It is another London Derby this weekend for the Eagles who head to East London to take on the Hammers who have have struggled at this early stage of the campaign.
To find out more about the goings on at the London Stadium on and off the pitch, we had a chat to our pal West Ham Central.
TEB – It’s been a tough start to the season for West Ham. What are your thoughts on the performances so far?
WHC – Not good enough, we’ve seen flashes of things but nothing has stuck. Defence cannot defend, midfielders cannot midfield and attackers are doing the best they can but are also coming up sort.
TEB – It was a poor season for West Ham last campaign. How would you summarise it overall?
WHC – Miserable. It was always going to be difficult after Moyes, but Lopetegui and Potter combined didn’t get us going and it looks like it’s carrying on into this season.
TEB – How was pre-season?
WHC – Positive, we played well, there was a lot of content on socials and the squad looked together, youth was involved, which hasn’t continued into the season.
TEB – Opinions on the club’s transfer activity so far? Are there any areas that still need improvement?
WHC – The transfer window was a frustrating one as the chairman got involved with most of it and the manager didn’t get a lot of his preferred targets. We need a striker in January and a tall, commanding centre-back.
TEB – Are there any wildcards at West Ham that you feel will step up and make an impact this season?
WHC – Dinos Mavropanos was written off and was our most likely centre back to be sold over the summer. He has now come into the defence and looks to be one shining light who could sure us up. It’s also good having Crysencio Summerville back, as we all know the talent he possesses.
TEB – It’s clear to see from a neutrals perspective that Graham Potter is under pressure. Is that warranted or is he catching the slack of previous managers and the board?
WHC – A bit of both. Not many agree with his team sheets, subs and tactics, but I suppose he is trying to implement his style. His love affair with playing Ward-Prowse over others is becoming a hindrance. You can also do only so much with the tools you posses and he had to work with a shoestring budget this summer.
TEB – What are your thoughts on Palace and how do you feel we will fare this campaign?
WHC – I am very impressed with Palace, defensively solid, midfield is class, with Sarr and Mateta both really impress me in attack. Glasner is working wonders, and you have an unbelievable unbeaten run for us to try and ruin. I feel you could have another season of challenging for Europe, and the Conference League is a great opportunity for European glory
TEB – Early ambitions for the season?
WHC – Ambitions are hard, as currently it seems like anything besides relegation would be a success. A nice mid-table finish and a cup run would do, but this season isn’t looking like it will bring much joy.
TEB – Prior to the game at the London Stadium, is there a main weak link in the West Ham line up that Palace should be looking to exploit?
WHC – Well, as mentioned, James Ward-Prowse or ‘Just Walking Pace’ as he has been nicknamed, is slow and a weak link in midfield. West Ham have also conceded a league high (by some stretch) 6 goals from set pieces this season, so I can see this being a thing Palace target, with Mateta ready to pounce.
TEB – Expectations for the game this weekend including final score prediction?
WHC – I’m not holding out much hope if I’m honest, I’d like to think the boys will dig their heels in and try to give us something to cheer about but I feel your run will continue. I’ll go for a majorly optimistic 1-1.
