MATCH PREVIEW: Crystal Palace vs West Ham United

Well, following the mid-week game against Spurs, it’s a little unfortunate that we have to turn our attention back to the Premier League. However, this is a necessary evil as it’s the Eagles vs the Irons at Selhurst Park.

As always, we’ll go through the Players to Watch, my predicted Starting XI, as well as score predictions from myself and Chris.

Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Players to Watch: Andy Carroll and Wilfred Zaha

Andy Carroll isn’t the favourite player at West Ham right now, and for good reason. His reckless antics during the Burnley 1-1 draw proved where he was at mentally which cost us the game. Since then, he made some great passes during the mid-week game against Tottenham Hotspur, however he is yet to score a goal this season which leads some fans to question if he does want to stay at West Ham United.

Last season, he picked up the Carling Goal of the Month for his stunning overhead bicycle kick at the London Stadium during our 3-0 win over Palace. Could the same happen again? Maybe, but everything would have to be just perfect.

Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images

There’s really no denying it. Wilfred Zaha is a quality player. He has been for his career, and his goal against Chelsea proved how good he can be on a good day. In the past, Zaha has made a couple of great chances for his team, but he’s also made some poor decisions against West Ham.

His form in the Premier League hasn’t quite hit yet, but there will be a fire inside of the winger-come-center forward this weekend as he looks to take on West Ham United at Selhurst Park.

West Ham United Predicted Formation and Starting XI

The mid-week game against Spurs saw a different formation for the Hammers as we were lined up in what appeared to be a 3-4-1-2. This definitely had the desired result with the right players, but what happens if we alter the team slightly?

Formation: 3-4-1-2

Team: In this formation, we’ve decided to throw Joe Hart in goal, replacing Adrian between the posts. Our three center backs are Jose Fonte, Winston Reid and Cheikhou Kouyate - And yes, we know he’s not a center back. Right Wing-Back goes to Pablo Zabaleta who replaces Sam Byram, despite Byram’s excellent game against Spurs. Mark Noble retains his spot in our Starting XI, however he’s partnered up with Pedro Obiang with Aaron Cresswell operating in the Left Wing-Back position. As always, our little Argentinian Jewel, Manuel Lanzini, roams around in the Central Attacking Midfield spot with Marko Arnautovic operating as the Left Forward and Andy Carroll as the Right Forward.

Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images

We think this team would do some serious damage to Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace side, especially as they remain rock bottom of the Premier League with just 3 points.

Score Predictions:

TKH: I’m feeling hopeful for this clash against Palace. I believe they’re a team with a lot of injuries, a lot of issues and some players forced to fill positions they normally wouldn’t play in. However, we’re not exactly looking good in the League either.

In saying that, the hope for a win is there, especially after the mid-week clash against Tottenham. I think it’ll be a 2-1 West Ham United win with Arnautovic getting his first for the club.

(I can dream, right?!)

Chris: Not sure on my thoughts after that game against the Spuds. I’m hoping for a 3-0 win and hoping [Andre] Ayew has hit form. I would like to see another [Andy] Carroll over head kick lick last time but will see. I am optimistic

Here’s our Match Preview for the Premier League match against Crystal Palace

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Come On You Irons!!!