Saturday certainly turned out a bit weird – while most would have thought a loss would have Hammers fan's ranting and screaming, the reality was we played well and simply paid the price for a lack of concentration at the last. However, it now becomes important to not go on a run of poor results and we will be seeking at least a draw from this one.
Line up wise, I think we can all agree the attack was very blunt last week, failing to offer any real threat. Things definitely have to be changed here. People may shout for Nolan's head, but right now he is the most natural goal scorer we have and we cannot afford to leave him out.
At the back, it is a matter as to whether Tomkins can make it this weekend, if not I'd imagine the excellent Kouyate will slot in, or possibly O'Brien. I'm going with…
Adrian
Cresswell – Reid – Tomkins – Demel
Noble Kouyate
Nolan
Downing Sakho Vaz Te
Bench – Jussi, O'Brien, Burke, Cole, Valencia, Diame and Jenkinson.
We can see what Sakho is made of, and swap around Vaz and Valencia later on if struggling for penetration. Palace were well organsed last season and will need incessant pressure to break them down. They will miss the suspended Puncheon and will still be settling into life under Mckay. a good time to go and get a result, I'm going for a slightly optimistic 1-2 to the Hammers! #coyi
Update – I understand Mckay may not take the job, so it could be Sherwood or Jol we face…