Former Hammers boss Alan Pardew has admitted he is wary of West Ham’s counter attacking play. Speaking to BT Sport, ahead of the meeting of the two in form teams this weekend at Selhurst Park, Pardew believes his team can compete with a West Ham side that has “a bigger and stronger squad” than his Palace team.
The two sides are currently performing above many people’s expectations, with the Eagles sitting in 4th, 2 points above the Hammers in 6th. West Ham have gained a reputation this season for their style of play which has lead them to triumphant away wins at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City and will be hoping to replicate that kind of performance again this weekend.
Pardew wants his team to go out and control the game as they did so well against West Brom before the international break, but has admitted that will not stop the Hammers, who he believes will counter very quickly.
The Hammers will have Andy Carroll back for the game, after he missed the trip to Sunderland, while Enner Valencia may be involved in some aspect, Slaven Billic has confirmed. Alex Song is still two or three weeks away at this time.
