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West Ham v Southampton: Combined XI

By Scott Johnson

STRATFORD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: Dimitri Payet of West Ham United scores during the match between West Ham United and Accrington Stanley in the EFL Cup Third Round at London Stadium on September 21, 2016 in Stratford, England. (Photo by James Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images)
STRATFORD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: Dimitri Payet of West Ham United scores during the match between West Ham United and Accrington Stanley in the EFL Cup Third Round at London Stadium on September 21, 2016 in Stratford, England. (Photo by James Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images) /
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West Ham take on Southampton in their Premier League clash this Sunday, so here’s this week’s combined XI. As it is the most common formation, we’re going to take 4-2-3-1 and pick the players that work best there.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Fraser Forster of Southampton during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on September 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Fraser Forster of Southampton during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on September 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

Keeper – Fraser Forster

The Southampton stopper is a class above what West Ham have to offer in my opinion, and should be England’s Number One keeper given Hart’s decline in form and fall from Manchester City.

He is tall and strong, with great shot stopping ability. What I’ve noted from watching him play is that he is hard to bully, even against top strikers. If he’s going to try and come and claim a cross or a long ball he’s not going to be put off by a physical striker.

Whilst you may argue Adrian is a better shot stopper, he’s nowhere near as consistent. The Spaniard has too many mistakes in him to win this head to head. Randolph is not at this level, but could progress if given Premier League opportunities.

Either way, it’s 1-0 to Southampton.