West Ham United will be aiming to book a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday evening when they travel to the St. Mary’s Stadium to face Southampton.
It took the final minute of extra time for the Hammers to beat National League side Kidderminster Harriers 2-1 in the fourth round of the FA Cup last month. Since beating Kidderminster, they have picked up eight points from the last four Premier League games.
Confidence will be high in the West Ham camp after their 1-0 league success over Wolves on Sunday, giving David Moyes’ side the much-needed lift to beat Southampton in the FA Cup fifth round.
West Ham Team News
Vladimir Coufal will be out for a few weeks following a hernia operation, while the club has afforded Andriy Yarmolenko time off to deal with personal problems. Ryan Fredericks is out with a groin strain and isn’t likely to return anytime soon, joining Angelo Ogbonna and Arthur Masuaku on the treatment table.
Predicted West Ham Lineup vs Southampton (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Alphonse Areola will retain his status as West Ham’s cup goalkeeper. The Frenchman will come in to replace Lukasz Fabianski against Southampton.
Defence
David Moyes will make changes to his first XI starting from the backline. Issa Diop is likely to replace Craig Dawson and partner Kurt Zouma in central defence in the West Ham lineup. Following injuries to Vladimir Coufal and Ryan Fredericks, Ben Johnson should retain his place at right-back, with Aaron Cresswell a certainty to start on the other side of the defence.
The West Ham backline will have to be at their best to keep an in-form Southampton attack at bay on Wednesday.
Midfield
Mark Noble should come into the West Ham lineup to team up with Declan Rice at the base of the Hammers midfield. Noble’s experience will be key and his presence in the engine room will allow Rice to participate in the attacking transitions in a greater capacity.
Pablo Fornals should get the nod for the no.10 spot, where he will put his passing range and vision to use to give the visitors an edge against the Saints.
Attack
Manuel Lanzini should start on the left flank after becoming a crucial player in the last few months, but Michail Antonio could be given a breather, with Jarrod Bowen leading the attack for David Moyes’ side. Nikola Vlasic will take the spot on the right flank in the West Ham lineup and provide West Ham with energy and creativity to break down the Southampton defence.
Michail Antonio will be an option from the bench along with Said Benrahma and Alex Kral.
