West Ham vs Crystal Palace Previa

• Victoria del Palace
• Mateta to score

The London Stadium will be brimming with tension as West Ham prepare to host unbeaten Crystal Palace. The Hammers’ faltering start to the 2025/26 season has left manager Graham Potter under immense scrutiny, with his job security becoming a regular point of discussion. His side have taken just three points from their opening four games, and their performances at home have been especially concerning. Heavy defeats to Chelsea (5-1) and Tottenham (3-0) at this venue highlighted severe defensive frailties. Eleven goals conceded at this stage represents West Ham’s second-worst defensive record in their Premier League history, underscoring just how fragile they have looked under pressure.

While a trip away to Nottingham Forest offered temporary respite — with the Hammers storming to a surprise 3-0 victory — the consistency Potter desperately needs has remained elusive. Across his 24 games in charge, West Ham have managed back-to-back wins just once, and a return to losing ways against Palace could spell disaster. Adding to that sense of peril, West Ham have won just one of their last ten Premier League home matches (D3, L6). The London Stadium, once heralded as a fortress in big fixtures, now feels like a venue haunted by anxiety.

On the flip side, Crystal Palace continue to ride a wave of positivity under Oliver Glasner. The Eagles remain unbeaten after four games (W1, D3), extending their unbeaten league run to ten matches stretching back into last season (W3, D7). The cornerstone of that form has been defensive resilience. Since Glasner’s arrival in February 2024, only Arsenal (24) and Manchester City (21) have kept more clean sheets than Palace’s 19 in the Premier League. That defensive organisation has made Palace tough to beat, even when they haven’t dazzled going forward. Remarkably, they are one of just two sides yet to trail a league match this season, proof of their ability to stay competitive in every contest.

Heading into this derby-like clash, Palace carry the momentum of being unbeaten while West Ham are desperate to avoid further embarrassment in front of their home supporters.

Historia del cara a cara

Recent meetings between the two sides have swung Palace’s way. They have won four of the last six Premier League clashes against West Ham (D1, L1), establishing themselves as something of a bogey team for the Hammers. At the London Stadium, the Eagles boast an impressive record, unbeaten across their last six league visits (W3, D3). That sequence includes multiple high-scoring encounters and tight battles, but the trend shows Palace consistently leaving east London with points.

For West Ham, this is not just about halting Palace’s unbeaten streak; it is also about reclaiming control of this fixture. With the Hammers languishing near the relegation zone, this feels like a must-win, not least because Palace’s recent track record suggests another defeat would be no surprise.

Estadísticas y rachas

• All three of West Ham’s Premier League games this season have been decided by margins of three goals or more.
• 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 matches have produced under 2.5 total goals.
• Palace are unbeaten in their last five away London derbies (W3, D2).
• Palace have kept 19 clean sheets under Oliver Glasner, a tally bettered by only two Premier League clubs since his appointment.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players

Para el West Ham, Callum Wilson remains their most potent attacking threat. His record against Palace is particularly strong, with five goal involvements in his last five league appearances against them (G3, A2).

Wilson’s ability to bully defences and convert half-chances could be critical if West Ham are to break Palace’s stubborn backline.

On the Palace side, Jean-Philippe Mateta has been something of a specialist in this fixture. He has scored four goals in his last three appearances against West Ham, including each of Palace’s last four in this head-to-head.

His knack for finding space against West Ham’s defence suggests he will be a focal point once again.

In terms of team news, West Ham will be without midfielder Tomáš Souček following his red card in the defeat to Tottenham, a significant blow to their midfield balance. Palace, meanwhile, continue to miss attacking duo Ismaïla Sarr and Adam Wharton, both sidelined until the end of the month. Despite those absences, Glasner has managed to keep his side organised and effective.

Batalla táctica

This clash will likely be decided by the midfield battle. West Ham have been porous in the centre of the pitch, too easily overrun when opponents apply pressure. Without Souček, the Hammers may struggle even more to control Palace’s possession-based game. Potter could be forced to adopt a counter-attacking strategy, relying on Wilson’s movement and the pace of wide players to create chances.

Palace, on the other hand, will focus on defensive shape first and foremost. Glasner has drilled his side into one of the most disciplined units in the league, and they will look to frustrate the Hammers while exploiting gaps through Mateta and Eberechi Eze. Palace are not known for blowing teams away with goals, but their ability to grind out narrow victories and clean sheets has been their strength.

If West Ham push too aggressively to break Palace down, they could leave themselves exposed to counter-attacks — something Glasner’s side are adept at punishing.

Predicción

The contrast between the two clubs could not be sharper: West Ham are a team under immense pressure, unable to find consistency, and vulnerable at home, while Palace are steady, organised, and difficult to break down. Everything points toward another frustrating afternoon for the Hammers.

Unless Potter’s men can find an early breakthrough, Palace’s defensive structure and Mateta’s scoring touch should give them the edge. With Palace unbeaten in their last ten Premier League matches and West Ham reeling from repeated setbacks, this game feels set to follow recent patterns.

Prediction: West Ham 0-2 Crystal Palace

Glasner’s side to extend their unbeaten run with another controlled, clinical performance, piling further pressure on Graham Potter.

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West Ham United v Crystal Palace | 2025/2026 | Premier League | Overview