Sunday sees the Eagles host a West Ham team that, like Palace, have been enduring a mixed bag of recent results.
Ahead of the game, I caught up with Alex Smith, journalist at Green Street Hammers to see how the West Ham fanbase is feeling.
TEB – How are things feeling as a West Ham fan at the moment? You’re just off the European places, and in a European Quarter Final but I get the sense the fanbase is not that happy?
AS – It’s a strange time to be a West Ham fan. Things are better on paper than they look on the pitch. In Europe, we got a nightmare draw against Leverkusen, and in the league, it looks unlikely we’ll get a European spot again after a bad loss to Fulham with a tough run-in.
However, the negativity from some is over the top. Mainly it’s about David Moyes’ playing style but it has served us well for a long time, bringing us our best ever period in modern history. Victim of his own success? Time will tell.
TEB – What is the ambition for the remainder of the season? Is it all about getting through against Leverkusen?
AS – Down 2-0 to Leverkusen who are unbeaten in 42 games is an uphill battle. At one goal down it’s doable with our European home record. But 2-0 against such a top side, seemingly all hope is lost.
We’ve got to try to get into Europe once again but Manchester United, Newcastle and Chelsea are all in better form. Our small squad look tired.
TEB – Do you foresee major changes in the summer?
AS – Yes. Starting on the pitch, it would not be surprise to see us pocket £70m+ for Paqueta. Similar to the £100m Declan Rice, this will be reinvested. We’ve got a few players out of contract, others like Aguerd set to go and a tiny squad. A centre-back, winger and striker are needed without any departures, and the change could get even bigger should Moyes’ contract not be renewed.
TEB – To the match, how do you think you’ll line up and approach the game?
AS – Palace are facing us at the perfect time. Off the back of Leverkusen which will be the priority. It’s incredibly tough to win on the Sunday after a midweek clash. Changes are needed but we have a lack of options.
We’ve had some success matching teams in formation that play with wing backs and we could do the same versus Palace.
TEB – Where do you think the game will be won or lost?
AS – West Ham have been conceding far too many goals and should Palace build on the great win over Liverpool and go at us from the first whistle, it’s difficult to see the Hammers winning. Especially when heads are likely to be down after the end of European run. There will be a fascinating battle between Eze and Alvarez.
TEB – General view on Palace this season?
AS – I thought you were on your way to the Championship with the stale Hodgson. It was boring and uninspiring from the outside, I can only imagine being in it! But Glasner is a terrific appointment.
West Ham fans know all too much about him after he dumped us out in the Europa League semi-final two years ago. Glasner is a brilliant coach who will get you fighting to finish top ten consistently if he’s given the funds, which is my only doubt.
TEB – Cheers for your time Alex! To hear more from Alex you can check him out at greenstreethammers.com or find him on X
