BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson is predicting back to back losses for West Ham when they face Southampton
Writing on the BBC website Lawro said “Like Solskjaer at United, Southampton have undergone a transformation under Ralph Hasenhuttl, who got another win at the weekend when his new side beat Huddersfield. Saints are playing with purpose and scoring goals and when you watch them you are left trying to remember the problems they had under previous boss Mark Hughes.
With any new manager, there is nothing better than winning games straight away because you are almost convincing your players instantly that you really do know what you are on about. West Ham’s run of four straight wins ended with their defeat by Watford, and I have a feeling they will be reflecting on another loss after this game is over. Lawro’s prediction: 2-0″
Bookies make the Saints the 5/4 favourites with a West Ham win priced at 11/5 and the draw 5/2
The two clubs first played each other in December 1899, West Ham have 75 games, Southampton has won 50 with 46 games drawn.
In today’s Claret and Hugh Christmas Day poll we ask whether the Hammers will win, lose or draw?