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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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Centre Backs

STRATFORD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 21: Angelo Ogbonna of West Ham United in action with Accrington Stanley’s Billy Kee 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: Angelo Ogbonna of West Ham United in action with Accrington Stanley’s Billy Kee 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) /

Right – Virgil Van Dijk

I think you could take either Van Dijk or Fonte in this position, but I’ve gone for the Dutchman’s physicality. I feel he has bolstered the backline after the departure of Lovren, and is probably an upgrade.

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He can stand up to most of the physical demands of the Premier League easily, and is an able passer. It is the weaker part of his game and sometimes he can be caught out of position due to poor acceleration, but with a speedy, and thinking, partner he is a great asset to any side.

Left – Angelo Ogbanna

Ogbonna is the best centreback at West Ham, and at either club. I think he is a mature example of what calm on the ball can mean and he is quick enough to get round his mistakes if he makes them.

The fact he is left footed puts him at great advantage as well, because he opens up so much play that way. His control of the ball is exceptional for a centre back and he should be one of the first names on the teamsheet. For some reason he has been on the bench recently, but I hope that’s over soon.

Collins wishes he played as well as Ogbonna.