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West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic names Stoke City’s best player

Stoke City's Marko Arnautovic shoots at goal (REUTERS)
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West Ham United are set to host Stoke City on Saturday.

West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic has told his club’s official website that he believes Mirko Arnautovic is Stoke City’s best player.

West Ham are set to take on Stoke at the London Stadium on Saturday.

And Bilic is pleased that Arnautovic will have to watch the match from the sidelines, as he has picked up five yellow cards so far this season, and will therefore be suspended.

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic

The Croatian boss is determined not to let complacency creep into his West Ham side though, as he feels Stoke have plenty of players who could hurt the Hammers, if they have an off day.

“He [Joe Allen] is one of their main players, especially now that Arnautovic is suspended and he is maybe their best player. But they have Bony, Shaqiri – who is doubtful,” Bilic said.

“Against Stoke last year, they were tough games, as you’d expect. They were in trouble but they have ten points from the last four games.”

Marko Arnautovic scores the first goal for Stoke

Both West Ham and Stoke began the season in poor form, but they have picked up over recent weeks.

The Hammers have won three of their last four matches, but they were beaten by Everton in their latest outing.

Stoke, meanwhile, travel to London full of confidence – after beating Swansea City comfortably in their last match.

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic