West Ham: Unleash Morrison, Play A Striker And Smother Jedinak To Beat Crystal Palace

Tonight offers us the chance to watch two of the struggling sides in the Premier League hoof it out against one another, as notorious long-ball lovers Sam Allardyce and Tony Pulis meet for the first time this season. West Ham travel to Crystal Palace this evening, so here are a few things I think big Sam should do in order to stifle the Eagles and hand them their 11th loss of the season.

Palace have conceded 22 goals this season in the league, 19 of which have come from inside the area, so it’s crucial that the Hammers play with a striker tonight. Carlton Cole, I think, is their only option right now in attack so I would stick the bullish forward in the side.

Before Pulis arrived, Palace were a side who loved to play down the wings, but against Norwich it was more central-focused. So, to combat that, I think Allardyce should have a Mohamed Diame and Mark Noble ready to smother Jedinak at every opportunity, as he is the one who makes them tick.

Lastly, Ravel Morrison has to start. The 20-year-old has been brilliant this season and with his nimble footwork and the purpose that he runs with the wall with could frighten the life out of a shoddy-looking Palace defence.

To conclude, I think the Hammers should play Carlton Cole, smother Jedinak and unleash Ravel Morrison to win the game.