A view from the opposition: Crystal Palace v West Ham

Both West Ham and Crystal Palace have had up and down seasons. This being their second time meeting, how will this match go compared to the last time out?

We sat down, again, with fellow FanSided Soccer account The Eagles Beak to discuss a few questions about tomorrow’s match. How does the opposition think tomorrow’s West Ham v Palace match will go?

Your boys came away with all 3 points last time out, how do you think the match went?

It was a tight contest as we expected and West Ham scored an excellent team goal but we pushed hard to get the three points and deserved them in the end even if VAR helped us get the three points – hard to argue about that decision and one of a few right calls it has made this season. The penalty award was just at the right time for us which gave us the confidence to push on.

It seems that the new age of football managers are getting younger and flashier yet Ole Roy keeps on. How do you fancy your Gaffer at the moment?

There has been a lot of comment among Palace fans lately on how Roy is performing but I have to say that he provided the stability that was much needed and has done a fantastic job. The problem is, the football and tactics are not completely enjoyable but let’s face it, we are not Liverpool or Manchester City chasing a title and playing attacking football that we all wish for.

The Oppositions review after the last West Ham v Palace match. light. Related Story

We do what we do and strive to improve but that is not good enough for some. Yes, I would love for us to be challenging for a spot in Europe but you have to be careful what you wish for as fans of clubs like ours.

Roy has done a better job than most give him credit for, he has bags of experience and has held jobs across the world. We have tried that young manager idea before and we almost had our fingers burnt but where we go after Roy is the big question.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 05: Roy Hodgson of Crystal Palace and Manuel Pellegrini, Manager of West Ham United interact prior to during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Crystal Palace at London Stadium on October 05, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Will Palace be active in this transfer window?

Yes, we have to be but with the American owners not showing a lot of interest in spending money at the moment it may be a long month, similar to the summer. We need support at both full-back positions as well as the goalscoring striker that every clubs seeks to find.

The most important thing is to keep Wilfried Zaha, we have had a good start to the season, one of the best since we returned to the Premier League so he is key for us to push on in the New Year and see where we can end up.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 05: Declan Rice of West Ham United reacts after the Premier League match between West Ham United and Crystal Palace at London Stadium on October 05, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

What has been your overall opinion on not only Palaces season but the EPL as a whole?

I do think that it has been one of the poorest Premier League Seasons for a while but it has been interesting to see how City has struggled to keep up with Liverpool. Leicester has been the bright light to mix it with the top six and put noses out of joint.

Elsewhere, it could be three from a number of sides to go down this year. As for Palace, if we can end the year with 25 points or more, we have an opportunity in the second half of the season, maybe have a go at the FA Cup and see where we end up in the league. A top ten spot would be great, a Europa League place would be quite something but that is stretching it a little I feel.

Which player concerns you for West Ham?

Mark Noble always has a decent game against Palace and if he is allowed to run the midfield again then we will likely do the same again.

What should the Hammers be truly worried about this match?

Wilfried Zaha of course – he can just turn it on when he is in the mood and a real match-winner. We are making the most of seeing him this season as the likelihood of him being a Palace player come next season is pretty much zero.

How much of a rival do you consider West Ham? It’s obviously a London Derby but how do you rate it?

It is classed as a London derby but we do not consider it a rivalry even – we are just in the same city. It seems the bigger rivalry between the two teams is on social media!

What’s your prediction for the match?

After the loss at Newcastle at the weekend, we are looking for a reaction and to get back on track. No doubt West Ham will see this as an opportunity to get some points and it will be a tight one. We are going for a 1-0 Palace win.

Next. 'Twas the night before Christmas... West Ham style. dark

We’d like to thank Jay, once again, from The Eagles Beak for answering a few questions and taking some of our own. We also hope you had a very Merry Christmas and are enjoying your Boxing Day. COME ON YOU IRONS!