West Ham versus Saints has often been a game with plenty of goals. With both teams fighting against relegation, this game is a virtual 6 pointer.
The losing side will be in bottom three and both have some very difficult games to come. I have always had a soft spot for the Hammers and often spent a happy Saturday afternoon at the Boleyn when living in London.
Ideally both teams will survive this season but Saints need the win much more as defeat could leave a much bigger points gap to safety.
So now we need to win how do we set up our team?
Mark Hughes started his first game in charge with two strikers. I hope he has the bravery to do the same against the Hammers. Gabbiadini is a must and then the question is do we play Carillo our expensive but non scoring target man or do we take a chance on the fitness of Austin?
I would start with Carillo as we know that he is at least match fit. Hughes will know how sharp Austin looks and will make his selection accordingly.
There is also the possible return of Yoshida and that is another poser. Will he be fit enough to start or should he be held back as a possible sub?
My choice is to play him alongside Hoedt.
Our goalkeeper is another serious problem as Forster lost his form and has been replaced by McCarthy. I have the utmost respect for Forster but unless he has shown signs of a return to form we must stay as we are.
Our midfield is a mess at the moment. I would like to see both Hojbjerg and Romeu in the centre with the wide players being any two from 4 – Boufal, Tadic, Redmond and Sims.
I would play Boufal on the left with Redmond on the right with both told firmly that they must also defend.
Plenty for us all to chew the fat over. Many of us will have totally different ideas. Let us hear some of them.
Writer: KRAZYB
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