Southampton vs West Ham | Match Preview & Predicted XIs

After a disappointing draw against Brighton, West Ham have now only managed one win in five ahead of a tricky match against Southampton.

David Moyes stunned many West Ham fans with his team selection against the Seagulls. The Hammers had a very defensive look about their squad, with many attacking talent on the bench. Considering Brighton’s position in the league, it was very negative from the Hammers boss.

The draw for West Ham left them in tenth position the Premier League ahead of the visit to the Saints. A win for the Hammers could see them leapfrog their hosts, should the score margin be by two goals or more.

Southampton have been having a good season under Ralph Hasenhüttl. The South Coast side, like the Hammers, have been up in the European places at times, but after a recent slump have fallen back into the midtable.

WEST HAM TEAM NEWS

The hope would be that because the match against Southampton is coming so soon, Moyes will have to rotate his side. After an impressive forty-five minutes against Brighton from Manuel Lanzini should be in line for a starting berth against the Saints. Moyes could also offer some game time to Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals after they missed the Brighton match.

Moyes could offer some rest time to certain first-teamers. Vladimir Coufal and Fabian Balbuena have been playing well recently, but could benefit from a rest. Ryan Fredericks and Issa Diop offer adequate back-up to the duo and are deserving of some game time of their own.

The main focus is on West Ham star man, Michail Antonio. Despite a forty-five minute cameo against Aston Villa the converted striker has been injured since the draw against Manchester City. Moyes has suggested that Antonio is getting closer to returning. As shown in the past if Antonio is fit enough, he will start the match. If Antonio does start, it could mean Sebastien Haller will return to the bench.

PREDICTED XIs

Southampton Formation | 4-4-2

A. McCarthy, K. Walker-Peters, J. Bednarek, M. Salisu, R. Bertrand, M. Djenepo, O. Romeu, J. Ward-Prowse, T. Walcott, C. Adams & M. Obafemi.

West Ham Formation | 3-4-2-1

L. Fabianski, I. Diop, A. Ogbonna, A. Cresswell, R. Fredericks, T. Soucek, D. Rice, B. Johnson, M. Lanzini, P. Fornals & S. Haller.

MATCH PREDICTION

Both teams have played some outstanding football this season. Southampton not too long ago were challenging at the top of the table. The Hammers will get some confidence back when the attacking players return to the squad.

West Ham have won their last two games at St Mary’s due to having some attacking flair. Last season it was Haller stepping up and the season before was a masterclass from Felipe Anderson. For the same to happen again, Said Benrahma could be the man to step up and be the hero.

Southampton won’t be a pushover though and will be a tough opponent. Che Adams is finally looking like a Premier League striker and with his pace could be a danger against the Hammers, James Ward-Prowse will also be a danger from set-pieces with his quality delivery.

SCORE PREDICTION

2-1 to West Ham. Said Benrahma and Declan Rice to grab their first Premier League goals of the season.