West Ham
18 Jan 25
15:00
Crystal Palace
Match Information
Location
England
Stadium
London Stadium
Match Summary
Match Preview

West Ham seek vital home win over Crystal Palace

English Premier League 2025-01-18 15:00 London Stadium
West Ham United (Coach - Julen Lopetegui) V Crystal Palace (Coach - Oliver Glasner)


Match Preview
West Ham United will host Crystal Palace at the London Stadium in a match where both teams are looking to improve their positions in the Premier League table. West Ham are currently 14th with 23 points, while Crystal Palace sit just below them in 15th place with 21 points. With only two points separating the sides, this fixture is important for both clubs aiming to climb away from the lower half of the table.
Recent performances have been mixed for both teams. West Ham have struggled defensively, conceding an average of 1.9 goals per game, and will be aiming to tighten up at the back. Crystal Palace have shown resilience in recent matches, remaining unbeaten in their last five league games. Both teams will see this as an opportunity to gain valuable points.

Team Analysis
West Ham United have had a challenging season so far, with six wins, five draws, and nine losses. Their home form has been inconsistent, winning three, drawing two, and losing five at the London Stadium. Offensively, they average 1.3 goals per home game but have conceded 2.2 goals on average at home.
Crystal Palace have a similar record, with four wins, nine draws, and seven losses. Their away performances have been relatively steady, with two wins, four draws, and three losses on the road. They have scored 1.4 goals per away game while conceding 1.2 goals on average.
In head-to-head encounters, the teams have been evenly matched. In the last ten meetings, Crystal Palace have won four times, West Ham three, and there have been three draws. The matches have been high-scoring affairs, averaging four goals per game. Both teams will be aware of the defensive challenges they face.

Player Analysis
For West Ham, Mohammed Kudus has been a key player, leading the team in attempts on goal with an average of 6.4 shots per 90 minutes. His dribbling ability has been noteworthy, averaging 6.4 dribbles per 90 minutes, providing creative impetus in midfield. However, he has also been dispossessed frequently, which could be an area to improve.
West Ham will be missing key forwards Niclas Füllkrug and Jarrod Bowen due to injury. Their absence could impact West Ham's attacking options. Michail Antonio is also out until the end of the season, further limiting their forward choices.
Crystal Palace's Daichi Kamada has been influential in midfield but has a higher rate of red cards per 90 minutes, averaging 0.2. His disciplinary record could be a concern. Ismaïla Sarr has been in form, scoring two goals and providing an assist in their recent victory over Brighton. His pace and finishing ability will be a threat to West Ham's defence.

Expected Lineup
West Ham United are expected to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. With Alphonse Areola possibly out due to a groin injury, the goalkeeper position may be filled by an alternative option. The back four could include Ben Johnson at right-back, Max Kilman and a fit defender in central defence, alongside Emerson at left-back. In midfield, James Ward-Prowse may partner with Rodríguez in the holding roles. In attack, with Jarrod Bowen and Niclas Füllkrug injured, Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paquetá, if fit, might play advanced roles, with adjustments needed for the forward position.
Crystal Palace are likely to continue with their 3-4-3 formation. Dean Henderson should start in goal. The defence may feature Chris Richards, Marc Guéhi, and Ahmed Riad. In midfield, Daniel Muñoz, Will Hughes, and Tyrick Mitchell are expected to play, with Adam Wharton unavailable due to injury. In attack, Daichi Kamada and Eberechi Eze are likely to support Odsonne Édouard.


