Things are looking up at West Ham, with the move to the Olympic Stadium signalling the dawn of a new era for the Hammers Slaven Bilic is looking to take the club above and beyond expectations over the next few years.
Bilic’s side attracted many plaudits from fans and pundits alike over the duration of last season, and the Croatian manager will want to build and press on to improve on their 7th placed finish next season.
In order to continue the progress from the last season at Upton Park an impressive squad will need to be built to compete with the top sides, and look to break the top six once and for all.
Some rather substantial sums of money have been reported in terms of transfer rumours connected with the Hammers, and Bilic could be creating a rather impressive squad to take on the big spending sides next season.
With that in mind the punters in the Transfer Tavern have put their heads together, and compiled this exciting side which Slaven Bilic could put out when they head across London to visit Chelsea on the opening weekend of the season……
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE 4-2-3-1 BILIC COULD PLAY AGAINST CHELSEA!
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GK: Adrian
A keeper who has been largely underrated during his time with West Ham, the Spaniard has kept Bilic’s side in many a game, and will be crucial in ensuring that the Hammers have a good campaign next season.
The 29-year-old kept nine clean sheets last season and will be looking to use that as a base to build on next season, as he and West Ham look to impress on both a domestic and European stage.
RB: Michail Antonio
The 26-year-old made a good start to life at West Ham, scoring 13 goals in his first season at the club, but the former Nottingham Forest man looks set to shift to right back for the coming season.
Should he be able to cope in a defensive aspect Antonio can offer a lot if deployed as an attacking full back, however the defensive side will be called into question.
CB: Winston Reid
The New Zealander has been a mainstay in the West Ham back line for the last couple of seasons, and has proved why he has attracted attention from the likes of Arsenal in his time with the Hammers.
The 27-year-old will need to be at the top of his game for the duration of the season should West Ham want to compete with the big spenders around them.
CB: James Tomkins
Tomkins was another key element of the foundation of a successful campaign last season and will need to bring similar form to the coming season.
The Englishman formed a strong partnership with Reid last season, making 25 Premier League appearances, and after scoring in the Hammers brief European journey will want to take that further this coming season.
CM: Mark Noble
The cult hero of the Hammers, Mark Noble, has been idolised by fans for many years but took it to a new level last season with a superb personal campaign, with many feeling that he deserved to be on the plane to France with England this summer.
The Captain will be crucial in leading the team to further success next season on and off the pitch, he will play a vital role in helping the new signings get into the fold at the Olympic Stadium.
CM: Cheikhou Kouyate
The Senegalese midfielder brings more than just strength to the holding role for Slaven Bilic’s side, he more often than not looks just as comfortable as a top centre forward when in and around the box and has chipped in with his fair share of goals since joining in 2014.
RW: Sofiane Feghouli
Feghouli arrives with the potential to bring a new level of continental experience to West Ham having played and scored in both the Champions League and Europa League for his former side, Valencia.
The Algerian international could prove to be one of the signings of the season as well, with Bilic having signed the 26-year-old on a free transfer.
LW: Alexandre Lacazette
What a coup this would be for Bilic and Co., with the Hammers having reportedly tabled a £40m bid for the Lyon forward.
Not a traditional wide player, but should Bilic get his way in the transfer market, a wealth of attacking options could mean one or two players altering their style of play to fit into the side.
AM: Dimitri Payet
What is there to be said about this French wizard that already hasn’t been?
After lighting up the Premier League last season with scintillating goals and flair the 29-year-old has gone on to do exactly the same at his home European Championships this summer.
The performances of Payet will make or break what could be an historic first season at the Olympic Park for Bilic and his men.
ST: Michy Batshuayi
Another player who the Hammers have reportedly lodged a large bid for as Bilic looks to bolster his attacking options.
The bid, in the region of £28m, shows a real statement of intent from West Ham’s beloved manager as he looks to compete with the top clubs in the Premier League next season.
With Batshuayi completing what looks like an awe inspiring front line, what do you think West Ham fans?
Is this the starting XI that could take you above and beyond last season’s achievements, both at home and on the continent?
