For the West Ham fans in the Transfer Tavern, last weekend was one to forget…

After struggling to perform all season, the Hammers in the Tavern were hoping that their side would turn up for a London derby against Arsenal – but West Ham collapsed.

A 5-1 defeat was the end result, and in truth – things could have been even worse.

Slaven Bilic’s future remains unclear, but one thing is undeniable: he is running out of time. If he doesn’t start turning West Ham’s results around – he will face the brunt of the criticism and his job will be on the line.

The tough games are coming thick and fast for Bilic, though, and next up is a tough test against Liverpool – and as with most games for West Ham from here on out, it is a must-win clash.

With that said, Bilic should field this West Ham XI to shock Liverpool on Sunday

 GK – Darren Randolph

Randolph let 5 in last week – and he simply must improve on that record.

West Ham are not defending well – so their success will demand on Randolph having a good performance.

 CB – Winston Reid

Winston Reid is a leader at the back, and he needs to command this defence into shape.

The game needs to be kept tight.

 CB – Angelo Ogbonna

Angelo Ogbonna had a bit of a nightmare last weekend in a game that he will likely want to forget.

The best way to recover from that is to have a good showing against Liverpool. Make it happen, Angelo.

 CB – James Collins/Alvaro Arbeloa

James Collins managed to avoid the brunt of the Arsenal assault last weekend after going off with an injury – and any news on that situation is yet to emerge.

If he is fit, you would expect him to play – otherwise, Arbeloa will be back in.

 LWB – Aaron Cresswell

Aaron Cresswell wasn’t fit last weekend, but the West Ham fans in the Tavern are hoping that he will make a return against Liverpool.

He is desperately needed. He adds real reliability.

 CM -Mark Noble

He isn’t playing well, and considering his poor form – there is an argument to be had that he should be dropped.

But unfortunately, West Ham have very few other options – and his leadership in the middle of the park remains an important component of this side.

 CM – Pedro Obiang

Pedro Obiang, like everyone else in this team, didn’t play well against Arsenal – and he simply needs to pick it up.

He will need to dominate the midfield and prevent the Liverpool attackers charging forward.

 RWB – Arthur Masuaku

Arthur Masuaku was poor last weekend, but with Antonio looking unlikely to feature – Bilic will have to persist.

He needs to turn it around. He was arguably the worst player on the pitch last weekend.

 LW – Dimitri Payet

Payet simply hasn’t been good enough. He set the bar so high last season, and he needs to reach it once again.

If he can play well, West Ham always have a chance.

 ST – Andy Carroll

Any Carroll scored at the weekend, and with Bilic needing results immediately – he could come straight back into the first team.

West Ham needs goals – and Carroll must provide them.

 RW – Manuel Lanzini

Manuel Lanzini, like Payet, has not lived up to the bar that he set last season – and so needs to pick it up.

With Liverpool particularly proficient offensively, he will need to work hard.