HAMMERS boss Gianfranco Zola insists he has seen enough of his players to compile his best formation.

The Italian has been tinkering with his starting XI over the last few weeks, experimenting with a number of players in different positions which has included 4-3-3 and 4-4-2 formations. But he now believes he knows where all his players are best suited, having had time to analyse the likes of Alessandro Diamanti, Luis Jiminez and Zavon Hines.

“I couldn't play the same formation twice in row because of injuries, but I used the time to see the quality of the players and I'm getting to a point where I know exactly where the players can play,” said Zola. “I just wish I can have them available for more than one game.”

The Hammers' boss has only Kieron Dyer unavailable for the trip to Stoke, aside from the two long-term absences, Dean Ashton and Luis Boa Morte. And the game will give him a chance to field his strongest side. That may include a debut for Mexico striker Guillermo Franco, who signed as a free agent last month.

Asked whether the 32-year-old could adapt to partner Carlton Cole up front, Zola said: “I think so, there were doubts but having seen Franco in training I think they can build a good partnership. It depends on the circumstances, but yes, he's a very intelligent player, he's very skillful and he can link up with the midfielders, whereas Cole is a finisher. I think they can play very well together.

“The plan is to have people joining in at the last minute and it worked very well last year because we had (David) Di Michele and other players making runs close to him. Franco can play more or less the same as Di Michele.”