West Ham in the early kick off takes us back to Selhurst this weekend. I was wondering how discombobulated Hammers fans were feeling by their awesome European run taking place alongside an underwhelming domestic season.
To answer this and more, I caught up with Alex Smith, journalist at Green Street Hammers…
TEB – Are West Ham safe?
AS – Absolutely not! We are only a few points off the drop zone and have Manchester City and Manchester United to play. I think we probably need another win and that should be enough. I was fearing for us a lot more just a month ago but a few good results and some confidence from the Conference League means we should just about have enough.
TEB – What’s the future hold? Is this the end of David Moyes’ reign whatever the result in Europe and league? If so, which direction do you see West Ham moving in?
AS – We are at a strange crossroads. A European win and staying up with a swagger and Moyes could stay… but no European victory and he could go. Moyes has done a wonderful job and what we have done has gone beyond everyone’s wildest expectations. However, things have got stale and there’s a feeling he’s taken us as far as he can. A change feels like it’s needed, a refresh and a manager who can work with some of the talent we have better. We have signings now settled like Aguerd and Paquetá, both could thrive under a possession-based approach. There’s also the little matter of Rice potentially leaving. Overall, It could be a huge summer of change.
TEB – Assuming you stay up, what are the priorities for the summer?
AS – Keeping Rice of course. He is world-class and good enough to walk into any side, but Manchester City’s, potentially in the world. We could do with a new left winger. Benrahma is a talent but can be frustrating and wasteful at times. Soucek is a prime example of the stale feeling under Moyes. His on-ball limitations have been exposed a lot this season. We could do with a replacement for him.
TEB – Who has been your player(s) of the season so far? Are they also the key to ensuring safety?
AS – Of course Rice is our best player by a mile. Without him we aren’t even half as good. Paquetá has been exceptional in recent weeks. He looks fully settled now in the Premier League and is showing why he starts for Brazil. Bowen remains our biggest goal threat and has also looked like his last season self in recent weeks.
TEB – Which Palace player would you most want in your team / squad?
AS – Eze is just fantastic. His flair and skill make him a joy to watch and under Roy he seems to have found some added belief and getting in better positions. Olise is another young star with a wand of a left foot. We’d certainly not decline Zaha if he was to leave Palace when his contract is up next summer, not that I see him making the move across to East London.
TEB – How are you likely to line up and where is the game going to be won and lost?
AS – We could do with a freshen up. We looked leggy in the loss to Liverpool, and we have Conference League, fixtures come thick and fast. However, Moyes will probably make one change maximum.
From a West Ham perspective, the match will be won and lost on our ability to not switch off defensively (which can happen) and if Bowen and Paquetá turn it on we should hopefully get at least a draw. If West Ham do go a goal ahead, I fully expect us to park the bus.
TEB – Anything else?
AS – I was shocked to see Vieira go. He’s a likeable man but having read the story behind the sacking it makes sense. Especially given what Hodgson has done since. I’m intrigued by what will happen at Selhurst Park over the summer. I think there’s decent foundations there for a new manager, if he’s given cash for a quality striker.
TEB – Cheers Alex, here’s to a top match.
