Fixture: West Ham United vs. Crystal Palace
Date: Saturday, 18 January 2025
Kick-off Time: 3:00 PM GMT
Venue: London Stadium, London
Match Overview
West Ham United host Palace in a crucial Premier League fixture on Saturday, 18 January 2025, at 3:00 PM GMT. With both teams aiming to solidify their positions in the league table, this clash promises to be a tactical battle.
Injury and Suspension Report
West Ham
- Michail Antonio: Leg injury
- Jarrod Bowen: Foot injury
- Crysencio Summerville: Muscle injury (Doubtful)
- Niclas Füllkrug: Hamstring injury
- Jean-Clair Todibo: Knock (Doubtful, unlikely to feature)
Crystal Palace
- Adam Wharton: Groin injury
- Matheus França: Groin injury
- Franco Umeh-Chibueze: Hamstring injury (Doubtful, unlikely to feature)
- Jefferson Lerma: (Fitness doubt)
Head-to-Head Record
- Total Matches Played: 30
- West Ham Wins: 17 (Home: 9 | Away: 8)
- Crystal Palace Wins: 9 (Home: 5 | Away: 4)
- Draws: 4
West Ham have historically dominated this fixture, boasting nearly double the wins of Crystal Palace. However, the Eagles will look to improve their record with a strong showing at the London Stadium.
Form Guide
West Ham
Last five matches:
- W | H | 3-2 vs Fulham
- L | A | 1-4 vs Man City
- L | H | 0-5 vs Liverpool
- W | A | 1-0 vs Southampton
- D | H | 1-1 vs Brighton
West Ham have shown flashes of brilliance, such as their victory over Fulham. However, defensive issues remain a significant concern, with nine goals conceded in their last two Premier League defeats.
Crystal Palace
Last five matches:
W | A | 2-0 vs Leicester
D | H | 1-1 vs Chelsea
W | H | 2-1 vs Southampton
D | A | 0-0 vs Bournemouth
L | H | 1-5 vs Arsenal
Crystal Palace’s form has been more consistent, with resilient defensive performances helping them secure key points. Despite a heavy loss to Arsenal, their recent victories over Leicester and Southampton highlight their ability to compete in the top flight.
Predicted Lineups
West Ham (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Lukasz Fabianski
- Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Maximilian Kilman, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Emerson
- Midfielders: Edson Alvarez, Guido Rodríguez
- Attacking Midfielders: Mohammed Kudus, Tomas Soucek, Carlos Soler,
- Forward: Lucas Paquetá
Substitutes: Wes Foderingham, Vladimír Coufal, Ollie Scarles, Andy Irving, Danny Ings, Luis Guilherme
Crystal Palace (5-2-3)
- Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson
- Defenders: Daniel Munoz, Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Marc Guéhi, Tyrick Mitchell
- Midfielders: Jefferson Lerma (If fit, if unavailable, Will Hughes), Cheick Doucouré
- Attackers Ismaïla Sarr, Eberechi Eze, Jean-Philippe Mateta
Substitutes: Matt Turner, Nathaniel Clyne, Chadi Riad, Caleb Kporha, Jeffrey Schlupp, Daichi Kamada, Eddie Nketiah
Key Players to Watch
West Ham
- Lucas Paquetá: West Ham’s creative hub, capable of unlocking defences with precise passing and vision.
- Tomás Soucek: A dominant presence in both defensive and offensive set-piece situations.
Crystal Palace
- Jean-Philippe Mateta: The focal point of Palace’s attack, Mateta’s ability to convert chances will be critical.
- Eberechi Eze: Palace’s playmaker with the skill and creativity to change the game with a moment of brilliance.
Tactical Breakdown
West Ham
Graham Potter’s side will look to control possession and attack with fluidity, especially through their attacking midfield trio of Kudus, Soler, and Soucek. However, the absence of Bowen and Antonio may hinder their ability to finish chances, putting added pressure on Soucek and Paquetá to step up.
Crystal Palace
Under Oliver Glasner, Palace have focused on defensive organisation and quick transitions. Their pace in attack, through Sarr, and the creativity of Eze will be crucial in exploiting gaps in West Ham’s vulnerable backline. Doucouré’s role in breaking up play and initiating counters will also be pivotal.
What to Expect
This match is likely to be a tight contest, with both teams relying on their strengths: West Ham’s midfield creativity versus Palace’s defensive resilience and counter-attacking prowess. Set pieces could play a decisive role, given the aerial threats on both sides.
Prediction
While both teams possess quality, West Ham’s home advantage and attacking potential might edge them past a determined Palace side. However, Palace’s solid defensive setup ensures that they will be no pushovers.
Predicted Scoreline: West Ham United 2-1 Crystal Palace
Fun Fact
West Ham’s London Stadium has become a fortress in recent seasons, but Crystal Palace secured a win here with a dramatic late goal in the 2023/24 campaign.
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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.
