When Brighton and Hove Albion visited Selhurst Park to face rivals Crystal Palace they knew how the hosts would set up. Since Roy Hodgson took charge, the Eagles have readily conceded possession to the opposition, looking to hit them with rapid transitions from the wide men when they recover the ball. It is exactly what they did during the derby, and once again it was effective as they had just 35 per cent of the ball but drew 1-1.
Manuel Pellegrini’s visit to South London with the Hammers must not follow in Brighton’s footsteps. West Ham have the creative potential to break down the resolute Crystal Palace defence and must do more with their possession than the Seagulls were able to. That starts with being patient and moving the ball in a quick controlled manner to create openings in the Eagles armour. In form creator, Pablo Fornals, has three assists in his last four matches, and the Spaniard should play a crucial role in creating chances for Sebastien Haller.
It is up to West Ham’s Chilean manager, but it may not be wise to start Michail Antonio for the encounter. Hodgson’s side will leave next to no space in behind a deep-lying defence, which is how Antonio tends to operate. Though the striker has proven himself to be an incredibly hard worker and his movement off the ball may generate space for others, in what is likely to be a crowded Palace third when the Eagles are out of possession.
The visitors must also avoid falling into the trap of being pushed into wide areas and delivering a deluge of crosses into the Crystal Palace area. Haller may have won the most aerial duels in the Premier League this season, 103, but the Eagles defensive unit is utterly dominant in the air with James Tomkins and Gary Cahill at the heart of the backline. Combined Crystal Palace’s defenders have made 163 headed clearances this season in the Premier League, and they are well adapted to dealing with an aerial threat.
If Pellegrini’s side are patient and move the ball quickly enough to drag defenders out of position, they could leave South London with all three points. But failing to do so and falling into the trap of trying to bludgeon through the opposition defence will see the Hammers suffer the same fate as Brighton.
