Alan Pardew is extremely wary of the Irons and believes that even though Palace may dictate at Selhurst Park this weekend they could easily finish up beaten.
It’s the counter attacking game that concerns the former Irons boss who declares: “They’re very good on the counter.”
He explained: “I expect us to get a grasp of the game like we did against West Brom and dictate proceedings but that’s not going to stop West Ham from winning the game. We need to be organised in our possession otherwise they will counter us really quickly and we’ll find ourselves in the game.
“West Ham have a bigger and stronger squad than us. But if we can stay clear of injuries and keep this group together, we can compete with them and that’s what we’ve got to hope to do.”
“It is a top-of-the-table encounter,” he added.
“That is good for two teams who weren’t predicted to be there at this stage of the season. We’re coming off a good performance and West Ham will be aware of that. I am sure they will be looking to upset our rhythm and what we do really well.”
Going to be a toughie on Saturday.If Bolasie & Zaha get at Jenks & Cressie it could be carnage down the flanks,lol.Better hope they both have off days 😀
Cresswell is a good defender, Jenks is the worry, might be best to play Tompkins at RB against these. Pardew doesn’t for one minute believe we have a bigger and better team than him, he is just taking the pressure off. There is virtually nothing in it man for man in the first teams, I hope we do beat them on the counter but it will be a real challenge they are great at home.
He said bigger and better squad & I think that’s true. It’s going to be a hell of a game anyway & could be an absolute classic