Croydon Advertiser’s Mark Ritson lifts the lid on Saturday's opponents
Croydon Advertiser’s Sports and Crystal Palace reporter Mark Ritson lifts the lid on Saturday's opponents
Crystal Palace are still looking for their first League win of 2016, what’s behind the loss of form?
“No one quite knows. It’s been a strange run since the start of the year, but they have shown they can beat three Premier League sides on their way to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. They just need that bit of luck, but it has been an unbalanced squad, too, with injuries to key players and no momentum.”
Saying that, an FA Cup semi-final to look forward to, how important is that game?
“It’s a massive game – and opportunity – to play at Wembley, reach the final and win the competition. Some fans have suggested the run has papered huge cracks under Alan Pardew who, I might add, is under no pressure from the Palace board of directors despite thirteen 13 games without a league win. Palace can definitely beat Watford and reach the final – and I think they will.”
Today sees two famously difficult teams to predict go head-to-head– what are you expecting?
“Attacking, free-flowing football. On their day, Palace can spring an attack with pace, power and trickery. But West Ham now have similar players in the shape of Michail Antonio and Dimtri Payet.
“The latter is my player of the season, personally. The break may have come at a good time for Palace, but they are facing a very, very good Hammers side going for the top four. The Eagles really need to have a blinder of a game to come away with something.”
Which Palace players have been in good form lately, who should we look out for?
“Wilfried Zaha has been sensational since January. I really think he would offer England something different out wide at this summer’s European Championships. He takes players on; he’s fearless and can create a chance out of nothing. Scott Dann at the back is a big, big threat from set-pieces, while Yohan Cabaye’s control and possession in the middle of the park stands out.”
This is Palace’s final game at the Boleyn – does any particular game or goal stick out?
“Last season’s 3-1 win for Palace was impressive at the Boleyn and I also witnessed the 1-0 win two seasons ago. From that 3-1 win, Scott Dann’s thumping header from a corner stands out. And of course, there’s the Championship play-off final from 2004 which I am sure sticks out for the majority of Palace fans, too.”
What is your prediction for Saturday’s score?
“Palace must pick up at least a point, but West Ham are high in confidence and want a top four finish. It will be a tough game for the Eagles, but I’ll be brave and go for a 2-2 draw.”
Crystal Palace are still looking for their first League win of 2016, what’s behind the loss of form?
“No one quite knows. It’s been a strange run since the start of the year, but they have shown they can beat three Premier League sides on their way to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. They just need that bit of luck, but it has been an unbalanced squad, too, with injuries to key players and no momentum.”
Saying that, an FA Cup semi-final to look forward to, how important is that game?
“It’s a massive game – and opportunity – to play at Wembley, reach the final and win the competition. Some fans have suggested the run has papered huge cracks under Alan Pardew who, I might add, is under no pressure from the Palace board of directors despite thirteen 13 games without a league win. Palace can definitely beat Watford and reach the final – and I think they will.”
Today sees two famously difficult teams to predict go head-to-head– what are you expecting?
“Attacking, free-flowing football. On their day, Palace can spring an attack with pace, power and trickery. But West Ham now have similar players in the shape of Michail Antonio and Dimtri Payet.
“The latter is my player of the season, personally. The break may have come at a good time for Palace, but they are facing a very, very good Hammers side going for the top four. The Eagles really need to have a blinder of a game to come away with something.”
Which Palace players have been in good form lately, who should we look out for?
“Wilfried Zaha has been sensational since January. I really think he would offer England something different out wide at this summer’s European Championships. He takes players on; he’s fearless and can create a chance out of nothing. Scott Dann at the back is a big, big threat from set-pieces, while Yohan Cabaye’s control and possession in the middle of the park stands out.”
This is Palace’s final game at the Boleyn – does any particular game or goal stick out?
“Last season’s 3-1 win for Palace was impressive at the Boleyn and I also witnessed the 1-0 win two seasons ago. From that 3-1 win, Scott Dann’s thumping header from a corner stands out. And of course, there’s the Championship play-off final from 2004 which I am sure sticks out for the majority of Palace fans, too.”
What is your prediction for Saturday’s score?
“Palace must pick up at least a point, but West Ham are high in confidence and want a top four finish. It will be a tough game for the Eagles, but I’ll be brave and go for a 2-2 draw.”