Julen Lopetegui\u2019s West Ham United face Southampton now under the management of Ivan Juri\u0107 at St Mary\u2019s. Kick off is at 15:00 on Boxing Day. Last Word on Football brings you a West Ham Predicted Lineup.<\/p>\n
As the first-choice goalkeeper Alphonse Areola was sidelined with injury<\/a>, Polish international Lukasz Fabianski has started the last eight matches for Lopetegui\u2019s side. The 39-year-old has produced some fabulous saves in their past few matches and has fans calling the Hammers management to offer him a contract extension.<\/span><\/p>\n Read More: <\/strong>Dementia And Football: The Game Is Heading For Trouble<\/a><\/p>\n Lopetegui has altered with the defence a few times this season but has landed with a back four consisting of Emerson, Max Kilman<\/a>, Jean-Clair Todibo<\/a> and Aaron Wan-Bissaka<\/a>. This has been his most successful back line as when Lopetegui\u2019s side play a three at the back, they often get heavily exposed.<\/span><\/p>\n This was the case in their defeats to Chelsea and Nottingham Forest.\u00a0 That being said, after a major falling out between the manager and Todibo, he has been benched for the past two games making room for Konstantinos Mavropanos.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The midfield has also been consistent, with Lopetegui preferring two defensive midfielders. This has usually been between Tomas Soucek with Edson Alvarez and Guido Rodriguez<\/a> rotating between themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n Carlos Soler will be available after serving his one-match suspension. He replaced Crysencio Summerville who was benched for this match despite positive recent performances. Lucas Paqueta on the other hand will not be available, having to serve his one match suspension.<\/span><\/p>\n In their latest matches against Wolves and Bournemouth, Jarrow Bowen started up-front, replacing the injured Michail Antonio. This was altered against Brighton, where Niklas Fullkrug<\/a> started up front with Bowen taking his position back from Crysencio Summerville<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\nWest Ham Recent Form<\/span><\/h3>\n