4-2-3-1: Is this the best Crystal Palace and West Ham combined XI?

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Crystal Palace host West Ham United this weekend.

Crystal Palace host Premier League rivals West Ham United this weekend in an intriguing London derby.

The Hammers have started the season poorly, with injuries and the much talked-about London Stadium move only adding to the woes on the pitch as they currently sit in the Premier League’s relegation zone.

Slaven Bilic’s side were tipped to challenge the top four this term after their excellent campaign last year, yet four points from their opening seven matches has left them some 12 points adrift of that target already.

Palace, on the other hand, have responded well to last season’s dramatic loss of form as a five-game unbeaten run sees the South London side currently sit in eighth position.

Many West Ham supporters would argue they have a better squad of players than Palace, yet there is no doubt which team looks the more cohesive unit at present especially, out of possession.

With the two teams set to meet at Selhurst Park this weekend, we have taken a look at what a best combined XI between the two teams would like look should all the players be available for selection.

Palace and West Ham both possess a number of decent players, and there is an argument for certain changes in the XI above depending both on shape and style of play.

A major loss for the Hammers right now is the presence of left-back Aaron Cresswell, while a loss of form with Angelo Ogbonna and James Collins has left star defender Winston Reid looking rather vulnerable.

Palace have been solid at the back this season, though much of their success so far this season has come as a result of James McArthur perfoming the necessary defensive duties in front of the back four.

Gong forward there are a number of potential options who have not made the team such as James Puncheon, Manuel Lanzini, Wilfried Zaha and Andy Carroll, but what is out there is strong in all areas.

Christian Benteke is enjoying his football again with three goals in five starts for Palace, while Dimitri Payet and Andros Townsend have both displayed their quality on more than one occasion this season.

Andre Ayew completes the team, and he is another key absentee for West Ham as he demonstrated last season with 12 goals for Swansea City how capable he is at this level.