The London Stadium will be a potential cauldron of tension on Saturday as struggling West Ham host unbeaten Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Match News and Current Form
West Ham’s slow start has piled pressure on manager Graham Potter, with two home games this term ending in heavy defeats to Chelsea (5-1) and Tottenham (3-0). Those losses shine a light on the Hammers’ alarming defensive record, with their 11 goals conceded at this stage serving as their second-worst tally at this stage of a Premier League season. Another loss here could well cost Potter his job, and considering the Hammers have won just one of their last ten Premier League home games (D3, L6), he’ll surely be coming into this clash with a bit of trepidation about what his future holds.
At the complete opposite end of the positivity spectrum, Crystal Palace enter this fixture unbeaten in their first four games (W1, D3), extending their Premier League run without defeat to ten matches (W3, D7). Their success under manager Oliver Glasner has been built on strong defensive foundations, and indeed since Glasner’s first league game in charge in February 2024, only Arsenal (24) and Manchester City (21) have more clean sheets than Palace (19). It’s perhaps little surprise then that ahead of the round, the Eagles are one of only two sides yet to trail a Premier League game this season.
Head-to-Head History
Palace have enjoyed the better of recent encounters, winning four of the last six Premier League meetings against West Ham (D1, L1). The Eagles’ record at the London Stadium is particularly impressive with no defeat in six league visits (W3, D3).
Hot Stats and Streaks
All three of West Ham’s Premier League games this season have been decided by a 3+ goal margin.
West Ham have failed to win any of their last 24 league games when conceding first (D6, L18).
Six of Palace’s last eight Premier League games saw under 2.5 goals.
Palace are unbeaten in their last five away London derbies (W3, D2).
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
West Ham's Callum Wilson has been directly involved in five goals in his last five Premier League starts against Palace (G3, A2). Jean-Philippe Mateta loves facing West Ham, netting four goals in his last three appearances against them, including each of Palace’s last four in this fixture.
West Ham will be without Tomáš Souček after his sending off against Tottenham. Palace are still missing Ismaïla Sarr and Adam Wharton, who are both set to be sidelined until the end of the month.
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Betting Analysis
When coupling West Ham’s struggles with Palace’s defensive prowess, an away win to nil appears the most appealing bet here.
Author: David H