Southampton vs West Ham – Saturday 19th August 2017 – 15:00
Southampton are 7/10 with Manolo Gabbiadini at 7/2 to score first.
Southampton face West Ham at St.Mary's on Saturday afternoon, in the second round of games in the Premier League.
The Saints come into this match in mixed form, having drawn the opening game of the season against Swansea 0-0.
That draw was Southampton's sixth successive draw at St.Mary's, with the managerial change yet to take full effect.
The Saints completely dominated, with the most possession (59.5%), the most shots (29) and the most key passes (23).
What will have alarmed Mauricio Pellegrino was how wasteful the Saints were, only converting 2 shots on target.
It was an excellent defensive display from Paul Clement's men, who thoroughly deserved a point.
New Manager
It has been another season of change for Southampton on the managerial front, with Mauricio Pellegrino now in the hot seat.
The future of Virgil Van Dijk has been the main talking point for the Saints, with the defender handing in a transfer request.
That draw will have frustrated Mauricio Pellegrino, with the Saints wasteful in front of goal, they have to be more clinical at home.
This match against West Ham presents another chance to secure a much needed three points, as well as a chance to break their scoring duck.
Saints Favourites
Southampton come into this match as favourites, with home advantage decisive for the bookies.
Mauricio Pellegrino's men will be looking to win this fixture, having been frustrated in their opening home fixture.
The Saints will be looking for their third win in five matches against West Ham.
New Season
West Ham come into this match on the back of a 4-0 loss against Manchester United, a tough result for Bilic's side.
Romelu Lukaku capped a dream home debut when he opened the scoring (32), after expertly rounding Joe Hart.
The Belgian doubled the lead after the break, scoring an expert header to make it 2-0 (52).
Anthony Martial made an instant impact as a substitute, scoring a fine goal in the 87th minute to make it 3-0.
The route didn't finish there, with Paul Pogba capping a fine performance in midfield with his first goal of the season (90).
Success Needed
West Ham endured a tough campaign last season, with Bilic's men finishing in 11th place with 45 points.
It was a tough second season at West Ham for Slaven Bilic, it was a tough opening season in their new London Stadium.
West Ham have been active in the transfer window, signing Joe Hart, Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic.
Despite spending all of this money they were second best at Old Trafford, something that will alarm Slaven Bilic.
Hammers Underdogs
Slaven Bilic's side come into this match as underdogs, with their poor opening performance informing the odds.
This will be a tough match for the Hammers, but Southampton are also struggling in front of goal.
West Ham will be looking to produce back to back wins at St.Mary's.
West Ham are 19/5 with Javier Hernandez at 15/2 to open the scoring.
Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Austin to score first @ 4/1
Tip 2 – 2-2 draw @ 14/1