We here at the Transfer Tavern were very impressed with the Hammers last time out against an in-form Crystal Palace side.

This weekend they face bottom side Sunderland who are without a win under new boss David Moyes.

It couldn’t come at a better time for ‘Super Slavs Army’ as they have finally looked an inkling of what they were for majority of the last term.

After a great display against a jubilant Palace side on Saturday, the side will look to continue that in this game.

The Irons made a number of changes to their side including the formation which really did work and with the return of Cresswell the side looked completely different to the one that started this campaign

Unfortunately for West Ham after two very controversial yellow cards, the defender will be missed in the Sunderland game.

However with the same formation and without Cresswell, we still feel that this West Ham XI will comfortably beat Sunderland this Saturday….

GK: Adrian

The one time Spanish International had been in somewhat hot water about his form recently this season- with many calling for Randolph to be given more chances in the Premier League.

However this past Saturday at Palace a number of crucial saves re-instated the West Ham fans’ love for him.

RWB: Michail Antonio

Although not so great at defending with the formation as it was set-up against Palace, it worked for Antonio who had a great game with the ability to push forward and withe the back three covering him allowing him to do so.

With that we feel West Ham must maintain it to improve results going forward.

CB: Winston Reid

The defending of West Ham has come under somewhat a lot of scrutiny this season with the New Zealand international at the forefront of the blame.

Against Palace we witnessed Reid back at his best with strong headers away and breaking down any kind of Palace attack.

For our West Ham punters here at the Tavern we hope he maintains this from now on in a back 5 set-up.

CB: Chiekhou Kouyate

The defensive midfielder has been a solid performer in an other wise shaky looking West Ham team so far this season.

He played superbly in the heart of the Hammers defence and looked completely comfortable, and for us we feel he should remain there with Obiang featuring further forward.

The Senegalese International played at center-back multiple times for his former club Anderlecht.

CB: James Collins

With Cresswell suspended it looks a possibility that Ogbonna could feature in a wider role – with that Collins is a very established defender and always performs when called on by the Hammers.

He or Nordtveit are the only other options at centre-back and young Reece Oxford, though we feel to have the best possibility of winning, the veteran Collins is the right choice.

LWB: Angelo Ogbonna

The left-footed Italian is a natural choice with the gaffer seemingly running out of options at full-back, with injuries and suspensions the former Juventus man could be the right shout or so we believe here at the Tavern.

With his pace and defending it will allow the attacking players to push on more and will allow Kouyate to push up if required in the game.

CDM: Pedro Obiang

The Spanish midfielder has had to wait to really get his chance with the Irons, but boy is he taking it with both hands!

The 24-year-old looked to be West Ham’s best player against Palace and his ability to link up play from the back to front is superb, and we here hope that he will be given more of a chance from here on out.

CM: Mark Noble

The West Ham captain hasn’t played as well yet this season as he had done in the previous season for the Irons and he’s lucky to be keeping his place at the moment.

But he is improving game on game so far this season – so for now the captain and Mr. West Ham himself remains against Sunderland.

RAM: Manuel Lanzini

Voted man of the match in the last game and rightly so after a solid performance and a goal to show for it too.

The sublime cross from Aaron Cresswell was met by a slick close range finish from the Argentine.

West Ham really did miss the player during his injury lay-off, and now with him back in the team, they look much more threatening going forward.

LAM: Dimitri Payet

Like Lanzini, Payet too was missed during his spell on the sidelines at the start of the season.

But now back in the side and back with a a bang;  the 29-year-old has been the standout player for West Ham since his arrival last summer, and has made headline after headline since the move.

ST: Simone Zaza

Although yet to score in West Ham colours, the Italian has been praised for his attitude towards the game and his never say die attitude.

The work rate of striker is amazing and we feel it’s only a matter of time before he grabs his first goal in the claret and blue, and from there the ball will just keep rolling.

Perhaps Sunderland could be his first victim?

West Ham fans get in touch and let us know your thoughts ahead of Saturday’s game against Sunderland!