3 key players for Crystal Palace against West Ham United

Christian Benteke

Since the big Belgian signed for a club-record fee from Liverpool, Benteke has been a revelation and is yet to taste defeat in the league this season.

The centre forward has played a major part in Palace’s recent league success and his presence in the final third of the pitch is exactly what Palace fans have been craving for.

With three goals in his last four league appearances – including one of the best headed goals you’ll see all season against Everton – he is really starting to settle in and find his way in a Palace shirt.

The 25-year-old looks unstoppable at the moment and with West Ham shipping 12 goals in their last four league games, you can’t really help but think the 6ft 3in centre forward will surely find the back of the net for a third consecutive game.

His aerial threat and ability to hold play up effortlessly is just what Pardew needed.  After a shaky start to this season – which came as no surprise – the results have picked up massively and the club are finally looking like a force to be reckoned with.

The Eagles really do look like a complete team now. With a physical side like West Ham up next, Benteke will be relishing the chance to play to his strong physical game.