This weekend at the Transfer Tavern our punters get a chance to watch two of the sides who have hugely underachieved so far this season, as West Ham face off against Manchester United.

Slaven Bilic’s side have been so underwhelming compared to last term where they were able to gain the reputation of beating the ‘bigger’ teams, earning victories over the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City.

This fixture last year was a moment of history for the Irons, as they played and beat Manchester United in their last ever game at the Boleyn Ground, with Winston Reid scoring the winning header that gave so much optimism coming into this campaign.

Now, the Irons are really under the cosh, sitting just one place above the relegation spots. Super Slav’s Army have been unlucky in recent games, including the recent game with Tottenham.

Leading Spurs 2-1 until the 89th minute, the east London drinkers propping up the bar were forced to watch their side lose 3-2 after two from Harry Kane.

Man Utd themselves have been underwhelming compared to the investments made by the club in the summer window. This game could be the Hammers’ best chance to prove they can still come good this term.

With that, we feel that this starting West Ham XI can shock United this weekend

GK: DARREN RANDOLPH

The Irish shot-stopper finally got his chance against Spurs, and although he conceded three goals, he had a solid game.

Making a string of saves that really kept the Hammers in the game, he’s really looking sturdy between the sticks.

RWB: MICHAIL ANTONIO

Not known for his resolute defensive exploits, but with a back five essentially, Antonio has the skill to push up the field more and utilise his attacking presence.

He has a cracking goal scoring record for the Hammers this season despite their bad start, all of which seem to come off his head!

If he is in the right place you can almost be sure it’ll end in a goal- he’ll be vital against United for the Irons.

CB: ANGELO OGBONNA

The centre-back has had a mixed time so far in England with West Ham after arriving from Juventus last season.

The Italian international is very inconsistent and this could be his chance to prove his worth to the punters here at the Tavern.

CB: JAMES COLLINS

With Winston Reid being unbelievable in the game at Spurs, he’d have been a shoe in for a start, but unfortunately, he received a second yellow in the 90th minute of the game meaning he is suspended.

But West Ham have the reliable and veteran defender James Collins to call on, so it’s not all bad and if he performs how we know he can, then the Irons will have no problems at the back.

CB: CHEIKHOU KOUYATE

The Senegalese central defensive midfielder has reverted into a centre-back of late and has been really solid playing a more defensive role thus far.

Kouyate had played prominently in a deeper role for his previous club Anderlecht and his experience of playing in the Champions League has proven vitally important for the Hammers.

LWB: AARON CRESSWELL

Very much missed after being injured in pre-season ahead of the league campaign.

Having featured in nearly every game since arriving from Ipswich Town, you can really see the difference he’s made since coming back onto the scene against Crystal Palace.

He can cause all kinds of problems for the shaky Manchester United midfield and defence going forward.

CM: PEDRO OBIANG

The Spanish midfielder has been a shinning star since breaking into the side and has even kept the club captain, and Mr. West Ham himself, Mark Noble out of the starting eleven.

The midfielder has won over so many of the punters here in the Tavern since breaking into the side this season.

CM: DIMITRI PAYET

The best player West Ham have had in a number of years, but much to the disappointment of Hammers faithful, Payet has not been the player he was last season.

There is no denying his abilities and the fact he’s a world-class player, though while he is still a brilliant talent, it’s been a hard campaign for classy Frenchman.

This game could be his chance to really shine again and show just how good he is.

RM: MANUEL LANZINI

The little Argentine is well and truly, like Payet, a firm fans’ favorite at the club after a wonderful first season in east London.

The 23-year-old has been one of few to prove fairly consistent so far this season in an otherwise inconsistent season for the Hammers.

He’ll be a vital player if his side are to cause a shock against United this weekend.

LM: ANDRE AYEW

The Ghanaian was injured in his debut at Chelsea and he’s come back with a point to prove!

Having been so superb for Swansea City last term in the Premier League, it is surely only a matter of time until he comes good for the east Londoners.

Could this be the game he grabs his first goal for the club?

ST: DIAFRA SAKHO

The player with a point to prove! Fans to win over and needs to prove his loyalty to the Hammers.

Having tried to force a move away from the club in the summer only to then fail a medical at West Brom and then be left to train alone by himself and gain fitness.

Now with a point to prove, he knows where the goal is and this game would be perfect for the Senegal striker to prove that.