SAM OUT TO HEAP PAIN ON HAMMERS

SAM ALLARDYCE has urged Crystal Palace to take advantage of West Ham’s problems in adapting to their new London Stadium today. Palace boss Allardyce faces his former club for the first time since they moved from Upton Park. West Ham have found moving to their new home a difficult transition, winning just four of their 10 games this season. And Allardyce, who managed West Ham from 2011 to 2015, wants his players to add to the uncertainty at the Hammers’ new home as he looks to secure his first win as Palace manager. ‘If there are any fears left in the players because of the new stadium, then we need to try to take advantage of that,’ said Allardyce. ‘If the negativity is a distraction for the players then if we can take advantage of that, then so be it. ‘If we can put pressure on them and certainly try to score the first goal, then that will be very important for us. ‘It is about results on the field and they (West Ham fans) want to see the team win — no matter what stadium they play in, they want to see the team win. ‘Because it is new, it is unfamiliar and because it is unfamiliar it has caused them some difficulties. ‘Eventually they will get used to it and times move on and it is a new era for them.’ Palace yesterday confirmed the signing of Jeffrey Schlupp for £12million. The midfielder, 24, has left Leicester City after spending almost his entire career with the Foxes, barring a solitary loan spell at Brentford in 2011. Schlupp, who has agreed a four-and-a-half-year contract, is Allardyce’s first signing at Selhurst Park and is available to play today. Meanwhile, Palace have opened talks with Middlesbrough over a move for Stewart Downing.