In the strange position – as far as this season is concerned- of looking to extend his unbeaten run in the Premier League to a very shaky _four games_– [Julen Lopetegui](https://www.claretandhugh.info/lopetegui-on-the-brink-dont-believe-the-hype/) has to find the right player combinations and tactics against Southampton, who will be looking to benefit from their own ‘new manager bounce’ after appointing Ivan Juruc last week.
Lopetegui has to decide whether Southampton’s poor form and results thus far mean he goes searching for three points and an aggressive formation: If that is the case we can expect to see Crysencio Summerville, Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus all to start.
If on the other hand the Hammers coach decides to play it safe to defend against a resurgent opponent, it is highly likely that he’ll start Summerville on the bench and play a bigger, more defensive midfield. ( Form would suggest he’ll go with the latter, go a goal behind and then throw substitutes on to try and save the game).
Lucas Paquetá is suspended but [**Carlos Soler**](https://www.claretandhugh.info/soler-question-doesnt-seem-quite-so-silly-now/) returns after his own one-game suspension: so a net gain there.
Soler is seeking to sign a permanent deal at London Stadium so is out to impress. If the Hammers Head Coach decides to play safe for the first half and pack the midfield then West Ham could easily concede their customary first-half goal. It would be so nice – and be a welcome change- to see the Hammers come out and actually try to dominate from the start, especially against a team stuck at the foot of the table with just six points so far.
Surely now there is a case for starting Jean Clair Todibo alongside Max Kilman at the back. Mavropanos just has an error in him each game, notably last Tim out with the rash poorly timed challenge leading to Bournemouth;s equaliser.
A win could see us overhaul Manchester United and finally start to move up from 14th place where we seem to have taken root. Team news will come out at 1.45 and we’ll bring it to you as soon as it is published.