With just 30 points from 30 games, West Ham United are not in a great position to avoid the drop this season. They have some tough games coming up and David Moyes will hope that his side can find some momentum to end the season on a high.
The Hammers have won just one of their last seven games and are fresh off three back to back losses in the league and will look to bounce back this weekend when they welcome Southampton to London Stadium.
The Saints, currently struggling in the 18th place, have an even worse record recently, having won just one of their last 8 games. They did beat Wigan to move into the semi-finals of the FA Cup but will need to be at their best in this virtual six-pointer between two teams fighting to avoid the drop.
Southampton will go above West Ham in the table with a victory this weekend but Moyes will believe that his side can take all three points, playing at home and here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
Team News
The Hammers are still without the services of Pedro Obiang, Andy Carroll, Winston Reid and Sam Byram, all of who are ruled out for this weekend. James Collins and Manuel Lanzini are suffering from knocks and will have to be assessed before the game while Chiekhou Kouyate, who picked up an illness, is expected to be back in action this weekend.
Expected lineup (3-4-3)
Defence
Adrian was pushed to the bench in the game against Burnley as Joe Hart returned to action. The English international could retain his place in the first team until the end of the campaign. Angelo Ogbonna has been effective at the heart of the backline and will hope for a comfortable outing against a misfiring Southampton attack.
He should be partnered with James Collins to his right and Aaron Creswell to his left, completing West Ham’s back-3.
Midfield
With very few options in the midfield, Moyes has stuck with the experience of Mark Noble and could continue to do so for this weekend. The English midfielder should be accompanied by Chiekhou Kouyate, who is expected to be fully fit for this weekend.
Patrice Evra did not last the whole game against the Clarets but should be fresh and raring to go. He will start on the left flank while Pablo Zabaleta will keep his place on the right flank.
Attack
Michail Antonio scored West Ham’s last league goal and deserves to start this weekend. He should start on the right flank with Joao Mario returning to the first team on the left flank.
Marko Arnautovic, the most attractive attacker at Moyes’ disposal, should lead the line this weekend
Here is how they might line up:
