Crystal Palace vs West Ham: Eagles Look to Soar Past Hammers

With Crystal Palace FC having gone 10 matches unbeaten at Selhurst Park, the Eagles are looking to extend their impressive home form against a struggling West Ham United side. Since their last defeat by the Hammers in November 2018, Patrick Vieira’s side have been almost unplayable in their own backyard. Will they be able to soar past their London rivals once again?

As the two teams prepare to clash, Crystal Palace FC will likely line up with a strong defence featuring Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen at centre-back, flanked by Joel Ward and Tyrick Mitchell. In midfield, the Eagles will rely on the creativity of Eberechi Eze and the tenacity of Cheikhou Kouyaté to control the tempo of the game. Up front, Wilfried Zaha and Odsonne Édouard will lead the attack, hoping to exploit any weaknesses in the West Ham defence.

The Hammers, meanwhile, will be looking to get back on track after a disappointing run of form, which has seen them drop to 18th in the Premier League table. With injuries to key players, including Jarrod Bowen and Manuel Lanzini, David Moyes will have to get creative with his squad selection, but he’ll be hoping to see his team show more steel and determination against their London rivals.

The Truth About Palace's Chances of Winning Against West Ham

Crystal Palace vs West Ham: Eagles Look to Soar Past Hammers

With the two teams facing off at Selhurst Park, I recommend taking a closer look at the statistics before making a prediction. In their last five meetings, Palace have secured 2 wins, with West Ham claiming 2 victories, and the remaining match ending in a draw. This indicates that both teams have a relatively even record against each other.

Recent Stats Comparison:

One key aspect to consider is Palace’s recent form. They have managed to secure 3 wins out of their last 5 Premier League matches, with a total of 7 goals scored and 4 conceded. This indicates a decent attacking performance, but also some vulnerability in defence.

Crystal Palace’s Recent Performance:

Against West Ham, I predict Palace will have a tough time, given their defensive vulnerabilities. The Hammers have managed to score 2 goals in their last 5 away matches, which could pose a threat to Palace’s backline. However, Palace’s attacking prowess might be enough to secure a victory.

West Ham’s Away Performance:

Overall, I believe Palace have a 50% chance of securing a win, with West Ham likely to put up a strong fight. The key to the match will be Palace’s ability to contain West Ham’s attack and capitalize on any scoring opportunities they create.

Unlocking Crystal Palace's Lineup Secrets: Key to Beating the Hammers

Crystal Palace vs West Ham: Eagles Look to Soar Past Hammers

Crystal Palace currently sits at 13th in the Premier League table, while West Ham United struggles to find consistency at 16th. To overcome their relegation worries, the Hammers need to secure a crucial three points against Crystal Palace. However, Eagles fans should not underestimate their team’s potential, given their recent impressive form, securing three wins in their last five matches.

Recent Form Comparison

I recommend analysing Crystal Palace’s lineup and identifying the key factors that contribute to their success. One crucial aspect is their midfield presence, particularly the partnership between Eberechi Eze and Cheick Doucoure. In their last match against Brighton, these two midfielders registered two assists and one goal between them, showcasing their impressive chemistry.

Key Midfield Partnerships

Against West Ham, Crystal Palace will need to replicate this midfield dominance if they are to secure a vital win. Their ability to create scoring opportunities and control the tempo of the game could prove crucial in overcoming the Hammers’ defensive solidity.

West Ham’s Defensive Statistics

Crystal Palace’s forward line, led by Wilfried Zaha, will need to be clinical in front of goal if they are to take advantage of any defensive lapses from the Hammers. With the right approach and a well-executed game plan, Crystal Palace could soar past West Ham and secure a vital three points in their quest for safety.

Why West Ham's Defence Will Struggle Against Palace's Attacking Prowess

I recommend keeping a close eye on West Ham’s defence when they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, as the Eagles’ attacking prowess poses a significant threat. Palace’s top scorer, Wilfried Zaha, has found the back of the net 11 times this season, and his pace and skill will be a nightmare for the Hammers’ defenders to deal with.

West Ham’s defensive record has been shaky, with 17 goals conceded in their last 10 games. Their centre-back partnership of Nayef Aguerd and Angelo Ogbonna has struggled to cope with the opposition’s attacks, and Palace’s attack will be eager to exploit these weaknesses. Palace’s forwards, Eberechi Eze and Odsonne Edouard, have combined for 12 goals in the league this season, and their movement and interplay will cause problems for the Hammers’ defence.

