Southampton vs. West Ham United: West Ham’s predicted starting XI

West Ham take on Southampton at The St Mary’s Stadium this weekend, hoping to overcome last weekend’s heavy defeat against Manchester United and kick-start the season.

West Ham currently sit bottom of the Premier League after suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat at Old Trafford: goals from Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba sealed the Hammers’ fate.

The Hammers now face a tricky trip down to the south coast, where they will take on Mauricio Pellegrino’s Southampton.

The Saints started with a 0-0 draw against Swansea so both teams are searching for their first goal of the season.

It should be a good clash in store between Southampton and West Ham on Saturday at 3pm.

We can expect some changes after last week’s catastrophic effort.

Michail Antonio is back after a long-term injury but Manuel Lanzini, Cheikhou Kouyate and Andy Carroll are still out.

Here is the West Ham United predicted XI for Saturday’s clash away at Southampton, in a 4-3-3 formation…

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GK: Joe Hart

Even though he conceded four goals in his first game as a Hammer, Hart should retain his place.

Adrian will be waiting in the wings if Hart’s performances start going downhill.

RB: Pablo Zabaleta

Zabaleta provides a bit more defensive stability than raw talent Sam Byram.

If we keep the 4-3-3 formation, the Argentine should get the nod ahead of Byram.

CB: Winston Reid

Winston Reid is one of the best defenders in the league on his day.

We will need him to be solid and commanding at the weekend as he provides the leadership in the back line.

CB: Angelo Ogbonna

Angelo Ogbonna has been a bit shaky since his return from injury but he will probably keep his place ahead of Jose Fonte and James Collins if we stick to a 4-3-3 formation.

The Italian international will be eager to get back to his best and keep things tight this weekend.

LB: Aaron Cresswell

West Ham are lucky to have two good left backs in Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku.

After a disappointing game against Man United, Bilic took Masuaku off and replaced him with Cresswell so maybe the England international will keep his place for the weekend.

CM: Pedro Obiang

Pedro Obiang did not have a great game against Man United and by his own admission he is working hard to get back to his best.

However, we need his stability in the middle and game time will see him improve again.

CM: Mark Noble

Mark Noble is either loved or loathed by West Ham fans but Slaven Bilic likes his passion.

The captain will surely be in the starting XI again as he aims to lead West Ham to their first victory of the year.

CM: Declan Rice

The only shining light from last week’s game was the performance of Declan Rice.

The centre back was playing just his second ever Premier League game but he looked at home out of position in central midfield and he could well have earned himself a start.

RW: Michail Antonio

If Michail Antonio is fully fit, he will be back in the starting line-up without a doubt.

West Ham miss the powerful winger when he’s absent but if he is not 100% fit, Andre Ayew or Sead Haksabanovic will probably be given the nod on the right wing.

LW: Marko Arnautovic

Marko Arnautovic will keep his place at left wing and hope to have more of an impact on the game this week.

The Austrian international did not see much of the ball against Man United and he will look to hurt the Southampton defence.

ST: Javier Hernandez

Javier Hernandez will undoubtedly keep his place up front for this week.

The Mexican international is looking to get off the mark for the season and will get chances against Southampton.