Odds

Reasoning

Southampton will be without four key defensive players (Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Walker-Peters, Bazunu) and West Ham have midfield and attacking absentees (Soucek, Pablo Felipe), leaving both sides with weakened but still capable units. Southampton scored three at home in their only St Mary's outing this season, and West Ham found the net twice away at Burnley, suggesting both can score even with squad disruptions. The League Cup tie, played at Southampton, is likely to be open given the defensive vulnerabilities on both sides, making goals at both ends the most natural outcome.