As we come out the other side of another international break, we look forward to hosting West Ham United at Selhurst Park. Ahead of the late Saturday kick off, we caught up with our pals at West Ham Central to find out about the Hammers season so far.
Q. What were your hopes and dreams for the new season before a ball was kicked?
To be playing European football. Quick frankly. Didn’t think we’d slip up again, especially against the same team, Astra Giurgiu, but that’s life. Also to pick up from where we left off last season, which hasn’t happened either.
Q. Was it a successful transfer window for the club or are there areas that still need improving?
It was a lacklustre window. Not great by a long stretch. When you have chairmen who promise you the moon and the stars and you end up with Zaza as a marquee striker, it’s panic stations. We also didn’t strengthen our central defence after selling Tonks to you lot. It was a mistake.
Q. Plenty has been said since the decision to move to the Olympic Stadium but what do you make of your new home?
I like it, just hate the way it’s been run. No police and inexperienced stewards haven’t helped. Fans fighting each other is not on.
Q. It is hard to comprehend after your efforts last season but is there some early season pressure on Slaven Bilic?
Yes. If you remember rightly though, he didn’t end last season very strongly either. This season, he’s made some bizarre decisions, ones which, if a certain Sam Allardyce would have made, he’d have been slated and abused. He needs to get back to being the smart manager we all know he is.
Q. Dare we ask your views on the rule changes going into this new Premier League season?
The shirt tugging one gets me. If a penalty is given for one offence, they should be given for all offences. Consistency needs to be introduced.
Q. It is looking difficult for an un-fancied team breaking into the top six this season but if you were to pick one, who would it be?
I can’t see it happening, but the team that will come closest, I think, is Everton.
Q. Perhaps you could share your views on Palace as a club, how we did last season and our start to this season?
Last season was a strange one for you lot. I remember both of us were up near the top early on, and everyone was tipping Palace for the top five. Then you went on that huge slump and slipped down and down, which didn’t reflect your performances. This season, I’ve been very impressed. The loss to West Brom was clearly a blip because since then, you’ve strived, and are on a nice unbeaten run.
Q. Name one player from each team that the opposition should be concerned about?
For you lot, it would be hard not to say Christian Benteke right now. He scored a hat-trick and a record breaking goal in midweek. The man is back.
For us, although Antonio is in good form and among the leagues top scorers, I still say Dimi. Always Dimi. We may not be playing well but Dimi is Dimi. He keeps saving us and I can see him troubling you on Saturday.
Q. Prediction?
High score draw. There’s always goals in our games. 2-2.
Q. Please tell us a little more about your fan group and any projects you are working on.
We’ve just reached 30k followers on Twitter, which is a huge achievement, so we are thankful for that. There are also plans in the pipeline for a new website.
Lastly, a huge thanks to our long-term friends at TEB for asking us to take part in this interview.
