Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Sun 19 April 2026 13:10, UK

Tomas Soucek loves to play against Crystal Palace, with the West Ham United midfielder having an impressive record against the Eagles.

After Tottenham dropped points to Brighton, there has never been a better chance for the Hammers to make ground in the relegation fight.

After Monday night’s game against Palace, the Irons could go four points clear of the drop zone after spending large portions of the season inside it.

Soucek’s experience will no doubt be an asset in a game filled with this level of pressure. After all, he was part of a Hammers side that won European silverware.

However, it could actually be Soucek’s presence in the box that aids West Ham’s chances against Crystal Palace.

Why Tomas Soucek can be danger man for West Ham against Crystal Palace

Soucek will be looking to hand the Hammers an advantage in the Premier League relegation battle, as Crystal Palace are seemingly his favourite opponents to play in England.

Only in games against Newcastle has the 31-year-old scored more goals versus a single opposition, with five. However, he has contributed to more overall against the Eagles.

Over his 10 appearances against Crystal Palace, Soucek has had a hand in six goals, scoring four and assisting two.

Additionally, Crystal Palace are susceptible to conceding from set pieces, with 40 per cent of their total goals conceded this season coming from that goal type.

At six-foot-four, the Czech midfielder is a constant danger from those situations, and it makes him a strong contender to hit the net in Monday night’s fixture.

The Hammers have been strong from set pieces themselves when it comes to their goals. 27.5 per cent of West Ham’s finishes this campaign have come from dead balls.

Tomas Soucek could be the difference maker after previous Crystal Palace loss

In West Ham’s reverse fixture against Oliver Glasner’s side, Soucek was unable to make a difference as the Czech international was suspended.

On that occasion, the Irons also scored a header, with Jarrod Bowen connecting with a cross supplied by El Hadji Malick Diouf.

However, this time around, Nuno Espirito Santo can call up the 31-year-old.

With stronger aerial battlers and taller players such as Soucek making late runs into the box, the Hammers could pounce on that supposed weakness to more effect.

Although the supercomputer does not fancy West Ham’s chances.