Bilic's early management career and Hiddink's latter roles have intertwined
Bilic's Croatia met Hiddink's Russia and Turkey teams, while the two locked horns in Russia's domestic league when the Croat was in charge of Lokomotiv Moscow and the Dutchman was at Anzhi Makhachkala.
Now they meet in the Premier League for the first time after Hiddink's appointment as Chelsea interim boss in December.
Hiddink has guided Chelsea into the top half of the table after a woeful start to the season under Jose Mourinho, who was sent off when the Blues lost 2-1 at Upton Park in October as the Hammers claimed one of a number of notable scalps in an impressive campaign which could yet conclude with qualifying for the Champions League.
Bilic said: "I know him well. I didn't see him or speak to him, but I'm looking forward to seeing him big time. He's a legend in this business and he's doing well with Chelsea now.
"He's done a good job. He's stabilised the club."
Source: PA