West Ham United couldn’t have had a more embarrassing start to the 2017/18 Premier League as fans in the tavern saw them fall victim to a 4-0 rout by Manchester United, much to Slaven Bilić’s dissatisfaction. 

Prior to kick-off, the Hammers would have been mildly confident they could have caused an upset on the opening weekend but instead were incompetent and basic mistakes were the making of their demise in that fixture at Old Trafford.

Fans by the bar could be anticipating for a more prolific ninety minutes of football than last Sunday as they travel to the Hampshire coast to play Mauricio Pellegrino’s Southampton.

Their hosts didn’t enjoy much of an exciting start to the term after a dominating performance to Swansea City could only result in a stalemate but Bilic will be eager to snatch all three points, just as our landlord is.

Here are TWO players the manager has to present a chance to for the visit to St. Mary’s on Saturday…..

José Fonte

To ensure a point is the very least his West Ham team come out with for the trip to Southampton at the weekend, Bilić needs to dramatically change his starting eleven and that leads to a number of changes.

Our tavern landlord suggests the Hammers should switch to a three at the back with centre-halves, this way it solidifies their defence and the inclusion of José Fonte may just make it that one step harder for the opposition to break them down.

This’ll mean one midfielder is going to be dropped but it creates a strong boundary for the visitors and a draw is the required minimum if Fonte is starting in the defence.

Sam Byram

The Hammers will then be urgent to create some pace up front and in the widths which may allow prosperous Sam Byram the opportunity to impress under Slaven Bilić.

The tavern’s bar man has been frustrated at the wide-man’s lack of playing time at West Ham United but his may be his breakthrough campaign in east London, specifically if the boss gives him the chance this weekend.

It would be ideal for the team to set up a counter-attacking style and our landlord reckons Byram is a superb addition to this tactic, especially if the club want all three points.

West Ham fans, would you make changes to the team that started against Man Utd? Do you agree with these two players being given the chance? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below!