West Ham’s last home match of the season is a clash against a revitalised Southampton. Can the Hammers finish the season on a high and back up the Spurs win?
Jeff: 2-0 to the Hammers
If there was ever a good time for West Ham United to win back to back matches for the first time since December, during the club’s best run of form, this final home match of the season vs Southampton would be it.
In fact, let’s not stop with back to back wins. How about a run of three wins in a row for the Hammers? That is really the only hope the club have of vaulting up the table to get as high as eighth; if everything around them breaks the right way. They need to back up the Spurs win with full results vs Saints and Watford both.
On paper and on the pitch that certainly seems doable. But the last time the club had aspirations to move up—to 7th in January; the bottom dropped. But the Irons have been playing well over the past three matches, even though they only have 4 points to show for it. The home crowd will be behind them, and if last week was any indication maybe Arnautovic is back to his old pre-January self. Antonio is playing great and the defensive partnership between Diop and Balbuena was back in full effect vs Spurs.
All that adds up to continued good feelings and form and a Hammers win.
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Scott: 4-2 to West Ham
It’s the last home match of the season and I think Pellegrini will want to finish on a big push. Whilst he will want his team to dominate position against a strong but weaker side he will also be aware that a big performance here will carry momentum into a very important summer. AS will a few key players.
Marko Arnautovic and Felipe Anderson have had seasons of note for different reasons, but both could come alive today. If we do what we can in front of goal then I think we could see a whole host of chances. The issue that we do currently have is balancing that with defence and I do think we will concede a few today. But that will be fewer goals than we score, so happy summer times for the Hammers.
Adam: West Ham 2-0 Southampton
Ready to love Arnautovic again? Get ready. There is going to be nothing holding Arnautovic back in this match against the Saints after an impressive showing at Spurs. I think the reality is setting in, that Marko’s poor form has played him out of a move away from West Ham and that his future isn’t likely in China. Post Spurs Arnie walked out to the away fans with Noble and clapped their support as his name was sung. I think this may be the first step in repairing the relationship he sabotaged.
Ill give both goals to Arnie on this one, with Lanzini and Anderson assisting on either of them. The tension after a hectic January seems to have faded over time and now Arnautovic can focus on what matters most to him – getting in on the goals. Could this be a turning point in the Arnautovic saga at West Ham?
Jeremiah: 1-0 Win
West Ham are coming off an impressively historic away victory this past weekend and flying high (pun intended) but how does this Saturday look? Two games left, last home game, playing a lesser side, sounds all like winning ingredients. But I do think that we won’t just pushover Southampton.
Southampton have gained 5 points in the last 5 matches against arguably better or even sides. They will play hard as they want to even the score from earlier this season. I think we will be flying but I think we might not be as up as last week. I think Antonio gets in again to give us a first half lead and then cruise into the end for 3 points! COME ON YOU IRONS!