Julen Lopetegui has published the starting eleven to take on Southampton at St Marys this Boxing Day. Hammers sit 14th and this is really a make or break game for any aspirations West Ham may have for heading into the top half of the Premier League this season.
Lose and at best Irons fans are doomed to a season of mediocrity, A display which mirrors the Newcastle performance could be a springboard into the second half of the season with a whiff of optimism for the new year.
West Ham are seemingly rooted to 14th spot but, depending on results could leapfrog Manchester United this afternoon should they pick up three points against a Southampton side looking to benefit from their own ‘bounce’ after appointing new manager Ivan Juric.
Remember, Lucas Paquetá is suspended and Carlos Soler returns after missing a game for disciplinary reasons after totting up five yellow cards. The dreaded ‘rusty double pivot’ of Rodriguez and Soucek in midfield is reunited – West Ham’s obvious shortcomings in midfield will be exposed from the start with no pace at all in the defensive midfield.
Edson Alvarez on the bench and no place at all in the squad for Hammers’ youngsters.
West Ham United XI
Fabianski | Wan Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson | Rodriguez, Soucek, Soler | Bowen, Fullkrug, Kudus
