Match preview

Crystal Palace head into this London derby in a somewhat complex but encouraging position. Oliver Glasner’s side have recently secured a place in the Conference League semifinals after overcoming Fiorentina, and followed that up with a 2-1 win over Newcastle. With seven points from their last three league matches, the Eagles have shown strong momentum and resilience, even while dealing with squad disruptions and tactical adjustments.

That said, this is also a moment where underlying risks begin to surface. The physical toll of European competition is starting to show, with fresh injury concerns — Wharton and Lacroix are doubtful, while Nketiah, Doucouré, and Gassama are ruled out. With a packed schedule, maintaining intensity in pressing and second-ball situations becomes more difficult, something that can quickly be exposed in high-tempo derby matches.

West Ham arrive with a different but equally strong sense of urgency. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side are locked in a relegation battle, but their emphatic 4-0 win over Wolves last time out sent a clear message. That result not only lifted them out of the drop zone, but also restored confidence at a crucial stage of the season.

The Hammers have also shown clear improvement away from home. Winning four of their last seven away matches suggests a more mature and adaptable approach, with the team now better equipped to handle difficult environments. With no major injury concerns and key players like Bowen — who delivered two assists against Wolves — hitting form, West Ham look capable of making this a very competitive contest.

Probable lineups

Crystal Palace: Henderson, Clyne, Richards, Riad, Muñoz, Lerma, Hughes, Sosa, Sarr, Johnson, Mateta.

West Ham: Hermansen, Walker-Peters, Mavropanos, Disasi, Diouf, Bowen, Souček, Fernandes, Summerville, Pablo, Castellanos.

Match facts and head-to-head

Crystal Palace are unbeaten in their last six home matches in all competitions, conceding just once.

West Ham have won four of their last seven away games after a slow start on the road earlier in the season.

Last season, West Ham won this fixture 2-0 away, but Palace responded with two away victories in 2025.

Live Crystal Palace vs West Ham - English Premier League