West Ham United fans in the Transfer Tavern have popped the Champagne corks several times so far this season.
Indeed, the Hammers have had plenty to shout about so far, including some great victories over the likes of Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea. Losses against Bournemouth and Watford however, have seen some fans turn to the whisky on a few occasions.
On the whole though, it has been a promising season for West Ham, who under Slaven Bilic are starting to look like the entertaining side that fans have been crying out for. West Ham currently sit sixth, only 3 points outside of the top four.
Could this season be the season West Ham fans achieve their dream of Champions League football?
Several fans certainly think so, and not least because they think West Ham have a squad oozing with Champions League quality already. It is certainly hard to disagree, and below we picked out five stars in their squad who demonstrate this.
Hit Bilic below to see FIVE members of his squad that are definitely good enough for Champions League football!
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Dmitri Payet
Payet’s quality is so obvious it is scary, and at times he sticks out at West Ham like a sore thumb. His excellent performances have already made him a fan favourite, and several West Ham fans will be gutted about his recent long term ankle injury.
Payet is now 28, so it is unlikely that clubs are going to fork out a lot of money for him now. However, West Ham fans will hope that they are still in with a shout of the top four by time the Frenchman makes a return to the side.
Cheikhou Kouyate
Kouyate is arguably one of the most underrated players in the league, let alone just the division. Kouyate has been an absolute rock in front of the back four since he arrived at Upton Park last summer.
Not only that, the Senegal international has chipped in with several vital goals. Given that he is only 25, clubs should start to take notice of a player that could be an asset to every side.
Manuel Lanzini
With Payet out for 3 months, it is now up to Manuel Lanzini to step it up another gear in what has been a fine start to his West Ham career.
Lanzini has arguably been upstaged by his wing partner Payet, but at times has been equally impressive, recently scoring a brilliant goal against Everton.
Lanzini is currently on loan from Al Jaziria, but if he keeps playing the way he is, will either get a permanent move to Upton Park, or find many other top clubs wanting his signature.
Diafra Sakho
Sakho has proved an astute piece of business for West Ham, having arrived from Metz for peanuts.
Sakho will look to build on his fine debut season last year, and could potentially be key in firing West Ham into the Champions League.
Should West Ham fail to do so, providing Sakho continues to improve, could also find himself interesting several other clubs.
Winston Reid
Reid is arguably another highly underrated player, and has in recent years been a key man in an ever improving West Ham back line.
Talk of a move to Arsenal ultimately didn’t materialise, but if Reid continues to play the way he is, he could find himself leading a Champions League defence at the Olympic Stadium next season.
