West Ham vs Crystal Palace tips and predictions: Bet on the Hammers’ post-European struggles to continue
West Ham United manager David Moyes
West Ham have struggled on the back of European fixtures and we think Crystal Palace will cause them problems in their Premier League clash on Sunday (1400 GMT)
West Ham’s European adventure has gone from strength to strength in the past 12 months, but the Hammers have had to pay a domestic price.
David Moyes’ side have failed to win eight of 10 on the back of Europa League fixtures.
The Eagles were one of the sides to benefit as Michael Olise scored a 90th-minute winner at the London Stadium just three days after the Irons won in Romania.
The trend has continued this season with a 3-1 loss to Liverpool, a 2-2 draw with Newcastle and a 1-0 loss to Everton following European duties.
Their sole victory was a late one against Nottingham Forest three weekends ago and two of three before that came against relegated sides.
Crystal Palace are in no form at all but 10 of the 15 points they’ve picked up have come on their travels.
Despite that, you can always count on an organised and committed effort from a Roy Hodgson team. The wily veteran of the game will surely look to exploit the circumstances.
It’s also worth noting that West Ham have struggled against Palace in recent seasons and it’s become a fixture which favours the away side.
Palace are unbeaten in seven of nine meetings and all four of their visits to East London in that time. Both of the Hammers’ victories came at Selhurst Park.
For whatever reason, it also guarantees goals. The previous five meetings between the sides have averaged 4.8 goals with Palace scoring two or more in each.
Team news
Michail Antonio is the only confirmed absentee for West Ham.
In what would be a major blow, both Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus will undergo a late fitness test.
Reserun Rak-Sakyi, Dean Henderson, Eberechi Eze, James Tomkins and Cheick Doucoure are ruled out due to injury.
Key stats
- Crystal Palace are unbeaten in seven of nine meetings and the last four at London Stadium.
- There have been over 2.5 goals in each of the last five meetings which have averaged 4.8 goals
- Both teams have scored in 12 straight in this fixture.
