Aaron Cresswell to be axed, Maxwel Cornert to start in three changes – West Ham United predicted XI v Crystal Palace
David Moyes is expected to make three changes to his West Ham United starting lineup for the upcoming Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on Saturday (29 April).
On the back of respective midweek defeats, both clubs will be renewing their capital hostilities for Saturday’s Premier League London derby at Selhurst Park.
The Hammers will be looking to correct the wrongs of their disappointing 2-1 defeat to Liverpool on home turf having taken the lead through Lucas Paqueta’s pearler in the first half.
The Reds fought back through goals from Cody Gakpo and a thumping Joel Matip header. Had it not been for some terrible West Ham United defending, Moyes and his men will have been looking at extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to seven games.
The former Everton boss will be looking to get back to winning ways on Saturday [29 April] and could well be expected to ring the changes starting in defence with Emerson replacing Aaron Cresswell at left-back who, as per Sofascore, simply failed to make any blocks or tackles and didn’t win aerial duels in a lacklustre performance.
The defence should remain the same aside from that one change with Vladimir Coufal, Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd set to continue in defence.
Another West Ham United performer who could lose his place this weekend is the declining Tomas Soucek who has consistently failed to set the stage alight all season and it’s rather strange Moyes has continued to persist in starting him.
Flynn Downes could well be handed a chance to impress alongside Declan Rice in central midfield with the in-form Lucas Paqueta continuing in his customary no.10 position behind Michail Antonio who he formed a stunning partnership with for his opener against Jurgen Klopp’s men.
In attack, Said Benrahma also failed to impress against Liverpool on Wednesday – a recurring theme throughout his time as a West Ham player – which could see Moyes handing a first start since October to Maxwel Cornet who now seems to be back at full fitness after a period out with injuries.
The Hammers desperately need an injection pace and invention outside for which the Ivorian represents an ideal option to come in and take Benrahma’s place.
Moyes should once again be working with just the one absentee in Gianluca Scamacca, who is on the long road to recovery after knee surgery, but the former Everton boss conceded earlier this month that he was not entirely sure what the procedure entailed.
The Hammers’ five-game unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end on Wednesday evening, and there can be no downplaying the importance of a result on Saturday before West Ham meet Manchester City, Manchester United and Europa Conference League semi-final opponents AZ Alkmaar in their opening three May fixtures.
Crucial weeks ahead.