Recommended Bet

Under 2.5 goals in the match (2.1)
West Ham United host Crystal Palace at the London Stadium in a fixture that could see fewer goals than usual. West Ham are missing key attacking players, with Niclas Füllkrug and Jarrod Bowen sidelined due to injuries. Michail Antonio is also out until the end of the season, leaving West Ham short of options up front. This lack of firepower is likely to impact their goal-scoring ability.
Crystal Palace have been defensively solid on their travels, conceding an average of 1.2 goals per away game. Their recent form has seen them unbeaten in five league matches, with a focus on maintaining a tight defence. Under the guidance of Oliver Glasner, Palace have adopted a more cautious approach, prioritising clean sheets.
Historically, matches between these two teams have been high-scoring, but the current circumstances suggest a different outcome. West Ham's home games this season have averaged 3.5 goals, but without their main strikers, that average may drop. Crystal Palace's away matches have seen an average of 2.6 goals, further supporting the possibility of a low-scoring game.
Defensive statistics also point towards fewer goals. West Ham make an average of 24.52 clearances per game, showing their ability to deal with opposition attacks. Crystal Palace record 24.67 clearances per game, highlighting their defensive resilience. Both teams also have high interception rates, with West Ham at 8.52 and Palace at 8.43 per game.
The absence of key attacking players for West Ham and Crystal Palace's disciplined defence make under 2.5 goals a likely outcome in this encounter.

Match to end in a draw (3.5)
The prospect of a stalemate between West Ham United and Crystal Palace is strong given their recent performances and league standings. Only two points separate the teams, with West Ham in 14th place and Palace in 15th. This close proximity on the table suggests a balanced contest.
Crystal Palace have drawn nine of their 20 league matches this season, indicating their propensity to share the points. On the road, they have secured four draws from nine games. Their ability to avoid defeat away from home points towards another possible draw.
West Ham have drawn five of their 20 matches, with two draws at home. Their recent form includes a mix of results, and without key attacking options, they may struggle to secure a win. Julen Lopetegui's side will be cautious, aiming to avoid a loss that could see them drop further down the table.
Head-to-head statistics reinforce the likelihood of a draw. In the last ten meetings between the two clubs, there have been three draws. The competitive nature of these fixtures often sees both teams cancelling each other out. With both sides understanding the importance of not losing, a draw appears to be a sensible prediction.
The combination of league positions, recent form, and head-to-head history suggests that neither team will have a significant edge, making a draw a plausible result.

Jean-Philippe Mateta to score anytime (3.075)
Jean-Philippe Mateta emerges as a strong candidate to find the net in this clash. The Crystal Palace forward has been in good form, notably scoring the decisive goal in their recent 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town. His ability to perform in crucial moments highlights his importance to the team.
With West Ham's defence conceding an average of 1.95 goals per game, opportunities will arise for opposing forwards. West Ham have also made 127.1 possession losses per game, indicating vulnerability to counter-attacks and turnovers, areas where Mateta can capitalise.
Mateta's physical presence and finishing skills make him a constant threat. He benefits from the creative support of teammates like Eberechi Eze and Ismaïla Sarr, who can provide the service needed for goal-scoring opportunities. Crystal Palace's attacking formation allows Mateta to position himself effectively against defenders.
West Ham's defensive record at home includes conceding 22 goals in ten matches, averaging 2.2 goals against per home game. This leaky defence enhances the likelihood of Mateta finding the back of the net. With Crystal Palace focusing on effective execution of their game plan, Mateta is well-placed to score anytime during the match.

Bet Builder Summary
Combining these three selections into a bet builder offers significant value. The bets are: under 2.5 goals in the match (2.1), the match to end in a draw (3.5), and Jean-Philippe Mateta to score anytime (3.075). The combined odds for this bet builder are 22.6.
Placing a £10 stake on this bet builder could return £226 if all three outcomes occur. This bet harnesses the defensive strengths and current form of both teams, along with Mateta's goal-scoring potential, providing a compelling opportunity for bettors.

