West Ham v Crystal Palace preview: Team news, head-to-head, prediction
West Ham will be hoping they can build upon their first win under Graham Potter as they prepare to face Crystal Palace.
The Hammers lost in the FA Cup in their first game under Potter before beating Fulham 3-2 on Tuesday (14 January).
The Irons now prepare to face Crystal Palace on Saturday (18 January) and the new boss will be eager to pick up another result that would allow his side to build some momentum.
Preview
The season has been a disappointing one for West Ham so far, which led to the sacking of Julen Lopetegui, who was replaced by Potter.
There is plenty of work to be done under the 49-year-old as he looks to pull his side further up the table from where they currently sit in 12th.
Prior to their win against Fulham, the Irons had picked up two losses and they are a side who need to find consistency in their performances and results this term.
The two sides are separated by just two points going into the game so it could well be a tight affair between the two teams.
Crystal Palace come into the match on the back of a win against Leicester City and unbeaten in four Premier League games, two being wins and two draws.
Form guide (Premier League)
West Ham: WLLWD
Crystal Palace: WDWDL
Head to Head (All competitions)
Crystal Palace 0-2 West Ham (24 August, 2024)
Crystal Palace 5-2 West Ham (21 April, 2024)
West Ham 1-1 Crystal Palace (3 December, 2023)
Crystal Palace 4-3 West Ham (29 April, 2023)
West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace (6 November, 2022)
Team News
The new manager will be looking for reinforcements during the January transfer window as the Hammers struggle with injuries.
Niclas Fullkrug has joined Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio on the sidelines after he picked up an injury against Aston Villa that could leave him unavailable for three months.
Palace have lost the services of Trevoh Chalobah after he was recalled from his loan spell by Chelsea.
Predicted lineups
West Ham: Fabianski, Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson, Alvarez, Rodriguez, Soucek, Paqueta, Kudus, Soler.
Crystal Palace: Henderson, Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Munoz, Hughes, Lerma, Mitchell, Sarr, Eze, Mateta.
Prediction: West Ham 1-1 Crystal Palace
This will not be an easy game for Potter’s side against a Palace team who are currently not in the mood for losing.
However, we have seen an early positive shift under the new manager at The London Stadium and with the Hammers at home, there’s no reason we couldn’t see them come away with something to show from this game.
In other West Ham news, the Irons are targeting a move for a Fulham star after the victory on Tuesday night.
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