Potter axes Lucas Paqueta – West Ham predicted XI v Southampton
West Ham United will look for a momentum-shifting three points when they take on relegated Southampton at the London Stadium this weekend.
The Hammers face off with a beleaguered Saints side on Saturday (19 April) in a bid to return to winning ways, having been unlucky to emerge from a wholehearted performance at Liverpool empty-handed last time out.
Graham Potter may be tempted to make rotations to his side, but could also favour sticking with the bulk of whom started at Anfield given their brave display as they were beaten 2-1 late on.
Potter to bring West Ham ace in for starting chance
Potter and the West Ham fans will have been encouraged by what they saw at Anfield, in a game in which many had written them off long before it started – especially if the reverse fixture at the London Stadium in December was anything to go by.
The head coach will therefore be likely to retain faith in many of the players who started on Merseyside last Sunday (13 April), including James Ward-Prowse, who will face the side he captained and featured for over 400 times.
The alteration Potter could make is a starting berth for Niclas Fullkrug, who has now worked his way back to full fitness via a clutch of appearances from the bench. The German powerhouse has been a consistent threat up top, and there is confidence to be gained from an opportunity against the Premier League’s worst defence.
Ollie Scarles did endure a learning curve up against Mohamed Salah last weekend, but has on the whole impressed since his breakthrough and should retain his place.
Lucas Paqueta or Mohammed Kudus would be the candidates to drop to the bench if Fullkrug came in, with Jarrod Bowen in a second striker role. Kudus gets the edge for his eager directness, which could put Saints to the sword.
Lukasz Fabianski will have celebrated his 40th birthday by the time the contest rolls around, and will be named on the bench as Alphonse Areola keeps his place in goal.
Potter may also be eager to give a longer opportunity to Brazilian starlet Luis Guilherme, in a game essentially now deemed an end-of-season dead-rubber.
Hammers have opportunity to take anger out on Southampton
West Ham are now without a win in five following their unfortunate result at Anfield, and will view Saturday as an ideal chance to score a few goals and give the fans something to cheer about.
It’s no secret that most Irons supporters want the campaign done and dusted to start looking at what they can achieve next season, as well as in the transfer market with both incomings and outgoings.
The last victory Potter‘s men mustered at the London Stadium was a 2-0 success over Leicester City on 27 February. Leicester would be the league’s whipping boys this term if not for Southampton’s presence, and the head coach elected for a 3-5-2 shape for that win.
| POS | Premier League table 2024-25 | PLD | PTS | GD |
| 17 | WEST HAM UNITED | 32 | 35 | -18 |
| 18 | Ipswich Town | 32 | 21 | -34 |
| 19 | Leicester City | 32 | 18 | -45 |
| (R) 20 | Southampton | 32 | 10 | -54 |
Something of the same ilk could be applied, possibly with Carlos Soler sitting deep just to soak up the pressure of a Saints attack which will be playing completely pressure-free under interim boss Simon Rusk.
Regardless of the vague ramifications of this game, West Ham fans will not offer a pretty reception to their side if they do not emerge with a win from Saturday. They need to entertain, and deliver a performance. Anything half as promising as their display last week, and they’ll have too much for their visitors.