After a mixed start for the Irons, we here at the Transfer Tavern feel that the international break came at the right time for them.

A number of players set to return after missing the Chelsea, Bournemouth and Man City games – including the likes of Payet and Lanzini.

The Hammers were very busy during the off period and before the end of the window brought in a much needed striker in the Italian Simeone Zaza, as well as a much needed experienced right-back in Alvaro Arbeloa on a free from Real Madrid.

This brought delight to our punters who follow the East Londoners, knowing that Antonio shouldn’t have to feature at right-back ever again and play in his much suited right-wing role that recently saw him called up by Big Sam for England.

With that here is the starting XI we believe here in the Tavern will hammer Watford this Saturday…..

GK: Adrian

The experienced Spanish stopper has been very consistent since his arrival from Real Betis, and coming off the back of a call up from the Spanish national side, his confidence should be very high.

He will easily maintain his no.1 spot despite good competition in Darren Randolph

RB: Sam Byram

Despite the arrival of Alvaro Arebloa, we fancy Sam Byram to keep his spot after playing well in the role, and with the mentoring of the experienced Spanish defender, the 22-year-old will only develop into an even better full-back in terms of the long term future of the club.

But there is no way Alvaro will be happy to play second fiddle, which will push Byram on even more and only speed up his progression.

CB: Angelo Ogbonna

The Italian centre back is now fully fit and will for sure be the best fit for the pace of Watford’s key striker Ighalo.

The experienced Italian international is West Ham’s strongest centre half and will be the best fit for a successful defence this term.

CB: James Collins

With Winston Reid also an option, we feel that the mix of pace from Ogbonna and strength from Collins, it could be an ideal partnership to come up against the Ighalo/Deeney partnership.

With his ability to score, he will also possess a threat from set pieces for the Irons.

LB: Arthur Masuaka

Masuaka, has been very impressive since his arrival from Olympiacos, and has got many of our West Ham punters here at the tavern talking about how it will be hard for Cresswell just to walk back into the side when fit.

This will also motivate the French 23-year-old to keep up his performances in order to maintain his spot in the starting XI.

CM: Cheikhou Kouyate

The Senegalese central midfielder has become a regular in the heart of the West Ham midfield and rightfully so.

We believe that he always puts in 100% for his team and is up and down like a yo-yo on the pitch.

He is a stellar midfielder and will be in any Hammers side if they want to be at their strongest.

CM: Mark Noble

His partnership with Kouyate is very impressive and as captain and being the leader he is, you’ll find it hard to see him not in a starting XI here at the Tavern.

He has had, like West Ham, a mixed start after an otherwise impressive last season.

We are sure he will come through and regain his form from last season sooner rather than later.

RW: Michail Antonio

After his England call-up, the 26-year-old winger will come back with a big amount of confidence and we feel he will continue to strive, despite the return of Feghouli expected after the International break.

Antonio is key to the success of West Ham so far this year, chipping in with goals.

We feel he will continue that against Watford.

CAM: Manuel Lanzini

The Argentine midfielder found himself injured just before the Olympics with Argentina, and was greatly missed for the Irons.

But he made his awaited arrival from the bench against Man City just before the International break.

The 23-year-old was key in many ways last season and our punters and bar staff are excited to see him back in the starting XI this Saturday.

LW: Dimitri Payet

The star man for both West Ham and France, the 28-year-old that many thought would leave the Irons during the summer is still a Hammer.

The faithful down at the London Stadium cannot wait for him to make his comeback, and after featuring for France off the bench against Italy, it looks very likely that he will be back in the starting line-up against Watford.

ST: Simeone Zaza

With Jonathan Calleri looking a tad out of place so far at West Ham, and Carroll being injured (again) the Hammers punters here at the Tavern are looking forward to seeing the quick footed striker in action in the Premier League this term after his arrival from Juventus.

The Italian has impressed many in training so far this week and he could be key in getting the goals the West Ham strikers of recent times have lacked .

West Ham fans get in touch, are you excited for this Saturday’s visit from Watford? What about the return of Payet?