London's little brother derby
Two impressive sides in the form of West Ham and Crystal Palace clash at London Stadium in a derby that can see the Hammers climb as high as 3rd or the Eagles go as high as 4th. Which team will seize the opportunity?
West Ham
As i wrote in a tip at the beginning of the season, West Ham finally look like the real deal. They purchased cleverly over the summer, don't have any major injury issues and have a very competent coach.
The Hammers can currently be found at 5th having won 3, drawn 3 and only losing 1 of their games so far which is a far cry from where they could be found around the same time last season (4 defeats and a draw after 5 games).
Pellegrini's men have not lost since matchday 1, a defeat which came against Manchester City meaning it should definitely be overlooked but have since won both their home games (including a 2-0 win against Manchester United) as well as winning 1 and drawing 3 away games.
The most impressive aspect thus far has been their attacking play with the likes of Lanzini, Pablo Fornalz, Felipe Anderson, Yarmolenko and Sebastien Haller creating immense problems for every defence they have come up against bar Cities.
West Ham fans are finally seeing dividends payed out and can seriously dream of finishing within the top 6 but must first overcome a stubborn Palace side on Saturday.
Crystal Palace
Roy Hodgson is yet again doing wonders with a side that have been bottom 3 regarding transfer spending several seasons in a row and i honestly do not have a clue as to why more praise is not heaped on the 72 year old.
The Eagles have enjoyed a bright start to the season and can be found in 9th place following 3 victories, 2 draws and 2 defeats so far. Palace are, per usual, hard to beat at Selhurst Park where they have 2 victories and 2 draws but have been relatively poor on the road where they have recorded a victory and 2 defeats.
Their sole away victory came, interestingly enough, against none other than Manchester United after a late winner from Van Aanholt in the 93rd minute. It is however worth mentioning that Palace were grossly outplayed for the full duration and only managed 3 shots on target but were clinical enough to score twice which is a strength in itself.
Their away stats are otherwise bleak with the London outfit suffering a torrid 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United and a 4-0 hammering by the Spurs and are now up against a revitalised West Ham on the hunt for a top 6 finish. It is a tough matchup and will require Palace to significantly up their away game if they are to travel home with a point or more.
Betting tip
West Ham have impressed and i expect their fine form to continue which is why i will be backing a West Ham win at 19/20 with Betfair.
