Though the win over Chelsea gave them some hope, West Ham United failed to gather momentum, as they fell to back to back losses against Wolves and Arsenal in their subsequent league games. The Hammers now sit in the 16th place, just a point off the drop zone and have an important fixture coming up against fellow strugglers Southampton.
The Saints are slowly on the ascend, winning two of their last four games, but they are fresh from a loss to Newcastle United, as they get ready to host Manuel Pellegrini’s men this weekend. The Saints have lost four of their last five games against the London side but can move above their rivals in the points table, with a win in this fixture.
Pellegrini will have his plans to try and steal all three points and here we will look at the possible West Ham lineup he might put out for this task.
Team News
The Hammers are likely to have both Andriy Yarmolenklo and Aaron Cresswell back in action with Pellegrini not mentioning them in the injured list in the press conference.
Lukasz Fabianski and Manuel Lanzini are on the road to recovery but will not make the matchday squad this weekend.
Jack Wilshere will be sidelined with his groin injury for another weekend at least.
PREDICTED WEST HAM LINEUP VS BOURNEMOUTH (4-4-1-1)
Defence
David Martin has done enough to keep his place under the bar for another game, keeping Roberto Jimenez on the bench.
Issa Diop was an unused substitute against Arsenal but should replace Fabian Balbuena at the back for West Ham. He, along with Angelo Ogbonna, need to keep an in-form Danny Ings away from goal in this game.
Cresswell should be fit to feature and will add some attacking impetus on the left flank while Ryan Fredericks has been a regular at right-back and should keep his place in the West Ham lineup.
Midfield
Declan Rice and Mark Noble remain the best options for Pellegrini in the defensive midfield roles. Both players should also look to add some creativity to the side, along with providing cover for their backline.
Pablo Fornals is yet to make a real impact on the first team and could be pushed to the bench this weekend. Felipe Anderson should be back on the left flank while Michail Antonio, who was impressive in an advanced role, could be back on the wing, adding some cover to Fredericks if needed.
Attack
Robert Snodgrass was not at his best on the wing in either of the last two games. But his creativity will be crucial for West Ham to get anything from this game. Pellegrini might choose to play him in a no.10 role in the West Ham lineup.
Sebastien Haller, who only came off the bench in the last game, could lead the attack for the visitors.
