Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Sat 18 April 2026 17:10, UK

West Ham United are back in action in the Premier League on Monday as they make the trip to Crystal Palace.

The Hammers secured a big result last time out, with Kostas Mavropanos and Taty Castellanos both netting a brace in a 4-0 win against Wolves.

As a result, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side lifted themselves out of the relegation zone for the first time in 2026, with Tottenham going on to fall to defeat against Sunderland on Sunday.

Since the turn of the year, the Irons have looked a completely different side as they battle for survival.

Despite this, they are not safe just yet, and will require another big performance in South London as they react to the results of those around them on Monday.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka to replace Kyle Walker-Peters

Comparing the current predicament at the London Stadium to that at the end of 2025 is like comparing chalk and cheese.

Since securing a 2-1 win away at Tottenham in January, Nuno has been able to fully implement his ideas at West Ham, with his side now in a strong position to secure their place in the Premier League.

Looking ahead to Monday, the Portuguese boss may look to recall right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, after he missed the FA Cup quarter-final against Leeds, and the subsequent Wolves win, following the exploits of the DR Congo national team.

With Palace on home soil, the change may be for the better, with Wan-Bissaka being one of the most reliable wide defenders in the division, up against his former club, who will be buoyant after securing their Conference League semi-final spot.

Wan-Bissaka’s return would, of course, mean that Kyle Walker-Peters is relegated to the bench in the only change to Nuno’s XI.

Elsewhere, Hammers fans will be delighted to have Crysencio Summerville back to full fitness, after the Dutch wideman returned against Wolves following his injury scare last month.

Striker Castlellanos would net a brace against the Old Gold, which should see him fend off competition from the returning Callum Wilson.

The same can be said for Pablo Felipe, who was once again lively in the win.

West Ham will have the chance to react to relegation rivals

Heading into the weekend, Nuno’s side will have the chance to react to whatever happens with their rivals.

Spurs in particular will be of interest, as they look to pick up their first win of 2026 against Roberto De Zerbi’s former club Brighton.

Playing on Monday, the Irons and Palace will bring the weekend’s fixtures to a close, which could provide an advantage for the visitors, with the chance to either hit back at those around them, or even extend the gap to the drop zone.

Alongside this, full focus at Selhurst Park is likely to be on their European chances, with the Eagles securing their Conference League semi-final spot with a win against Fiorentina over two legs.

As of now, the Hammers are set for a huge clash against current rivals Leeds on the final day, though if they play their cards right, that fixture could well become simply a final day obligation to fill.

First though, West Ham need to keep the momentum build against Wolves, and take something from South London on Monday.