end of it.
The previous weekend saw the Saints concede five first-half goals and end the game with a 5-0 reverse scoreline against Tottenham, which also led to Russell Martin’s departure. With Juric on board, the fans will hope for a style of football that will be a bit safer, but there are still doubts whether the Saints can overcome their current eight-point deficit to steer clear to safety.
The talk of a sack has quietened with regards to Julen Lopetegui, as the West Ham fans are probably seeing the team stabilise after a disastrous start to the new campaign. The Hammers are on a run of three unbeaten games, although those include draws against Bournemouth and then Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.
Mats Wieffer’s second-half strike appeared to give the Seagulls a push to take the game by the scruff of its neck, but the Hammers responded through a Mohammed Kudus strike to level things up. That point will have been seen as crucial by Lopetegui in the context of where the Hammers are in the standings.
Two critical fixtures are coming up for West Ham after their trip to Southampton — a home clash with leaders Liverpool and then a trip to the Etihad to take on Manchester City in their first match of 2025. Hence, Lopetegui will target maximum points, and a loss or even a draw at St. Mary’s will be seen as an abject failure from many angles.
Team News & Tactics
Southampton
The injury problems have eased for the Saints over the last few weeks, with Aaron Ramsdale’s return the biggest boost the defence can have. The England international kept a valuable clean sheet in his first start since early November, as Juric will want another stellar display from his No.1.
Fellow keeper Gavin Bazunu remains sidelined for the time being in the company of midfielders Ross Stewart and Will Smallbone. In terms of the setup, Ivan Juric will not disturb the back three formation against Fulham and is expected to set up in the same way, probably with most of the players who played last weekend.
The inclusion of Lesley Ugochukwu could be one of the changes Juric makes for this one, as he might want to find out his best midfield pairing ahead of the next few weeks. He will partner Flynn Downes, as the backline and the wing-backs remain the same for this game.
The only other change could come in front of the goal, as Cameron Archer could get a start ahead of Adam Armstrong to lead the line. Tyler Dibling and Matheus Fernandes as the players expected to start behind the striker, and Juric will want to see a goal or two when he takes charge of this Southampton team for the first time.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Wood; Sugawara, Ugochukwu, Downes, Walker-Peters; Dibling, Fernandes; Archer
West Ham United
Julen Lopetegui will be happy with the fitness of his squad, apart from Michail Antonio, who continues his rehabilitation from a horrific road accident. Lucas Paqueta will serve a one-game suspension for accumulating five yellow cards, as he will be replaced by Carlos Soler, returning from the suspension that saw him miss the Brighton & Hove Albion clash.
Lopetegui will use Soler in a midfield double pivot alongside Edson Alvarez, while Tomas Soucek plays in a slightly advanced role to connect the attacking side. At the back, Jean-Clair Todibo should come in place of Dinos Mavropanos in the heart of the defence, with Max Kilman retaining his place at the heart of the defence.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson will play as full-backs, with Lukasz Fabianski stationed between the sticks. Niclas Fullkrug will start only his second game for the Hammers after a disruptive period with injuries following his arrival in the summer.
Lopetegui will hope the German international benefits from a concerted run in the final third, while Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen will aim to support him from their attacking positions on either wing.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson; Alvarez, Soler; Bowen, Soucek, Kudus; Fullkrug
Key Stats
Southampton have failed to score in their last three matches in the Premier League.
Southampton have failed to win their last seven matches in the Premier League.
West Ham United are unbeaten in their last six games outside of London on Boxing Day.
West Ham United have lost only one of their last 11 games against Southampton.
Southampton have lost just one of their past eight home league games played on Boxing Day, winning five and drawing two
Player to Watch
Niclas Fullkrug
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The German striker has a lot to prove and undertake now that he is certain to be West Ham’s starting striker ahead of the latest phase of the season. Last weekend was the first time that Fullkrug started a game for the Hammers, and once again, he will lead the line, only this time, he will hope to score his second goal for the club and even more if things go to plan.
In any case, he has big responsibilities on his shoulders ahead of the second half of the season, especially how the striker situation is evolving at the club. The big problem for Lopetegui has been goals, and the manager will hope Fullkrug has that in his locker, as the Southampton trip will be a good chance to polish his scoring boots.
Prediction
Southampton 1-3 West Ham United
The Saints are in with some confidence following the arrival of their new manager, and that might see them put up a fight against the Hammers. A goal or so might come in handy, but West Ham United will be looking to take advantage of their good form and collect a win.
Julen Lopetegui has moderately stabilised a rocking ship, and he will want a big victory to show for the three good performances before this trip to Southampton. The Hammers have the attackers in place to put the Saints to the sword and collect the three points. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-1 win for Lopetegui and his charges.