Southampton host West Ham United at St Mary’s Stadium in what promises to be a pivotal clash for both sides. The Saints are under new management with Ivan Jurić taking charge following a dismal first half of the season.
Rooted to the bottom of the table, Southampton will be desperate for a morale-boosting win on Boxing Day. Meanwhile, West Ham, who have steadied their form recently, are looking to climb further away from the relegation zone under Julen Lopetegui’s stewardship.
Both teams have notable absentees, with Southampton missing key players through injury and West Ham adjusting to suspensions. The tactical battle between Jurić’s defensive structure and Lopetegui’s midfield creativity could be decisive.
Southampton Team News
Southampton will be buoyed by the return of Aaron Ramsdale in goal, which has provided much-needed stability. However, injuries continue to plague their squad, with Gavin Bazunu, Will Smallbone, Juan Larios, and Ross Stewart all unavailable.
Manager Ivan Jurić is expected to rely on a similar lineup to the one that secured a hard-fought draw at Fulham.
Southampton Predicted Lineup to face West Ham
Ramsdale (GK); Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Wood; Sugawara, Downes, Aribo, Walker-Peters; Fernandes; Dibling, Armstrong
Here is how the side last lined up
West Ham Team News
West Ham will be without the suspended Lucas Paquetá and injured Michail Antonio. Lopetegui is likely to field Crysencio Summerville, who could provide additional flair on the flanks.
Mohammed Kudus, a standout performer this season, is expected to take a more central role in the absence of Paquetá.
West Ham Predicted Lineup to face Southampton
Fabiański; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson; Álvarez; Bowen, Kudus, Souček, Summerville; Füllkrug.
Southampton 
West Ham 
