Premier League 2018/19: West Ham United Team Preview

Center Backs - Winston Reid & Issa Diop

Winston Reid in action for West Ham

Winston Reid has been a permanent fixture of the West Ham defense in recent years. He has been with West Ham since 2010 and is one of the most experienced members of the squad. Reid will be looking to establish a lasting relationship with Diop, and guide him on his debut Premier League campaign.

Diop, who is excellent in the air and quick on the ground, was acquired from Toulouse for a princely £22M. He will be looking to hit the ground running in the Premier League. Pellegrini and West Ham fans will surely hope that he makes his mark in the Premier League.

Issa Diop appearing for West Ham during the pre-season

Full Backs - Aaron Cresswell and Ryan Fredericks

Aaron Cresswell has worked hard at West Ham to make the left-back slot his own. He will complement the attacking mentality of Pellegrini's teams and his left foot deliveries can be a crucial weapon from set-plays.

West Ham Left Back - Aaron Cresswell

Ryan Fredericks was signed on a free from Fulham in the current transfer window, and this piece of business will go a long way in helping West Ham solve one of their problem positions. Zabaleta was far from convincing last season. His pace and marauding runs will be crucial to West Ham's attack. Moreover, he is defensively very sound and his time in the championship means that the Premier League's physicality will not come as a surprise to him.