Combined XI: Bilic praises Palace midfielder, but would he get into the West Ham team?

West Ham are set for a tough test tomorrow as they take on an in-form Crystal Palace side. Former Hammers boss Alan Pardew has developed the Eagles into an entertaining, attacking side that are certainly capable of beating anyone on their day.

Slaven Bilic was quick to point out the strengths of West Ham’s upcoming opponents:

“Palace are a good team, they are good in everything – defending, contacts, counter attacks,

“They also have Cabaye who can do special things on the pitch. They are doing really, really good. It is a London derby, it is a great game and it will be an extremely difficult test.”

Yohan Cabaye has been an excellent signing for Pardew as he has added a real touch of class to Palace’s midfield this season. The Hammers were reportedly interested in signing the French international but Dimitri Payet was always top of the wish list and offered more value for money.

There is no doubt that both sides are very evenly matched so it should be an intriguing encounter at Upton Park.

The fact that both sides are of similar ability led to the creation of a combined West Ham and Crystal Palace eleven:

West Ham dominate the defence with Joel Ward slotting in at right-back. Scott Dann is a solid Premier League defender but Reid and Ogbonna just pip it. Yohan Cabaye is a player many West Ham fans admire, there’s certainly a decent balance in midfield with the Frenchman lining up alongside Kouyate.

Further up the pitch, Payet and Lanzini are the West Ham representatives with Yanick Bolasie occupying the left-hand side. Although Bolasie has been criticised for not having an end product, he does produce the occasional moment of magic and is always a crowd-pleaser. Up top, rather unsurprisingly, is Diafra Sakho.

Do you agree with the combined eleven? Comment below