After a grueling two matches last season, West Ham and Crystal Palace aim to make Saturday’s matchup count. However, neither side are close in comparison.
Saturday’s matchup will be another test for both sides. West Ham will be looking to stay hot, while Crystal Palace will be looking to start anything. We’re only three weeks in, so anything can change, and neither side should be looking to take it easy.
Earlier this week, we sat down with The Eagles Beak, another FanSided soccer site, to discuss this matchup. Besides simply discussing the outcome, we talk signings, breakout players, and the difference between joy and heartache. So, what does the Crystal Palace faithful think about tomorrow’s match?
Our seasons couldn’t have started more differently; what does Crystal Palace need to do to start turning things around?
It was always going to be a tough start to the season with the way the fixtures run. The summer has been a big transition for the club, probably the biggest since we returned to the top flight from both a player and managerial perspective.
Time and patience are needed with Vieira, but there are signs of what is trying to be achieved, although we do need to hold our nerve a little bit. Many are suggesting this is similar to the Frank de Boer appointment, but that could not be further from the truth; it’s a tired narrative if I’m honest.
A view from the opposition: West Ham v Crystal Palace
How do you feel about Palace’s new signings? Who do you think will make the biggest impact?
It has been our best summer in terms of additions, but it had to be done, seeing as we let a number of players go due to their big contracts ending. The exciting signing is Olise from Reading, very much a flair player who could be as influential as Eze has been for us, but so far, Andersen and Guehi have looked very good indeed. There’s more to come before the transfer deadline, too, by all accounts, and probably needed as well.
Besides Michail Antonio, which Hammer do you fear the most to put one past the keeper?
Besides Antonio? Well, he’s the man in form, but elsewhere, the likes of Benrahma and Bowen can open up any team on their day, so it’s a difficult call between them, particularly as both were heavily linked with Palace!
Who should West Ham be concerned with the most on Saturday?
It has to be Wilfried Zaha. By his own standards, he’s had a slow start to the season and looked like a frustrated figure in each of the opening three games. It’s just a matter of time before he turns it on, and it would not surprise me if that happens this weekend.
Once the dust settles, how do you see the match ending up?
Everything points towards a Hammers win considering the start you’ve had, but this center-back pairing is becoming increasingly hard to beat since straying together against Brentford. Benteke often plays well against you, and if Wilf turns it on, I’d like to think we could hold you to a score draw. The underdog tag has always suited us anyway.
Well, there you have it; the opposition’s view of West Ham v Crystal Palace. We went to again say a big thank you to The Eagles Beak for answering our questions. Both sides despise each other, so anything can happen on Saturday afternoon, so until then, COME ON YOU IRONS!