Crystal Palace are a team on the up and don’t their fans here in the Transfer Tavern know it!

The Eagles, led by Alan Pardew, have flown out of the traps and going into the international break they sit in a lofty eighth place in the Premier League table.

It’s a mixture of good work on the pitch and out-and-out stability off it as Palace look to avoid the drop in form they suffered after a good start last season.

But this time out, things feel different and there is certainly an optimism flying around Selhurst Park that this campaign, they could push for Europe.

Even the landlord here in the pub is feeling hopeful and he’s certainly not the easiest man to please!

And this time up for Pardew’s side is West Ham, who are seriously struggling.

We’re backing the South Londoners for the win, and here’s the starting eleven we think will do the business against the Hammers…

GK: Steve Mandanda

French international Steve Mandanda is currently Palace’s number one and if we’re being honest, Wayne Hennessey might struggle to replace him going forward.

He’s as solid as they come and we’re tipping him to keep up his decent form going into the game against the Hammers.

RB: Joel Ward

Club stalwart Joel Ward is now going into his fifth season with the Eagles and he’s now featured over 150 times too.

He’s a solid, comfortable option on the right-hand-side of the defence and he continues to keep the likes of Fryers out of the team.

CB: James Tomkins

Former West Ham man James Tomkins comes up against his former team on Saturday and he’ll be looking to have a good game at Selhurst Park.

We know he’s a solid centre-halve who has really proven himself over the past few years but like always, getting one over your former side is always satisfying stuff.

CB: Damien Delaney

35-year-old defender Damien Delaney continues to impress in this Palace side in the continued absence of first-team regular Scott Dann.

Like Ward, he’s also coming into his fifth season with the Eagles and he’ll be looking to keep a clean sheet against the struggling Hammers this weekend.

LB: Martin Kelly

Martin Kelly had a stop-start season last year but with Pape Souare ruled out for up to over six months, he has the chance to really make that left-berth his going forward.

And he’s had a reasonable start too, but will have to be at his best to keep the lively Antonio quiet on Saturday.

CDM: James McArthur

Quite possibly one of the most underrated players in this Palace team this season, James McArthur’s good form has come at the right time for Palace as the season has begun.

You’ve got to give the Scottish international credit too- he’s keeping Yohan Cabaye out of the side and he’s doing it with aplomb.

CDM: Joe Ledley

Welsh international Joe Ledley has been with his country over the international break but when he returns to Palace, we’re expecting him to slot straight back into the Palace side.

He brings plenty of energy to their midfield and it’s good to see him back and playing well after injuries restricted his play time last season.

RM: Andros Townsend

A guaranteed starter in this Palace side these days, and former Newcastle wide man Andros Townsend has plenty of proving to do if he is to get in this current England team too.

With Christian Benteke spearheading the attack, Townsend’s delivery brings lots to this team and he’ll start this game too.

CAM: Jason Puncheon

Jason Puncheon is a real local lad who grew up less than a mile away from Selhurst Park.

He knows what this club means to the community and it’s fantastic supporters and he will play a big part in any success they achieve this campaign.

He’s skilful and brings a real quality to the forward line.

LM: Wilfried Zaha

It’s good to see former Manchester United man Wilfried Zaha playing well this campaign and much like Townsend, he brings an incredible amount of pace, skill and trickery to the Palace flank.

His delivery into Christian Benteke will be important- he’ll need good supply if he’s to continue scoring goals.

ST: Christian Benteke

Easily one of the biggest players in this Palace side, if Christian Benteke can get firing then he’ll be the man to fire the Eagles to glory this season.

Delivered a MOTM performance against Everton in their last game and if his resurgence continues, the future will remain bright at Selhurst Park.

Good to see him playing football with a smile on his face once again.