West Ham v Southampton: Combined XI

Holding Midfield

Chiek Kouyate

He is a prime example of what a box to box midfielder should be. Physical, good passing range,good in the tackle and a goal threat when forward.

The only issue he can have is his tendency to forget the defensive side of his duties, although that should be covered by the other half of the holding midfield team. So far this season though, Noble has begun wandering slightly.

Next: Should West Ham Start Randolph?

There aren’t many players I’d pick above Kouyate in this role, and he wins this one for West Ham.

Oriel Romeu

Picked as someone to partner Kouyate, I think he adds to the physicality in this spot. Not necessarily Southampton’s best midfielder, I like his work ethic from what I have seen of him.

If the Hammers were playing Obiang more regularly I think he’d be here, but I can’t pick someone who isn’t playing and Noble certainly isn’t playing well enough at the moment to warrant putting in this position out of both elevens.

This, I think, is my most debatable pick. There are many players you could put here that would still do the job. As it is, one each from the holding midfielders, but it’s 5-2 to Southampton overall.