The Eagles come into this one having all but secured their Premier League status for another season, after a run of three straight wins when Roy Hodgson rejoined as manager. Since then, it’s gone a little sour for them and they’ll want to get back to winning ways here.
West Ham have put a good run of results together themselves to put some daylight between themselves and those fighting the drop. As we’ve seen all season however, everything can change in just a couple of weeks, so the Hammers won’t be resting on their laurels.
Home woes
Home certainly has not been where the heart is for Crystal Palace this season. The South West London club have won just one of their last 10 games at Selhurst Park in all competitions. However that run does include five draws in their last seven.
For West Ham, life on the road has been good to them of late. The Hammers are unbeaten in their last four away games in all competitions, winning three of those. Two of those wins did come in the Europa Conference League, however.
London derby
Despite having a midweek European distraction, West Ham were still able to beat Bournemouth 4-0 last weekend. It didn’t quite go their way in midweek however, as they were beaten 2-1 by Liverpool. This London derby gives them the chance to bounce straight back.
Palace were themselves on the wrong end of a disappointing scoreline in midweek. Their 2-0 loss to Wolves on Tuesday night showed that they still have plenty of work to do, regardless of whether Roy Hodgson is their manager next year or not.
Safety is key
Despite having a game in hand on Wolves above them, West Ham will no doubt be looking over their shoulder as they sit precariously close to the drop zone. A defeat here, and other results going against them, could very well put them right back into the mix.
For David Moyes’ men, safety is key and they’ll be coming into this game with plenty to play for. Palace, on the other hand, are safe barring a monumental collapse between now and the end of the season. They could find themselves getting complacent on home soil, not for the first time this campaign.
Big three points
There’s definitely a feeling heading into this one that West Ham have more to gain by winning and a lot more to lose by losing. If they can grab three points here, that should be enough to see them ensure they get at least another season in the Premier League next year.
That makes this a big three points for the visitors. Moyes will no doubt be telling his players that ahead of this, but Hodgson’s men may just put a spanner in the works.
It’s set to be a tense and competitive affair in the capital come 12.30pm on Saturday afternoon.
