West Ham really need to get their season back on track when they face a familiar face in Sam Allardyce as he brings his Palace side to the London Stadium this weekend. We here at the Transfer Tavern feel its an important game for the Hammers to win on a personal note to get one over on Big Sam but also to collect some very vital points at home.
The Irons have had a bit of a tough time of it this season after making the move to the Olympic Stadium and after last season, many punters here in the Tavern were hopeful of success this season – but it has gone from bad to worse!
Being eliminated from the Europa League before it really began and suffering FA Cup elimination last week has given the Hammers very little to play for – so a top half finish is essential.
This is the type of game in which the Hammers really should be looking to pick up all three points. After their embarrassing 0-5 defeat to Manchester City on Friday in the FA Cup, it’s time for them to give their punters something to cheer about here at the bar.
With that, if West Ham field this XI they will get an important win against Crystal Palace on Saturday…
GK: DARREN RANDOLPH
The Republic of Ireland international has been superb since he came into the fold and has proven to be vital in many games for the Hammers.
He’ll certainly start.
LB: AARON CRESSWELL
Aaron Creswell may not have been at his very best of late but there is simply no denying how vital he can be for the Hammers.
The 27-year-old full-back has been brilliant since his arrival from Ipswich Town – ironically brought to the club by Big Sam and the Irons punters will be hoping he can make his old gaffer look on in awe.
CB: ANGELO OGBONNA
The Italian has to improve in this game especially coming up against the likes of Benteke.
Ogbonna will have to be strong in every challenge and go back to the player of last season in which he was key as the Hammers reached the Europa League spots.
CB: WINSTON REID
In an otherwise shaky West Ham defence, this man has been superb and has to keep up his solid performances against Palace and help his side to a vital three points in their season.
RB: HAVARD NORDTVIET
Without a real out-and-out right-back in the side, it may be somewhere that the Hammers boss Slaven Bilic looks to improve on in the current transfer window but for now he’ll likely call on Havard Nordtviet to do a job in the role.
The Norwegian can be brilliant at times but he can also have off moments. He just needs to get that out of his game and he could be vital.
CDM: PEDRO OBIANG
The Spanish midfielder has been an absolute revelation for the Irons since coming into the side this season.
He has had to wait for his chance but boy has he taken it with both hands. He’ll definitely play.
CDM: MARK NOBLE
The West Ham captain has been a hit and miss player so far this season, much to the surprise of many here in the Transfer Tavern.
After a superb season for his beloved West Ham last season, it has been a bit of an anti-climax for the 28-year-old this year and not as many will be calling for an England call-up as they were last season.
LW: DIMITRI PAYET
When Dimitri Payet plays well, West Ham normally win.
He is the heartbeat of this team, and he seriously needs to add a bit of consistency to his game.
The West Ham fans in the Transfer Tavern have slammed him for laziness this season, so he needs to prove them wrong this weekend.
CAM: MANUEL LANZINI
Lanzini is always a solid option down the middle.
His skill and trickery could prove too much for the ageing Palace defence if the small Argentine gets his chance in the game.
RW: MICHAIL ANTONIO
Antonio is West Ham’s top goalscorer and he has been superb for them this season.
In an otherwise disappointing season, he has been a shining star for the Irons – and he could be the difference in this game going West Ham’s way or not.
ST: ANDY CARROLL
With Ayew at the AFCON and Sakho out injured, Carroll and Fletcher are the only out and out strikers that West Ham have to call on.
Carroll can cause teams all kind of problems and the Hammers’ punters here at the Transfer Tavern will be hoping he causes the Palace defence to have a headache this weekend.
