Crystal Palace and the returning Roy Hodgson will have a huge say on whether West Ham are relegated it seems.
West Ham and Crystal Palace are two of nine clubs separated by just four points in what looks set to be one of the tightest Premier League relegation battles ever.
The Hammers board have stood steadfastly behind manager David Moyes thus far.
That’s despite a string of new claims about Moyes and a toxic atmosphere at West Ham.
West Ham have bucked the trend this season as one of only two clubs in the bottom 11 not to have changed manager.
The most recent change has come down in south London at Crystal Palace.
Why Crystal Palace and returning Roy Hodgson will have a huge say on whether West Ham are relegated
Patrick Vieira was given the boot by the Eagles before the international break.
And Palace chairman Steve Parish revealed West Ham were one of the main reasons he decided to sack Vieira.
Roy Hodgson has been returned to Crystal Palace as Vieira’s replacement until the end of the season.
At the grand age of 75, Hodgson makes 59-year-old West Ham boss Moyes look like a spring chicken.
Palace and West Ham are obviously directly involved in the battle for survival.
But here is why Crystal Palace and returning Hodgson will have a huge say on whether West Ham are relegated.
Because in another twist to this already crazy fight to beat the drop, Palace play a direct relegation rival in each of their next six consecutive games – including the Hammers.
Returning Roy and his Eagles set to be judge, jury and executioner
That’s right, Palace look set to be the judge, jury and executioner in the relegation battle with over half their remaining 10 matches literal six-pointers.
West Ham face a massive survival clash against basement side Southampton on Sunday. Win and the Hammers could rise up to 13th. Lose and they may hit rock bottom themselves.
For Palace the stakes are even higher on every single one of the six games they play in April.
Hodgson’s side face Leicester at home at the weekend before trips to Leeds and then Soutampton.
They then welcome Everton and West Ham to Selhurst Park either side of a trip to Wolves.
West Ham need to make sure they get the job done themselves of course. But with Palace’s fixtures in mind we will all be keeping a very close eye on their results too.
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