Predicted West Ham Line-up To Face Southampton In The Premier League
This is one of the biggest games of the season for both of these Premier League clubs, with each of them desperately searching for points to go further away from the drop zone.
West Ham have had two weeks to think about the painful loss they suffered at home to Burnley.
This week, they’re back to face Southampton. Despite the fact they lost 3-0 to Burnley, Moyes will be buoyed by the number of chances they had in the first half, which should see him go with a similar attacking line-up, with the first goal being crucial to settle those home nerves.
With Collins injured, they don’t have enough centre-backs to convincingly play five at the back.
Probable West Ham XI
Manager: David Moyes
Formation: 4-4-2
Adrian (GK)
After Joe Hart made another high-profile error for the third Burnley goal, Adrian should return in goal for West Ham. None of the Hammers goalkeepers has had a particularly good season but Adrian seems more consistent than Joe Hart at this stage.
Aaron Cresswell (LB)
This game will hopefully see Cresswell return to his more familiar left-back position. Utilised as a centre-back against both Burnley and Swansea, he looked out of sorts in the middle.
Angelo Ogbonna (CB)
Ogbonna is back from injury and played against Burnley. A timely return now that James Collins is out.
Declan Rice (CB)
Rice is young and is fairly inexperienced. With a severe lack of options in central defence due to injuries, Rice needs to be solid at the back. Hopefully, he’ll be able to form a solid partnership with Ogbonna.
Pablo Zabaleta (RB)
Zabaleta has looked like a shadow of his former self so far this season but he may slot into a more familiar right-back role here. He must recapture his form soon.
Mark Noble (CM)
Noble is inconsistent but can occasionally find a ball to unlock a defence. Should start this game.
Joao Mario (CM)
With Kouyate injured, Mario is the most likely option to step into central midfield for West Ham. A touch of class from him can make the difference.
Michail Antonio (RM)
Often more effective when deployed further forward, Antonio has had to settle for a wing-back position for the last few games. An injury to Lanzini may see Moyes deploy him in a more advanced position, which may reap dividends for West Ham’s attacking play.
Jordan Hugill (LM)
With some first-team players missing, Moyes may have to turn to Hugill for the left-wing slot. He’s a naturally attacking player so he could still do a job for the team out there. However, he is not the ideal option.
Javier Hernandez (ST)
A player who has scored all of his Premier League goals inside the box, he can change the game in an instant. Has to recapture his goal-scoring abilities.
Marko Arnautovic (ST)
One of the most inconsistent players in the Premier League. He can go completely missing from games but when he is made the main man, he can turn up with a big performance.