Claude Puel might have started life slowly in the Premier League with Southampton but with three straight wins in all competitions, the Saints are back on track. It takes time to adjust to a new league and get the best out of the squad but the transition period of the south Coast side from Ronald Koeman to Claude Puel seems to be over as the team are playing the way he wants them to. With six goals scored in the last three games and none conceded, things are looking bright for the Saints.
Southampton won 2-0 in the midweek against Crystal Palace and will travel to the Olympic Stadium on Sunday with full of confidence. West Ham somehow managed to see off minnows Accrington Stanley in the midweek in the third round of the League Cup to put an end to their four-game losing streak. It was far from a convincing display from the Hammers, though.
Southampton will be favourites against the star-studded West Ham side but they must not get complacent ahead of the game. Even though West Ham are underperforming, they have quality players in every position and will be keen to bounce back to form. Here is the predicted Southampton lineup against West Ham.
Defence
Fraser Forster will continue under the bar ahead of Alex McCarthy who featured in the League Cup. Cedric Soares is likely to start in the right-back position. The centre-back pairing will be skipper Jose Fonte and Virgil van Dijk. Ryan Bertrand should start in the left-back position ahead of youngster Matt Targett.
Midfield
We expect Oriol Romeu to ply his trade at the base of the midfield diamond. The Spaniard has done a great job so far and will be keen to keep up his good form. Steven Davis and Jordy Clasie are likely to start as the two box to box midfielders. Dusan Tadic is likely to start at the tip of the midfield diamond. The Serbian will be the key to everything creative for the Saints.
Attack
Nathan Redmond is likely to start up front as one of the two strikers. Shane Long has been wasteful this season and is likely to be benched while Jay Rodriguez is doubtful with a knock. Charlie Austin is in an impressive form right now having scored four goals in the last three games and will be looking to get on the scoresheet again as he starts up front for the Saints alongside Redmond.
