West Ham United midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate is relishing a second London derby in successive weekends when the Hammers take on Crystal Palace.
The 25-year-old central midfielder has been in superb form of late, scoring crucial goals against Manchester United and more recently against Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday.
Speaking ahead of the Hammers' game with the Eagles, Kouyate said: “It’s a very important match, it’s a derby so it’s very special. We have to win, for the club and for the fans. We are going to do our best to win the match.
“I like playing in derbies, they are very special games, especially for fans. After Crystal Palace, we have Chelsea and Arsenal all coming up and we cannot lose those games. We will do our best and we will fight to win for ourselves and the fans.”
In an impressive debut season in a claret and blue shirt, the Senegalese international has made 20 appearances in total.
Kouyate’s second game for the club came in the 3-1 win over the Eagles at Selhurst Park through goals from Stewart Downing, Mauro Zarate and Carlton Cole and the midfielder hopes the Hammers can complete the double over their London rivals.
“Before a match we think about the fans, once we’re on the pitch we think about the game. While we’re playing of course we feel the fans' support. I believe the fans are more enthusiastic when it’s a derby so there is a great atmosphere.
“Everyone is telling me that I will score again this weekend because I have scored against some of the big teams. But I am focused on every game equally and helping the team to do well.
“If I can score than that’s great but it’s not the priority. The people who know me, know I can play better. Whenever I play I always think I can play better.”