West Ham vs Crystal Palace
Premier League
Sunday
3rd December 2023
London Stadium
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Premier League fixture between West Ham and Crystal Palace.
West Ham vs Crystal Palace: Preview
West Ham form analysis
WHUFC’s recent form has been inconsistent under David Moyes. On October 22nd, the Hammers were thrashed 4-1 away at Aston Villa. They then suffered a 1-0 home loss to struggling Everton, before conceding three goals again in a seven-goal thriller away at Brentford – Jarrod Bowen’s strike a mere consolation. However, West Ham responded with an important 3-2 home win over Nottingham Forest on November 12th, overturning two deficits thanks to Bowen and Tomas Soucek’s late winner.
Most recently on November 25th, the Hammers left it late but eventually beat struggling Burnley 2-1 away. Soucek was again the hero, cancelling out Jay Rodriguez’s opener after Declan O’Shea’s own goal before grabbing a dramatic stoppage time winner. Overall it’s been a mixed period for West Ham. Bowen and summer signing Lucas Paqueta have impressed going forward, but Soucek has provided vital goals from midfield. Stopping sloppy defensive errors is key if West Ham are to sustain a push for Europe this term.
Crystal Palace form analysis
Crystal Palace have struggled for form recently, suffering four straight defeats across all competitions. Their woes began with a heavy 4-0 loss away at high-flying Newcastle on October 21st. They then suffered a narrow 2-1 home loss against Tottenham a week later, despite a late consolation from Jordan Ayew. Palace did manage to beat struggling Burnley 2-0 away from home on November 4th, thanks to goals from Jeffrey Schlupp and Tyrick Mitchell.
However, three consecutive defeats promptly followed – conceding three times in losses away at Everton and at home against Luton Town, while also exiting the League Cup on penalties against Southampton. Palace have looked vulnerable defensively and failed to keep a single clean sheet across this run. With Wilfried Zaha struggling for form after his summer transfer saga, Palace have lacked attacking spark too often. Addressing these issues will be crucial if Palace are to stay away from relegation trouble as the season progresses.