Statistics
Match History
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Recommended Bets

Under 2.5 goals in the match (2.1)
West Ham United host Crystal Palace at the London Stadium in a fixture that could see fewer goals than usual. West Ham are missing key attacking players, with Niclas Füllkrug and Jarrod Bowen sidelined due to injuries. Michail Antonio is also out until the end of the season, leaving West Ham short of options up front. This lack of firepower is likely to impact their goal-scoring ability.
Crystal Palace have been defensively solid on their travels, conceding an average of 1.2 goals per away game. Their recent form has seen them unbeaten in five league matches, with a focus on maintaining a tight defence. Under the guidance of Oliver Glasner, Palace have adopted a more cautious approach, prioritising clean sheets.
Historically, matches between these two teams have been high-scoring, but the current circumstances suggest a different outcome. West Ham's home games this season have averaged 3.5 goals, but without their main strikers, that average may drop. Crystal Palace's away matches have seen an average of 2.6 goals, further supporting the possibility of a low-scoring game.
Defensive statistics also point towards fewer goals. West Ham make an average of 24.52 clearances per game, showing their ability to deal with opposition attacks. Crystal Palace record 24.67 clearances per game, highlighting their defensive resilience. Both teams also have high interception rates, with West Ham at 8.52 and Palace at 8.43 per game.
The absence of key attacking players for West Ham and Crystal Palace's disciplined defence make under 2.5 goals a likely outcome in this encounter.

Match to end in a draw (3.5)
The prospect of a stalemate between West Ham United and Crystal Palace is strong given their recent performances and league standings. Only two points separate the teams, with West Ham in 14th place and Palace in 15th. This close proximity on the table suggests a balanced contest.
Crystal Palace have drawn nine of their 20 league matches this season, indicating their propensity to share the points. On the road, they have secured four draws from nine games. Their ability to avoid defeat away from home points towards another possible draw.
West Ham have drawn five of their 20 matches, with two draws at home. Their recent form includes a mix of results, and without key attacking options, they may struggle to secure a win. Julen Lopetegui's side will be cautious, aiming to avoid a loss that could see them drop further down the table.
Head-to-head statistics reinforce the likelihood of a draw. In the last ten meetings between the two clubs, there have been three draws. The competitive nature of these fixtures often sees both teams cancelling each other out. With both sides understanding the importance of not losing, a draw appears to be a sensible prediction.
The combination of league positions, recent form, and head-to-head history suggests that neither team will have a significant edge, making a draw a plausible result.

Jean-Philippe Mateta to score anytime (3.075)
Jean-Philippe Mateta emerges as a strong candidate to find the net in this clash. The Crystal Palace forward has been in good form, notably scoring the decisive goal in their recent 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town. His ability to perform in crucial moments highlights his importance to the team.
With West Ham's defence conceding an average of 1.95 goals per game, opportunities will arise for opposing forwards. West Ham have also made 127.1 possession losses per game, indicating vulnerability to counter-attacks and turnovers, areas where Mateta can capitalise.
Mateta's physical presence and finishing skills make him a constant threat. He benefits from the creative support of teammates like Eberechi Eze and Ismaïla Sarr, who can provide the service needed for goal-scoring opportunities. Crystal Palace's attacking formation allows Mateta to position himself effectively against defenders.
West Ham's defensive record at home includes conceding 22 goals in ten matches, averaging 2.2 goals against per home game. This leaky defence enhances the likelihood of Mateta finding the back of the net. With Crystal Palace focusing on effective execution of their game plan, Mateta is well-placed to score anytime during the match.

Bet Builder Summary
Combining these three selections into a bet builder offers significant value. The bets are: under 2.5 goals in the match (2.1), the match to end in a draw (3.5), and Jean-Philippe Mateta to score anytime (3.075). The combined odds for this bet builder are 22.6.
Placing a £10 stake on this bet builder could return £226 if all three outcomes occur. This bet harnesses the defensive strengths and current form of both teams, along with Mateta's goal-scoring potential, providing a compelling opportunity for bettors.

Who Will Win?
Home Win Draw Away Win
Pinnacle 2.72 3.49 2.63 Bet
William Hill 0.53 1.62 Bet
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