Prediction: Southampton win
Best Odds: 13/10
Bookmaker: 888sport
The FA Cup continues this week and we’re now down to just 16 teams remaining with every single one of them being just two wins away from Wembley. The magic of the cup hasn’t been lost on anyone and with such an important set of fixtures to be played, it’s only right we take a look at one of the most competitive as Southampton prepare to play host to West Ham United.
Southampton
Southampton are the kind of team that always seem to be down and out, only to spring a surprise or two. That’s where we’re at right now and in the FA Cup, they’ve done a good job of maintaining the status of dark horses. They beat Swansea 3-2 in the third round despite going down to ten men, and they overcame a confident Coventry to get through the fourth.
Team News
Lyanco, McCarthy and Tella are all out through injury for this one with a string of fringe players expected to feature.
West Ham
West Ham are starting to look like the kind of club their fans have believed them to be for years now and while that may be exciting, it’ll be interesting to see how they continue to manage the expectations put in front of them. They beat Leeds in the third round but really struggled to make it past Kidderminster Harriers in the fourth, leaving us to wonder what exactly their team is going to look like on the south coast.
Team News
Coufal and Ogbonna are both confirmed absentees for the trip to St. Mary’s whereas Yarmolenko and Masuaku are viewed as fitness concerns.
Factors to Consider
- In their last meeting on Boxing Day, Southampton beat West Ham 3-2.
- Southampton have won four and drawn two of their last six games.
- West Ham have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
- Southampton have scored 11 goals and conceded five in their last six games.
- West Ham have scored seven goals and conceded five in their last six games.
Conclusion
Southampton are really beginning to find their rhythm and while the same can be said for the Hammers, they’ve got European commitments to focus on. We expect to see a really competitive clash between two rising stars in English football but ultimately, the Saints will have the passion – as well as the vocal home crowd – to help see them through to victory.
Prediction: Southampton win
Best Odds: 13/10
Bookmaker: 888sport
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