Crystal Palace vs West Ham Preview
Crystal Palace are set to host West Ham in a thrilling London derby at Selhurst Park.
Coming off a shocking 1-0 victory against Liverpool, Palace aim to build on their momentum and secure back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
Meanwhile, West Ham, fresh from their Europa League exit, look to reinforce their bid for a European spot in the league table.
Crystal Palace: Riding High After Anfield Triumph
Momentum from a Major Victory
Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace delivered one of the season’s biggest upsets by defeating Liverpool, significantly easing their relegation worries.
Now eight points clear of the drop zone and with a game in hand, the Eagles have a chance to solidify their mid-table standing with a victory over their London rivals.
Historical Edge in Recent Meetings
Crystal Palace have enjoyed recent success in this fixture, winning two of the last three encounters (D1), including a dramatic 4-3 win in the corresponding fixture last season at Selhurst Park.
This recent dominance gives Palace the psychological edge going into this match.
West Ham: Seeking Consistency on the Road
European Hangover
David Moyes’ side are looking to recover quickly from their midweek Europa League disappointment, where a commendable 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen wasn’t enough to advance.
With European aspirations still alive in the league, the Hammers are desperate to close the two-point gap to the guaranteed European places.
Away Form Concerns
West Ham’s recent away form has been underwhelming, with just two wins in their last eight competitive matches on the road (D1, L6). The lack of clean sheets since December has been a particular concern, highlighting the need for defensive solidity against a confident Palace side.
Key Players to Watch
Eberechi Eze: Palace’s Game-Changer
Eberechi Eze, who scored the crucial goal against Liverpool, has been a standout performer for Palace this season. With seven league goals, including one in the last meeting against West Ham, Eze’s influence could once again be decisive.
Michail Antonio: West Ham’s Reliable Threat
Michail Antonio has a favorable record against Palace, scoring three times in the last four H2H meetings. Fresh from scoring against Leverkusen, Antonio’s physical presence and goal-scoring ability will be vital for West Ham’s attack.
As Crystal Palace and West Ham prepare to face off at Selhurst Park, both sides have much to play for in this London derby.
With Palace looking to distance themselves further from the relegation zone and West Ham chasing European qualification, this match promises to be a highly contested affair filled with strategic depth and key moments.
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Crystal Palace v West Ham, 2023/24 | Premier League