West Ham V Crystal Palace at Boleyn Ground: LIVE

02 April 2016 09:05
West Ham V Crystal Palace - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.

Manuel Lanzini sets twin target for West Ham

West Ham should not have to choose between FA Cup success and a top-four finish in the Barclays Premier League because they good enough to achieve both, according to attacking midfielder Manuel Lanzini.

The Hammers sit fifth in the Barclays Premier League heading into Saturday's visit of struggling Crystal Palace and Slaven Bilic's side also face an FA Cup quarter-final replay at home to Manchester United later in the month to secure a place in the final four.

Winning the cup and qualifying for the Champions League would be the perfect finale to West Ham's last season at their Upton Park home - and would usher in their new era at the Olympic Stadium in style.

And Lanzini, who joined the club on loan from Al Jazira in the summer and has impressed enough to agree a permanent deal, reckons both targets are achievable.

He said: "I've heard a lot of people talk about whether they'd prefer to win the FA Cup or qualify for the Champions League. I say both, why not?

"That's how strong I believe our squad is. We have to believe we can do it; we have been optimistic all season and look where we are. We're in the latter stages of the FA Cup and close to the Champions League spots, so we have to go for it."

While hoping for success on two fronts at the end of the campaign, the 23-year-old former River Plate youngster is taking nothing for granted at this stage.

"We are very happy with our progress so far," Lanzini added.

"But we have to keep our focus, we haven't achieved anything yet. Each remaining game is huge, and we will fight, as we have been, to try and win every game.

"Palace haven't been having the greatest run of results recently, but that can happen to any team and we know Palace are a very dangerous side.

"They are very quick, and like to attack so we have to be aware of that. They switch the ball very quickly so we will have to be alert to deal with their qualities."

Bilic will hope the recent international break has not taken its toll on his squad.

Enner Valencia, Cheikhou Kouyate and Victor Moses all racked up the air miles and returned to training on Friday.

James Tomkins is fit following a calf problem but the game comes too soon for fellow defenders Sam Byram - out since February with a muscular injury - and James Collins (hamstring).

Alan Pardew admits he has fond memories of Upton Park as he prepares for his final trip to West Ham's ground as a manager.

Pardew enjoyed a largely successful spell as Hammers boss between 2003 and 2006, guiding them to promotion to the Premier League and to an FA Cup final.

And on Saturday the 54-year-old will take his Crystal Palace side to the famous old ground for the last time.

"I had some fabulous nights there," he recalled. "None more so than the play-off semi-final win against Ipswich (in 2004). That was a remarkable night for any West Ham fan who was there.

"We also had some great displays in the Premier League, and some great players."

Pardew believes the switch, masterminded by joint-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan, can only benefit the club in the long term.

He added: "They've handled it so well and strengthened very wisely to cope with that. Now they've gained momentum and find themselves in a position where they could get Champions League football at their new stadium.

"Wow! That would be some achievement."

Pardew will hand fitness checks to Yohan Cabaye, Mile Jedinak and Emmanuel Adebayor ahead of the trip after all three picked up knocks on international duty.

Connor Wickham (adductor), James McArthur (ankle) and Marouane Chamakh (hip) are still recovering from injuries.

Source: PAR