The West Ham fans down in the Transfer Tavern are bitterly disappointed with their start to the league season.
They saw their side thrashed 4-0 away to Manchester United in what was a disappointing performance on all fronts.
Slaven Bilic’s side were ridiculed after the game for practically assisting Romelu Lukaku a goal, while the Hammers also offered very little support for new frontman Javier Hernandez – though the Mexican did impress upon his return to Old Trafford.
Bilic will surely make changes ahead of their first home game of the season against Southampton.
It’s unlikely Cheikhou Kouyate will return, though Michail Antonio has made strides in his fitness.
The good news for the Croat is that the Saints are pitifully misfiring in front of goal, so surely we won’t see a repeat of Sunday, right?
We’ve been debating and think Bilic must field this West Ham XI to beat Mauricio Pellegrino’s side on Saturday
JOE HART
England’s number one was given a harsh welcome back to the Premier League. He could do very little about each of Manchester United’s four goals and was peppered from start to finish.
AARON CRESSWELL
After Arthur Masuaku was pictured laughing moments before his embarrassing effort to stop Romelu Lukaku’s second of the game, his omission for the game against the Saints should be a formality.
Cresswell replaced the Congolese defender in the second half.
WINSTON REID
Reid’s performance against Mourinho’s side wasn’t terrible, but the New Zealander was fighting a losing battle from the outset.
The vice-captain needs to organise his defence better if they’re to take all three points against Southampton.
ANGELO OGBONNA
The Italian is lucky to remain in the side after a mediocre performance on the weekend. West Ham supporters should consider it an early season blip for Ogbonna who is usually dependable at the heart of the defence.
PABLO ZABALETA
The game at Old Trafford always represented a difficult debut for the long time Manchester City defender. Zabaleta will also have his hands full against Nathan Redmond on Saturday.
MARK NOBLE
The captain was replaced on the hour after failing to assert himself against Manchester United’s midfield. Noble’s passion, energy levels and commitment are just about enough to keep him in the side.
PEDRO OBIANG
The London Stadium faithful won’t take too kindly to Obiang being dispossessed as often as he was at Old Trafford.
The Spaniard is expected to line up next to Noble in the middle.
ANDRE AYEW
Symbolised West Ham’s day at Man United by offering very little going forward. But, Ayew impressed for the Hammers last season, netting six and assisting three in his 19 starts. He could cause the Saints trouble from the left wing.
MARKO ARNAUTOVIC
The club record signing didn’t see enough of the ball against Manchester United.
Arnautovic flicked a header onto the top of the home crossbar at 2-0 and blazed his shot over towards the end, but West Ham fans should expect a better performance against Southampton.
We reckon a No 10 role could be where he blossoms.
DIAFRA SAKHO
Sakho was largely ineffective following his introduction in the second half. However, the injury-prone frontman played just three games last season and needs minutes to approach somewhere near to his best.
He should operate on the right if Michail Antonio still isn’t ready.
JAVIER HERNANDEZ
He was the stand out player for the Hammers and one of few who could hold his head up after the thrashing. Hernandez has all the tools to be a top player for Bilic this season, he just needs suitable support from his teammates.
