Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew wary of West Ham threat
Thursday 15 October 2015 19:11, UK
Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has warned his players to be wary of West Ham’s threat on the counter-attack when they face his former club on Saturday.
Palace have made an impressive start to the season and are fourth in the Premier League going into the weekend's fixtures, just three points behind leaders Manchester City and having defeated West Brom 2-0 in their final game before the international break.
The Hammers are also in good form and have been particularly impressive away from home, recording wins at Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool.
Pardew was manager of West Ham from 2003-2006, leading them to the FA Cup final in his last year in charge when they lost on penalties to Liverpool, and he is aware of the threat posed by Slaven Bilic's side.
"They're very good on the counter," Pardew said of West Ham.
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"I expect us to get a grasp of the game like we did against West Brom and dictate proceedings but that's not going to stop West Ham from winning the game.
West Ham have a bigger and stronger squad than us. But if we can stay clear of injuries and keep this group together, we can compete with them.
"We need to be organised in our possession otherwise they will counter us really quickly and we'll find ourselves in the game.
"West Ham have a bigger and stronger squad than us. But if we can stay clear of injuries and keep this group together, we can compete with them and that's what we've got to hope to do."
With Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United currently occupying the top three spots, Pardew and his players can claim to be the best-of-the-rest but Pardew was keen to praise the start their opponents have made this campaign.
"It is a top-of-the-table encounter," he added.
"That is good for two teams who weren't predicted to be there at this stage of the season. We're coming off a good performance and West Ham will be aware of that.
"I am sure they will be looking to upset our rhythm and what we do really well."
