Crystal Palace Match Preview

Eight days after being knocked out of the Emirates FA Cup by fellow Premier League side Aston Villa, West Ham United could end a busy period of games with six points provided they pick up all three when Crystal Palace arrive in Stratford this afternoon.

The Hammers claimed their first win of 2025 against Fulham on Tuesday night and having recorded success only ten times in 2024, they will hope that this year brings better fortune, starting with victory over Oliver Glasner’s men.

If they do achieve the desired outcome, then they will have done the league double over today’s opponents after they beat the Eagles 2-0 back on August 24.

Prior to the triumph over the Cottagers four days ago, the Irons had not tasted victory since they won 1-0 against newly promoted Southampton on Boxing Day, while they were under the stewardship of former Head-Coach Julen Lopetegui.

Just like on Tuesday night, the hosts will hope that the result goes in their favour, as they have not managed a win in this fixture since 2018. If they do, it will mean that they have notched up successive victories for the first time this season.

The East Londoners have been stuck in the middle of the table for most of this term but if they can follow up Tuesday’s triumph, then depending on other results, they could move into the top half.

Graham Potter has only met Glasner on two occasions and is unbeaten. On the other hand, the Austrian has come up against West Ham on three occasions and has only lost once. With all that in mind, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top here.

Both sides are in good form going into this encounter but the home side will be the fresher of the two teams, having had one extra day’s preparation.

Potter stated in his pre-match news conference ahead of this game on Thursday that Crysencio Summerville will again have to be assessed, along with goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, as the pair have both been out with injury..

Aaron Wan-Bissaka will again hope to feature against his former club, just as he did in the reverse fixture. However, if the new boss decides that further changes are needed, then Danny Ings, who set up the winner against Marco Silva’s men, could come into the starting line-up, while Andrew Irving may make his first start for the club in midfield and take the place of Guido Rodríguez.

Oliver Scarles, Kaelan Casey or Lewis Orford weren’t involved in the Development Squads 1-0 win over Sunderland on Friday night, as Potter again wants them involved in the matchday squad.

The match is a 3pm kick-off and the referee is Thomas Bramall.