West Ham had a break at the weekend with Liverpool away winning the Club World Cup, though it may have come at a poor time as Manuel Pellegrini’s side attempt to build momentum and get themselves clear of the relegation zone. They currently sit in 16th place after beating Southampton in their last fixture to move to 19 points. Sebastien Haller scored the only goal of that game, and if Pellegrini can get his main man up front firing, then the Hammers could move to 13th in the Premier League.
The winner against Southampton was Haller’s first goal in eight matches, and now that he has rediscovered his goalscoring form, his manager will be hoping it lasts. His last goal before that was against Crystal Palace in October, which put him on a run of four goals in eight Premier League games. At the time it seemed the Frenchman has instantly adapted to life in the English top-flight, but he has struggled ever since.
West Ham’s next opponents Crystal Palace present the perfect opportunity for Haller to continue his goalscoring streak. Roy Hodgson’s side are weak at the back having lost Scott Dann to injury at the weekend to add to Gary Cahill, Joel Ward, Patrick van Aanholt, Jeffery Schlupp and Jario Riedewald, who may all be unavailable. Against Newcastle United Hodgson was forced to start with a centre back partnership of James Tomkins and Cheikhou Kouyate, and the pair were effective until Miguel Almiron managed to find the back of the net with seven minutes remaining.
Though Vicente Guita has kept the second most clean sheets in the Premier League this season, without his usual backline in front of him, the Eagles will be vulnerable. It is up to Haller to take advantage of Crystal Palace’s defensive frailties and bully them at the back. No player in the Premier League this season has won more aerial battles than the Frenchman, and he will be expected to be first to crosses and secure knockdowns to bring his teammates into proceedings. Pellegrini absolutely must start the striker to get him firing against a weakened opposition.
