West Ham United had great hopes coming into the season. They moved into a new stadium after having finished 7th last season. They had managed to keep hold of Dmitri Payet and tied down their main players to longer contracts. They were flush financially and were on the brink of signing a big name striker to complement the attacking personnel in their team. But the warning signs were probably there for all to see.
Injuries have started to kick in and that has already affected the team morale and chemistry. The initial excitement of a marquee striker turned into desperation and early optimism had completely evaporated by the time the season began. They were dumped out of the Europa League qualifiers, a competition they had big plans for this season. And after 5 game weeks as things stand, they are currently in the relegation spots with a single win managed over the run. Incidentally, they possess the players with the highest number of goal and the highest number of assists respectively, but have struggled to put in a performance as a team till now.
They have been handed a fixture against Southampton at home next and it will be a match Slaven Bilic will look to win at all costs. The Saints will prove to be difficult opponents and he needs his star players to be ready to do the job against them.
T4O’S PREDICTED WEST HAM UNITED LINE-UP VS SOUTHAMPTON (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
Adrian is likely to take up his positon between the sticks and will have to be on top of his game in order to help his team. Sam Byram has picked up a knock but he is expected to be fit for the match although Arbeloa is more than capable of coming in for him for a second time this week. Reid is rated a doubt and in the likelihood of him missing out, Collins and Ogbonna can form the centre-back pairing. Arthur Masuaku will be given the chance to prove his fitness before shuffling the pack, in case he is not able to play.
MIDFIELD
Mark Noble and Kouyaté are expected to form the double pivot and their energetic game has to be on point against the Saints. Lanzini is expected to continue from the No.10 role after recovering from his injury.
ATTACK
Antonio will look to continue his good form on the right flank and will be hopeful of adding to his impressive tally of 5 goals in 5 games. Payet will be on the left flank with Zaza expected to play up top.
