Prematch preview vs Crystal Palace

So after a disappointing start to the season, at the hands of rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Westham face another London derby as they travel to their first away game of the campaign at Crystal Palace. Can the Hammers kick start their campaign in this tough fixture? Palace have the confidence of beating us  twice last year but have also lost their manager this week! Who knows what will happen!

                           

Match day 2 - VS Crystal Palace

Kick off - 3pm Saturday 23rd August 2014

Previous season results - premier league (A)  L 1-0   (H)  L 0-1

Previous line ups 

   West Ham                                                       Crystal Palace 

Predicted score: 2-1

Team news

Not much change to report for West Ham with the injuries of Carroll, Jenkinson and Jarvis. Allardyce confirmed that Tomkins may well be fit to play, despite concerns over a hamstring injury, although a final decision on this matter will be made on Saturday. This will be important for the hammers with Reid their only fit centre back with Collins out through suspension This could result in a potential shift in position for O'Brien. Big Sam also remains hopeful over the fitness of his strike force with Valencia showing some positive play against Spurs and Sakho and Zarate looking good in training. Sakho's development has been praised by attacking coach Teddy Sheringham which could well be a sign that Carlton Cole will be left out (yeah right!!!!!).

Palace have concerns of their own with Puncheon suspended after seeing red against Arsenal although Dann may be fit in time for this one. Their major concerns will of course be the departure of manager Tony Pulis, after a clash with the board over transfer policies. This will have caused a lot of unrest at the club and will be interesting to see if this has affected the players. After ruling out both Mackay and Sherwood they will again rely on stand in gaffer Keith Millen, who will want to impress. 

Predictions

This will be an ugly game from the first whistle with a lack of direction from Palace and a lack of attacking play whatsoever for West Ham. If Allardyce stick with Cole upfront on his own we have no chance in this game and can again see a potential 0-0. If he changes it up and goes with one of the new boys then who knows! I feel that with some attacking intent and the hard work of Noble and Kouyate in midfield we could just steal this one 2-1! Come on you irons!!!!