Confirmed West Ham line-up v Southampton: 23-year-old axed in two changes

By Harvey Byrne

West Ham have made two changes to their side to face Southampton at St Mary’s stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Manager Slaven Bilic has decided to bring Robert Snodgrass and Cheikhou Kouyate into his eleven following the 4-0 mauling from Manchester City earlier in the week.

This has resulted in 23-year-old Manuel Lanzini being axed to the bench alongside Sam Byram, who has dropped out of the 18-man squad altogether.

West Ham announced the team on their official Twitter account ahead of the top flight clash.

The Hammers have struggled this season, but they will have confidence from their two victories from their last five matches in all competitions.

In that time they have suffered two heavy defeats against Manchester City, conceding nine goals over the two matches.

West Ham also suffered a damaging defeat against Southampton earlier in the season when the two clubs met at the London Stadium in September.

Goals from star man Charlie Austin, Dusan Tadic and James Ward-Prowse helped the Saints on to their victory.

However, the south coast club will be without the injured Austin for the clash, while they will also have a weakened back four with Jose Fonte moving to east London in January, while star man Virgil van Dijk has suffered a long-term setback.

In other West Ham news, here are three players the Hammers could sign if they appoint Roberto Mancini.

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