West Ham’s defence will face a tough test if Palace’s attacking trio of Zaha, Eze, and Edouard find their rhythm. I recommend keeping an eye on Palace’s set pieces, as they have scored 7 goals from corners and free kicks this season. If West Ham’s defence fails to deal with these situations, Palace could capitalise and grab a crucial victory.

West Ham’s defence will need to be at their best to prevent Palace’s attack from causing havoc at Selhurst Park. If they fail to do so, it could be a long night for the Hammers.

5 Ways to Tackle the West Ham Midfield: Palace's Tactical Masterclass

Crystal Palace’s recent victory over West Ham showcased an exemplary display of tactical mastery, particularly in their approach to tackling the Hammers’ midfield. As I review the match, I recommend considering the following five key strategies employed by Palace that contributed to their success.

1. Exploiting Space with Width

Palace’s wingers, Michael Olise and Wilfried Zaha, expertly stretched the West Ham defence with their broad runs down the flanks. By doing so, they created space for Palace’s midfielders to operate in, allowing them to dictate the tempo of the game. This strategy allowed Palace to pin back the West Ham midfield and prevent them from exerting control over the centre of the pitch.

1. Targeting West Ham’s Defensive Lapses

Palace’s midfielders, Jairo Riedewald and Cheick Doucouré, identified and capitalised on West Ham’s defensive vulnerabilities. They exploited the Hammers’ tendency to commit players forward, leaving space for counter-attacks. This led to several clear-cut opportunities for Palace, which they capitalised on to great effect.

1. Using the False 9 to Disrupt West Ham’s Shape

Palace’s lone striker, Jean-Philippe Mateta, played a crucial role in disrupting West Ham’s midfield by dropping deep and creating chaos in their defensive structure. This forced the Hammers’ midfielders to adapt and made it difficult for them to maintain their shape.

1. Controlling the Midfield with Possession

Palace’s midfielders dominated possession in the centre of the pitch, restricting West Ham’s opportunities to create. By maintaining control, Palace were able to pick and choose when to launch attacks, catching West Ham off guard.

1. Using the Speed of Their Forwards

Palace’s pacey forwards, including Zaha and Schlupp, were used to devastating effect, catching West Ham’s midfielders off guard with their rapid counter-attacks. This forced the Hammers’ midfielders to be constantly on the back foot, allowing Palace to dictate the flow of the game.

How to Stop Sebastien Haller: Crystal Palace's Defensive Strategy Against the Striker

Crystal Palace’s defensive strategy against the in-form Sebastien Haller is crucial if they are to secure a positive result against West Ham. I recommend that the Eagles employ a high-intensity press in the opponent’s half, forcing Haller to make quick decisions under pressure.

Pre-Game Statistics:

• Haller’s average goal conversion rate from open play is 22%.
• The striker has scored 10 goals this season, with 7 of those coming from within the box.
• He averages 3 shots per game, with a shot accuracy of 44%.

By pressuring Haller high up the pitch, Crystal Palace can limit his scoring opportunities and force him to rely on long-range shots or crosses from his teammates. This can be done by deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the two central midfielders tasked with winning the ball back quickly and distributing it to the full-backs.

Pressing Strategy:

• The left-back and left midfielder will press Haller, forcing him to make decisions quickly.
• The right-back and right midfielder will focus on blocking crosses and preventing Haller from receiving through balls.

I also recommend that Crystal Palace target Haller’s weaknesses, such as his lack of speed and agility in tight spaces. By using quick, agile players to press him, the Eagles can limit his ability to create scoring opportunities.

Targeting Haller’s Weaknesses:

• Wilfried Zaha’s speed and agility will be key in pressuring Haller.
• Cheikhou Kouyate’s physicality will be used to win the ball back in the air and on the ground.

By employing a high-intensity press and targeting Haller’s weaknesses, Crystal Palace can limit his scoring opportunities and secure a positive result against West Ham.

As the final whistle blows, Crystal Palace and West Ham have given it their all, but only one can emerge victorious. The Eagles have shown great resilience in the face of adversity, but ultimately fell short of securing the three points. The Hammers’ determination and teamwork proved too much for Palace to overcome. As the dust settles, it’s clear that both teams will be looking to regroup and recharge for their next matches. The pressure is on for Crystal Palace to bounce back and continue their push for a top-half finish, while West Ham will be eager to build on this momentum and push for European qualification. Can Palace find the strength to rise above their setbacks and soar past their Premier League rivals in the weeks to come?