After an incredibly controversial weekend of Premier League football, Palace saw a penalty decision and a suspected offside decision go against them as Arsenal narrowly beat the Eagles in a close fought encounter.
The Gunners were lucky to escape back to the Emirates with all three points in what Wenger described as a difficult game.
Whilst the difficult run of games continue, Pardew’s side face a short trip East to the Boleyn Ground to take on an impressive looking West Ham United. There will be some revenge in mind after losing to the Hammers in the opening game of the campaign at Selhurst Park.
West Ham have surprised many so far this season with a few scalps and pushing for a spot in the Europa League and will be looking to gain another valuable three points in the early kick off this Saturday, live on BT Sport.
Team News
West Ham United
Andy Carroll will now miss the rest of the season (knee) while veteran striker Carlton Cole (hamstring) is the only other absentee for the Hammers.
Crystal Palace
James McArthur and Yaya Sanogo will face late fitness tests. Frazier Campbell (hamstring) is a doubt while club captain Mile Jedinak should make his return having watched from the bench last Saturday. Marouane Chamakh has been hit by another injury setback and may miss the next couple of games.
Form Guide
The Eagles have now not won in two since the victory at Leicester City earlier this month and are definitely the underdogs for this game. Ten points from the last six games have kept Palace clear of the relegation zone. However, West Ham have only two wins in their last ten in the Premier League (seven points from the last six games) and will be looking to buck that trend if they are to keep up their charge for a Europa League spot.
In the last six games between the two clubs it is Palace with the upper hand winning three and drawing two. From that six games, only two were at Upton Park, a narrow one goal win for Palace in April 2014 and a goalless draw in February 2012.
One To Watch
Cheikhou Kouyate
Central defender/defensive midfielder. Age 25. Appearances 19. Goals 3. Assists 2. Average rating 7.18.
The six foot two inch Senegalese midfielder has dominated in his last few games for the Hammers since returning from African Cup Of Nations Duty. He was hugely impressive in the game at Selhurst at the beginning of the season and he has chipped in not only defensively but with goals and assists that have kept West Ham at the right end of the table. With three goals and two assists so far this season, the former Anderlecht star has been another example of good business this year in the transfer window.
Predictions
In contrast to last season, West Ham have been a surprise package along with the likes of Southampton and Swansea City. It is likely that they will just miss out on qualification for the Europa League but a top ten finish is on the cards. That in itself will be progress and something to build on as they move into the Olympic Stadium next season.
- EPL Index prediction – draw
- Sky Sports Pundit Paul Merson’s prediction – home win
- Who Scored prediction – home win
- My prediction – draw
- Paddy Power odds – home 21/20 – draw 12/5 – away 13/5