Throughout their history, West Ham have always been synonymous with top-class centre-forwards.

Geoff Hurst famously grabbed the hat-trick that won England the World Cup in 1996, whilst Jimmy Greaves, Trevor Brooking, Tony Cottee and Paolo Di Canio - to name a few - also graced the turf at Upton Park.

Since moving to the London Stadium, the Hammers haven't been quite so fortunate. Andy Carroll, Andre Ayew and Diafra Sakho have spent most of the campaign on the sidelines, whilst summer signing Simone Zaza has failed to find a first Premier League goal in their absence.

Nonetheless, we at FootballFanCast are more interested in the flipside of the coin - namely, those strikers who've caused the east London club the most grief, anguish and suffering throughout out the years via their immense netting prowess.

Aided by our mates at Transfermarkt, here's a rundown of the ten strikers with the most potent returns against West Ham - with a fair few surprises along the way!

10. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - 14 Apps, Eight Goals

Few Premier League substitutes have been feared in the same way as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who made a career out of match-winning contributions from the bench. And it appears the Norwegian's super-sub act paid dividends against the Hammers, notching up eight goals in 14 outings.

9. Robin van Persie - 13 Apps, Eight Goals, Two Assists

Robin van Persie amassed the exact same haul during his spells with Arsenal and Man United but in one less appearance - albeit, likely more starts - and with two assists for good measure. Interestingly, however, the Dutchman scored more than one goal versus the Irons on just one occasion - a brace for the Gunners back in 2011.

8. Dwight Yorke - 18 Apps, Nine Goals, Three Assists

One of the Premier League's most potent attackers on his day, Dwight Yorke regularly ran riot against the Irons, boasting a strike-rate of one-in-two. He actually netted past West Ham for three different clubs - Aston Villa, Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers.

7. Romelu Lukaku - 11 Apps, Nine Assists, Four Goals

Romelu Lukaku's emphatic record over the Hammers was brought up ahead of their clash with Everton last weekend and the Belgium international further added to his dominant tally with one strike and one set-up. In fact, Lukaku has scored past the Irons on the last nine occasions he's faced them.

6. Kevin Davies - 23 Apps, Ten Goals

Possibly the least expected inclusion on this list, Bolton Wanderers legend Kevin Davies ranks in a respectable sixth place - although it should be noted that he's made the most appearances of any player in the top ten. His ten goals against the Hammers were across a 13-year stretch, the first coming during his Southampton days all the way back in 1997.

5. Andy Cole - 20 Apps, Ten Goals, One Assist

One of the most clinical strikers to ever grace the Premier League, it's no surprise to see Andy Cole feature in this list with a one-in-two strike-rate. Incredibly, the retired front-man netted past the Hammers for five different clubs - Newcastle, Manchester United, Blackburn, Manchester City and Portsmouth.

4. Alan Shearer - 18 Apps, Ten Goals

Another regular on lists of this variety, the Premier League's all-time leading goalscorer boasts a typically strong record against the Hammers. However, six of those goals were scored in just two games - bagging hat-tricks for Blackburn Rovers during back-to-back campaigns.

3. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink - 15 Apps, 11 Goals, Three Assists

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink netted two goals past the Hammers for three consecutive seasons between 1998 and 2002, spanning his spells with Leeds and Chelsea. The Dutchman also got on the scoresheet for Middlesbrough in 2006, bringing his total to a solid eleven.

2. Wayne Rooney - 20 Apps, 12 Goals, Four Assists

Just one of two strikers on this list still in regular Premier League action, Wayne Rooney could well clamber up to top spot by the time he retires. 20 outings against the east Londoners have seen the Manchester United skipper produce twelve goals, including a hat-trick for the Red Devils back in 2011.

1. Michael Owen - 17 Apps, 13 Goals, Two Assists

The greatest English striker of his generation, Michael Owen takes pride of place at the No.1 spot. Despite losing four games against the Hammers throughout his career, the former Liverpool man played a part in 15 goals from just 17 appearances. That includes a memorable hat-trick for the Magpies during the 2005/06 season.