West Ham are likely to return to full strength at Selhurst Park tomorrow night with the return of Vladimir Coufal, Declan Rice, Craig Dawson, Angelo Ogbonna, Aaron Cresswell and Mikey Antonio.
And although the Doncaster match wasn’t the very best to judge the quality of his bench, the manager will certainly believe that in Oladapo Afolayan he has a striker who may be able to play a cameo role should Antonio require a rest.
The 23 year old’s goal against Doncaster and his bright start was encouraging and should a loan striker not arrive he may well become an option this month along with Mipo Odubeko when he is ready to return from self isolation.
Meanwhile, the manager continues to look at the foreign market where he is allowed a loan signing with the end of the window closing in.
Palace are currently sitting in 13th place nine points behind the Irons who will be looking for revenge for a double defeat last season and a draw at the London Stadium this season.
Palace however have a poor recent record with managed just four draws and four defeats from their last eight games.