West Ham UnitedvsCrystal Palace

Current Form and Recent Performances

West Ham United, under the new management of Graham Potter, have been struggling to find consistency in their performances. Currently sitting 14th in the Premier League, they have managed only 7 wins out of 22 matches, with a concerning goal difference of -16. Their recent elimination from the FA Cup at the hands of Aston Villa has added to their woes, highlighting defensive frailties that have been a recurring theme this season. In contrast, Crystal Palace, positioned 12th, have shown resilience and adaptability under Oliver Glasner's leadership. They have not lost in their last 7 games and have been particularly impressive away from home, maintaining a clean sheet in all their away matches this season.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Historically, encounters between West Ham United and Crystal Palace have been closely contested. However, recent trends favor Crystal Palace, who have won 3 of the last 5 meetings against West Ham. Notably, their last encounter resulted in a 2-0 victory for Crystal Palace at the London Stadium, with Jean-Philippe Mateta playing a pivotal role. West Ham's last home victory against Crystal Palace dates back to 2018, and they have failed to secure a win in their last 7 home matches, which further underscores their current struggles.

Key Players and Tactical Insights

West Ham's top scorer, Lucas Paquet, has only managed 2 goals this season, reflecting the team's difficulties in converting chances. Their average of 1.23 goals per match is overshadowed by their defensive record, conceding 1.95 goals per game. On the other hand, Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta has been a standout performer, leading the team with 3 goals. The recent acquisition of Romain Esse adds depth to their squad, and their solid defensive performances have been a cornerstone of their success, particularly in away fixtures.

Conclusion and Prediction

Taking into account the current form, head-to-head statistics, and recent performances, Crystal Palace appear to have the upper hand in this matchup. Their ability to maintain clean sheets away from home, coupled with West Ham's defensive vulnerabilities, suggests that Crystal Palace are likely to secure a victory. Therefore, the prediction is an away win for Crystal Palace, with both teams not scoring.