West Ham United confirm starting XI v Southampton in Premier League
West Ham have confirmed their starting XI for the Premier League meeting with Southampton at the London Stadium on Sunday (2 April).
David Moyes has named seven changes from the side that defeated AEK Larnaca in the Europa Conference League last month.
Lukasz Fabianski replaces Alphonse Areola in goal following his facial injury, with Emerson, Thilo Kehrer and Nayef Aguerd replacing Aaron Cresswell, Ben Johnson and Angelo Ogbonna respectively in defence.
Captain Declan Rice returns in midfield, with Said Benrahma also starting as Pablo Fornals and Manuel Lanzini drop out. And up front, January signing Danny Ings comes in for Gianluca Scamacca, who is not in the matchday squad.
Three points needed
West Ham have had many important games this season, but given their current situation, this may just be the most important.
Their opponents currently sit rock bottom of the Premier League table on 23 points, but the Saints will overtake the Hammers with a win at the London Stadium.
West Ham sit 19th on 24 points, and will be under huge pressure to come out on top after watching the likes of relegation rivals Bournemouth and Crystal Palace pick up wins against Fulham and Leicester respectively on Saturday (1 April).
Moyes’ side can, however, take a look at their fine home form for a much-needed boost of confidence. They are unbeaten in their last five matches at the London Stadium.
The strong run has included 4-0 victories against Nottingham Forest and AEK Larnaca, as well as a 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
Another boost involves the fact that Southampton are winless in their last three matches. But the visitors will also be desperate for points, and could look to start a strong end to the campaign at the London Stadium.