Following a sublime performance at the weekend at the new Tottenham Hotspur stadium, West Ham play hosts to Southampton on Saturday.
It really was a complete performance against Tottenham, with all aspects of the team performing brilliantly, and no one really put a foot wrong. The much-needed defensive partnership of Balbuena and Diop returned to great effect, as Pellegrini looks like he’s finally found a solid, starting back four.
Meanwhile, up top Marko Arnautovic looks like he returned to the Arnie of old in the second half, who played a wicked through ball for Michail Antonio who put the Hammers in front. Fans would now hope that this is the turning point of his attitude and performances for the rest of the season.
Saturday’s fixture against Southampton really has little to play for from both teams. The Saints are already confirmed safe and are already looking ahead for next season. Meanwhile, West Ham see themselves four points off of the top 10, and while this would be ideal for Hammers fans, it seems unlikely.
Manuel Pellegrini has named a nearly fully fit squad, with only Andy Carroll and Andriy Yarmolenko being the only absentees.
Here is the starting XI that I believe Manuel Pellegrini will select:
