The Dugout Discussion – Southampton vs West Ham

Concluding the day’s action, Southampton meet head-on with West Ham United at St Mary’s Stadium. The Saints have turned a corner of late – following a five-match stretch that yielded four defeats – and are unbeaten in four fixtures. The Hammers are also enjoying a rich vein of form, having lost just once since Gameweek 14.

Southampton registered the best defensive record over the last four Gameweeks, conceding zero goals during that period. Highlighting their home form and the challenge that West Ham face, Ronald Koeman’s charges outscored their last three visitors by an aggregate of 9-0. Furthermore, the south-coast outfit rank joint-third for goals scored (22) and third for shots inside the box (132) in home matches.

Across the previous four Gameweeks, only Tottenham Hotspur chalked up more goals (10) than the Irons (eight), who also placed joint-fourth for attempts (55). Further bolstering the appeal of West Ham’s attacking assets, they rank fourth for goals scored (18) in road fixtures. In terms of their defensive resolve away from home soil, the Londoners have conceded the third-most shots inside the box (127) and joint-sixth-most big chances (20).